Geometric pendant lights and copper accents are all the rage right now, and making your own light fixture that incorporates both trends into your home is easier than it may seem. With a few tools, easily accessible materials and a little bit of time, you can have your own custom-made geometric light. This DIY project is a relatively inexpensive way to create the perfect statement fixture for your home.
Things You'll Need
White translucent plastic sheet, 2 feet by 4 feet (available at home important stores and online plastic retailers)
Table saw
Miter saw
Pen and measuring tape
Clamp and scrap wood
Drill, 1 1/2 inch bit and 1/2 inch bit
Masking tape
Cutting mat
Epoxy glue
Copper tape, 1" wide, 18 feet long (sold at garden centers)
Razor knife and metal ruler
Pendant light kit (sold at home improvement stores and Ikea)
LED bulb for enclosed spaces
2 hinges and 2 latches
Step 1: Cut the Translucent Plastic
Using a table saw, rib two 8-inch strips strips of the translucent plastic. You will have two 8-inch by 48-inch pieces.
Step 2: Set Miter Saw
Set the miter saw angle to 18 degrees to cut the sides of the pentagon.
Step 3: Measure for the First Cut
From one edge on the 8-inch by 48-inch sheet, measure 5 inches and make a mark. This will be the first cut.
Step 4: Cut the First Angle
Line the blade with the 5-inch mark. Cut the first angle, removing the corner.
Step 5: Set a Guide for the Remaining Cuts
On the left side of the saw, clamp a scrap piece of wood 5 inches from the blade. This will be used as a guide to cut each side of the pentagon without measuring each time.
Step 6: Cut the Remaining Angles on the Pentagon
Flip the sheet of the plastic so the first cut (step 4) is against the guide. Cut the plastic. Rotate the shape clockwise, push against the guide and cut. Repeat to cut the final corner. You will now have a pentagon. Repeat this step, cutting down the sheet. You will have 6 pentagons per sheet, 12 total.
Step 7: Prepare the Top for the Light Socket and Ventilation
For the top pentagon, drill a hole for the light socket using a 1 1/2 inch drill bit. With a 1/2-inch bit drill 5 ventilation holes about 1 inch from the edge.
Step 8: Begin Building the Dodecahedron
Align three pentagons as shown below. Place masking tape on the two joined seams to hold them together.
Step 9: Form the 3D Shape
Flip the shape up and join the third side with masking tape. Continue aligning and joining the pentagons until the bottom half is complete.
Step 10: Seal the Interior with Epoxy
From the inside, join all seams with epoxy glue. Follow the instructions, let the glue dry until it is firm.
Step 11: Build the Top Half of the Dodecahedron
Continue adding the pentagons to form the top half, and then join with masking tape. Seal the seams with epoxy glue. Leave the top pentagon off.
Step 12: Cut the Copper Tape for the Seams
Cut 5-inch strips of the copper tape to cover the seams of the dodecahedron. You will need 35 strips total.
Step 13: Place a Mark Halfway on the Edge of the Tape
Measure halfway on the edge of the tape and make a small mark. This will be used to center the copper tape on the seam.
Tip
Using a small piece of copper tape, measure and mark the center and use it as a guide. This avoids measuring each piece.
Step 14: Apply the Tape to the Dodecahedron
Remove the paper back to expose the sticky side of the tape. Center it over the seam and carefully apply the tape. It is fragile, so be careful.
Tip
Slowly remove the paper backing and avoid it from curling on itself -- you want it to be as straight as possible when applying it.
Step 15: Finish the Top Pentagon
Apply tape around the edges, fold and adhere the tape on the underside.
Step 16: Apply Two Hinges and Two Latches
To make a functional lid so the lightbulb can be changed, apply two hinges to the bottom of the pentagon and two latches at the top, as shown below. Use the screws included with the hinges and latches. Pre-drill the holes through the plastic with a bit slightly smaller than the screws included. Connect them to top of the dodecahedron.
Step 17: Add the Light Socket
Push the light socket through the 1 1/2 inch hole and screw the ring included in the kit in place. Use an LED bulb for enclosed spaces.
Hang in your favorite spot, such as your entryway, dining room or workspace.
Sarah Dorsey
Sarah Dorsey is a designer, DIYer, stylist and blogger living outside Washington D.C. with her husband, David and two dogs. With a background in Fine Arts and Interior Design, Sarah enjoys renovating their home and tackling projects both big and small. Sarah believes that with a little creativity, time and effort, you don't need a lot of money to make your home look fabulous!