This lamp made of a log slice balances contemporary style and countryside chic

Need to add a little light to the living room or bedroom? When it comes to accent lighting, don’t settle for an awkward or outdated hand-me-down lamp. Instead, illuminate a bookcase, sideboard or table with this striking DIY lantern. It combines natural materials with a few unusual elements for a final effect that your guests are sure to notice.

This project uses a log slice and rope pendant light kit to create a lamp that’s mostly rustic with a few trendy touches. Striped blue paint on the log slice adds a modern detail and helps balance the shabby-chic style of the rope. The result is a wall-mounted lamp that’s just the right balance of country and contemporary.

Materials
- Log slice
- Electric detail sander
- 60 grit sandpaper
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Home decor chalk paint in “Cascade”
- Planter bracket
- Marker
- Electric drill
- Drill bit
- Philips-head bit
- 2 Philips-head screws, 1/4 inch long
- Rope pendant light kit with switch plug
- Decorative light bulb

Instructions
1. Sand the surface of a log slice using the electric detail sander and the 60 grit sandpaper.

2. Switch out the 60 grit sandpaper for 220 grit sandpaper. Sand the log slice to give it a smooth finish.

3. Put a piece of painter’s tape across the slice about a quarter of the way down from the top of the slice. Paint the area above the tape with the chalk paint. Once dry, remove the tape.

4. Create more decorative striping by placing two pieces of painter’s tape across the slice and painting the space between them. Repeat as desired until you have a complete design.

5. Position the planter bracket on the center of the slice. Mark the holes for the screws with the marker.

6. Drill guide holes into the marks. Place the bracket back on top of the slice, then screw it to the wood with the Philips-head bit and screws.

7. With the rope pendant light in hand, fold a loop into the rope near the end with the bulb socket. Wrap the loop around itself, then pull it through the hole. This will create a knot in the rope and a loop for hanging it from the planter bracket.

8. Screw a decorative light bulb into the socket.

9. Hang the log slice on the wall, then hang the rope onto the planter bracket. Plug in your new lamp and enjoy!