Thrifted silver bears, vintage plates, and stacks of green plastic bowls have all become lamps in the hands of Rory and Clay. Their project turns secondhand objects into functional lighting, combining curiosity with practicality.
The appeal of DIY lighting
Lighting occupies a unique place in home improvement. Most people understand basic lamp mechanics—changing bulbs or adjusting brightness—but electricity still feels daunting. Rory explained that this hesitation often comes from uncertainty. “People realize they could do it with a little guidance,” he said.
Clay noted that light has gained importance in home design. “It’s interesting to see people recognize how light shapes their space. A well-made lamp does more than illuminate—it changes the room’s atmosphere.”
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Their videos show the process of transforming thrifted finds into lamps, highlighting details like switches and cords. Clay compared the components to building blocks. “You can experiment with different parts to create something unique.”
One of their most popular designs began with three green bowls. The straightforward process of stacking and wiring them made the project accessible. Clay pointed out that bowls are easy to find in thrift stores. The design later became the foundation for workshops they now offer.
From curiosity to creation
Their favorite projects often involve unfamiliar materials. Clay’s first lamp used an iridescent glass bowl, which expanded his ideas beyond wood. Rory preferred a glass pendant made from layered bowls, though drilling the delicate glass proved challenging. “That project taught us what works and what doesn’t,” he said.
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Not every attempt succeeds, but they document all of them. Clay admitted some objects are harder to convert than others. The focus remains on exploration, whether creating wall lamps, pendants, or standing lamps.
The right tools simplify the process. A basic thing to think about is the colour temperature of bulbs. Rory advised not going above 2700K for home use, as higher temperatures create a harsh, sterile light. In terms of shape, they often joke about “putting a globe on it”—frosted globes are a favorite among viewers, even when they experiment with other shapes.
Thrifting for lamp parts doesn’t require rigid rules. Clay looks for quality, craftsmanship, or details like brass accents. The challenge isn’t just whether something can become a lamp—it’s discovering how.
