Every Tuesday evening from July 31–September 4, we’ll be hosting a quick recap of the latest episode of NBC’s competitive crafting show, Making It, and sharing original DIYs and shopping ideas tied to each week’s theme. So mark your calendars and don’t forget to tune in at 10/9c—or stream it whenever you need a dose of inspo—then meet us here to get inspired and get crafty.
There’s no better way to warm up a home than by adding some straight-from-nature elements here and there. I was reminded of that when filming Episode 5 of Making It, which had an eco-friendly bent: Contestants transformed the humblest of natural materials into creative light fixtures and decorative overhead hangings. One Maker even managed to whip up a lamp using corn husks as the main ingredient.
Now, I’m not going to suggest you beeline for the nearest cornfield the next time you want to update your living room. Natural materials span everything from wood, clay, and cork to cotton, bamboo, and stone—and there are endless ways to use them to infuse texture and color into your home. Lucky for the not-so-DIY-inclined, plenty of clever, eco-minded Etsy sellers have already done the design work for us. Read on for a batch of gorgeous fixtures that are sure to spark your interest—and one hands-on project for those who want to get crafty themselves.
To buy: A porcelain pendant
Light filters through this glazed ceramic bell shade to give off the softest glow—and some vaguely jellyfish-like vibes, too. Porcelain pendant lamp from Tamar Ceramic Light Fixtures, $75
To buy: An accordion-style cork cover
This lamp’s magic is all about the juxtaposition of an angular shape with cork’s naturally cushiony texture. Cork pendant lamp from Spapla, $80
To buy: A crocheted-cotton task lamp
We don’t often think of adding a pop of color through our light fixtures—let alone with a crocheted, tomato-red cover—but this bright pendant made from cotton cord shows just how stunning that can be. Crocheted cotton LED lamp from et aussi, $93
To buy: A painted-paper mood light
It may look like wood grain or marble, but the pattern on this paper (!) table lamp is actually made using a special Japanese “floating ink” printing technique. Marbled paper and maple table lamp from Wren & Cooper, $650
To buy: Woven bamboo orbs
The ‘70s—and with them, all things bamboo and rattan—are back big-time, and these woven shades tap into that era in a cool, modern way. Bamboo pendant lamp kit from Oriental Bazar, $25 and up
To buy: A textured orb
The ultimate upcycled design, this paper-maché floor model is made from old newspaper—but you’d never, ever guess it. Round floor lamp from CreaRe Design, $315
To buy: A bent-plywood chandelier
This shapely bentwood frame houses four energy-efficient bulbs and hangs from simple metal wire. It’s practically sculpture. Bent plywood lamp from zyrRafo, $236
To buy: A laser-cut cardboard shell
This delicately carved light turns plain old corrugated cardboard (hey, it used to be a tree, after all) into a thing of undulating beauty. Corrugated cardboard snail shell lamp from LetoLab, $229
To DIY: A nautical rope pendant
Here’s a way to turn simple cotton rope from the hardware store into a truly bespoke statement piece for a room—and the whole thing can be finished in less than an hour. A little hot glue, a little paint, and an assist from an inflated balloon or an upturned bowl and you’re good to go. Go here for the full instructions. Difficulty: Medium
2 Featured Comments
Gloria m from GabbysChicEarrings said 2 years ago Featured
Of course my favorite statement lighting is the crochet lamp because I'm a crocheter, what a creative idea! And what great craftsmanship on all these lamps
Michael from AtomicFuntastic said 2 years ago Featured
I'm always on the lookout for alternatives to overhead lighting. I was drawn in by the opening shots of the beautiful multicolored globe lighting. I love the bent-plywood chandelier but am inspired by use of materials on the cardboard shell.
18 comments
Gloria m from GabbysChicEarrings said 2 years ago Featured
Of course my favorite statement lighting is the crochet lamp because I'm a crocheter, what a creative idea! And what great craftsmanship on all these lamps
Mirella Menzolini from mamifaenza said 2 years ago
The texture orb is really amazing! Compliments to all the crafters!
Gillian Northcott from Esani said 2 years ago
Love the first light. Very simple and stylish with a contemporary vibe.
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Great ideas! Personally, I prefer porcelain or bamboo pendant lamp.
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 2 years ago
So many great ideas. Crocheted-cotton lamp is my love)
Michael from AtomicFuntastic said 2 years ago Featured
I'm always on the lookout for alternatives to overhead lighting. I was drawn in by the opening shots of the beautiful multicolored globe lighting. I love the bent-plywood chandelier but am inspired by use of materials on the cardboard shell.
SimplyCuteArt posh from SimplyCuteArt said 2 years ago
Clean and simple designs. My favorite - the first one :)
Renee from RandMhandmade said 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing!!
Stacey McCaffrey from vintagejane said 2 years ago
Amazing! They all are just so unique!
Anastasia from AmstudiodesignKids said 2 years ago
Amazing! I fall in love!
The Bungalow Butterfly from TheBungalowButterfly said 2 years ago
The cardboard seashell is amazing! Love❤️
tamarr61 said 2 years ago
Looked in vain for the lamps at the very top of the article - 4 of them in gorgeous colors: coral, seafood, golden yellow, white. Where can I find them, please?
Elizabeth Scott from esdesigns said 2 years ago
Some of these would be great in my new house!
PS1002 from HealthyHemisphere said 2 years ago
Creative & Cool Textures!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 2 years ago
Love them all! Lighting is so important and these choices are great!
Florence Whitfield said 2 years ago
I was looking for scarves that would be perfect to wrap as hijabs and my order was handled efficiently & expeditiously and most importantly, professionally. The scarves came true to color and of good quality & at a good price.
Morgane C. from PrintableWordsFR said 1 year ago
Love the different styles
Danish Design from DanishDesignCrafts said 1 year ago
My favorite is the Rope light. We build some sailing ships in Venezuela before returning home to Denmark and that style is lovely and colorful. We have also many one-of-a-kind lights in our store but in metal, which is our second prefered material. How about fiberglass lights or even Soap lights? Today it is the Laser machine that rules the waves. Wood will be our next material for making lights.