I'm thinking about getting crafty and creating a lamp similar to the Anthropologie Aster hydrangea lamp, which has these beautiful clay flower features on the bottom. Since my budget is tight, I plan to buy a thrift store lamp with a round base and add the clay myself. But I'm worried about safety—particularly if the clay will get too hot from the light bulb or the lamp base. I'm especially concerned because this lamp will be in a child's room. Am I being too cautious, or is there a real safety risk here?
3 Answers
Are you going to bake the Sculpey first? The light shouldn't get anywhere near as hot as an oven, so I think you'll be okay if you bake it before attaching it. Just make sure it's fully cured!
Using an LED lightbulb could definitely help! They run cooler than traditional bulbs. Also, if you're really worried, why not use faux flowers instead of clay? Problem solved!
Light bulbs nowadays don't get as hot as they used to, so I wouldn't stress too much about that. Just keep in mind the condition of the thrifted lamp—you might want to test it for a few hours before you add anything to it to see how warm the base gets. Oh, and having a smoke alarm is never a bad idea, just in case!
I’d be more inclined to worry about an explosion than fire. Just saying.
Yes, I plan on baking the clay before using it.