From old flute to elegant lamp

[LaSpanWegianYa]

Here's a shot of the completed project.  I'll post more pictures tomorrow, but I"m super tired.  I was just too excited to not share with you all!



I have wanted to make a lamp out of a flute since I went to Chicago on a band trip my Freshman year of high school. I saw a really beautiful one at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra gift shop and wanted one. Mine was a lot cheaper than theirs. And, I have the pride of making it myself.

[dancingrabbit]

Yes, but whose flute was it?

It's beautiful!  I think it would be really fun with a clarinet as well.. if a person could stand ruining a beautiful instrument!

[Muria]

Cool lamp! I love how you used sheet music on the shade, too!

[LaSpanWegianYa]

The flute I bought off of ebay for around $5.00.  I play flute and this one was in a condition that could never be restored to working order.  It is too bad of shape to be refurbished for playing.  Luckily, I was able to hide most of the imperfections.  This is a nickel flute that is only plated in silver and a lot of the silver is chipped off completely.  I didn't feel bad putting it to use as a lamp because otherwise it would just end up in the garbage.  Perfect use for an old unusable instrument - and pretty to boot!    I've seen someone make a clarinet one on here before and it did turn out really great.  :-D  I am now brainstorming to think of other instruments I could repurpose!

[musicalme22]

Wow, I love the lamp! I have an old flute that I can no longer use and now I'm inspired to convert it into a lamp. Can you possibly explain how you did this?

[aman.called.pan]

Dang, that's classy!
My flute of 7 years is no longer in working order, and I've been thinking of doing just this!
Yours looks great! Thanks for showing it off! 

[HisTechnoAngel]

I really love it. I was wondering if you might share a tutorial? I am getting a flute from a dear friend in my orchestra who is moving overseas and I plan on turning the flute, since it doesn't work, into a flute lamp to remember her by. I'm really interested in the lamp shade. I would love to know how you did that as well!

[pollyprissypants]

That's pretty cool!

[Amie_C]

Beautiful lamp! I've wanted to make a bassoon version since I saw my lesson teacher's bassoon floor lamp back in middle school. Unfortunately finding an inexpensive and irreparably damaged bassoon is easier said than done.

[time]

I think what really makes this is that gorgeous lampshade. It looks very finished, very professional. Are the flute pieces supported through the middle to make them stand straight?