As experienced DIY makers, we repurposed a toddler's toy tugboat—the kind where kids drop ping-pong balls into the top to watch them roll—into a charming lamp. This versatile technique works with nearly any plastic, metal, or wooden toy.
To route the wiring, carefully drill two holes in the toy: one at the top (like the chimney here) and one at the back. Feed the cable through the back hole and up through the top.
For spaces like the fireplace opening, create a custom wooden plug. Measure the hole diameter, cut the plug to fit, and drill a center hole for the threaded tube. Slide the plug (tube facing down) over the wire and into the toy.
Slip a copper sleeve over the threaded tube, leaving 1/2 inch exposed at the top for the jack and harp.
Insert the harp into the tube.
Photo: Susan Teare
Assemble the socket following the lamp kit instructions. Screw in an energy-efficient bulb and top with a matching shade for a polished, eco-friendly finish.
