In order to get students making a lamp that they would actually keep and use forever, I ask them to think of what they like to surround themselves with the most and then to identify what this reveals about their personalities.
In high school, I had a friend who had an incredible guitar lamp that he thanked his middle school art teacher for helping him make as a project in class. I knew I had to be just like that cool art teacher one day...
1) Design lamp.
2) Use coil or slab method to build up basic form.
3) Create a neck on the form (or hole) that will fit the socket. Sockets are prewired and ready for a light bulb. I order the bottle stopper version but rarely fit the stoppers. We just hot glue the metal piece in place in the end.
4) Create a hole in the bottom wide enough for the plug to exit. Remember clay shrinks when it dries.
5) Create a relief design around the entire lamp to symbolize your personality and personal interests and/or values.
6) Dry, bisque, and glaze ware.
TIPS: These lamps look so much better when they are taller. Encourage students to add "feet" and necks to their basic form so that any lampshade won't hide their designs.
EXTENSIONS: Might have students modify or create their own lampshades. I've seen collage, transparencies, fabric, etc.
CHEAPCHEAP: Lamp socket alternative: Modify/ Sculpt to fit over dollar store lamps-usually use a candlalabra style bulb. Have student buy their own shades. Use paper mache or plaster gauze instead of clay. We fundraise to purchase the sockets. I use the lampshades I've accumulated only for the art show and display==students buy their own later.
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