It’s possible to get custom lighting without breaking the bank. The key is to pair a pre-wired pendant lighting fixture with an unexpected salvaged shade — such as a half-gallon canning jar.
Add Life to Lighting. If you use an antique jar, you’ll find that its bubbles and inconsistencies only add to the character of the light fixture. Jars like these are available through online retailers and antique shops. Turning them into pendant lights is surprisingly simple — click through the slides to learn more about the project.
Start by scoring the glass so that you can remove the bottom of the jar. This step requires a simple bottle cutter tool, which is available through online retailers. Position the jar on the bottle cutter, then rotate the jar five or six times, pressing firmly, to create the line.
Hold the jar with the score line directly over the flame of a candle, and rotate it several times to heat and stress the glass (left). Then run cold water over the jar to crack the glass. If it doesn’t crack completely, use the cutter again to complete the cut.
Use a diamond file and cutting oil to smooth the cut edge of the jar. This step will make the jar safe to touch and leads to a better-looking shade.
Next, apply frosted finish to the inside of the jar. This finish is available at craft stores and home centers. By applying it inside the light shade, you’ll diffuse the light while preserving the jar’s unique exterior appearance. Simply aim the spray through the jar neck first, then spray through the cut end.
When the shade is complete, all that’s left is to prepare the lid to accept the mini pendant fixture. If the old glass seal remains in the lid, you’ll need to pry it free, or break it with a hammer and remove the pieces. Use a spade bit to drill a 1⅛" hole in the lid for the socket (left). Then slip the light socket through the hole and install the lock ring (inset). Tighten the ring by hand to prevent damage.
