Project #1:
from Pad: the guide to ultra living

Tools:
Wire cutters or scissors -

Supplies:
Lamp cord, approximately 4 to 6 inches longer than the chain, with line switch -

8-gauge oval chain with 1-1/2-inch links (chain length depends entirely on where you hang this)-

Birdcage, preferably wood and made in Southeast Asia or thereabouts -

Keyless light socket -

Screw-based polarized socket adapter -

Short strand of Christmas lights with colored and clear light bulbs -

Flowers, plastic, silk, or papier-mache -

28-gauge wire -

Ceiling hook -

Step 1:

Make sure electrical cord is unplugged. Starting with the exposed end of the lamp cord, weave the cord through the chain so that when completed, the exposed end of the cord extends completely through the opposite end of the chain

Step 2:

Drop the exposed end of the lamp cord down through the top center of the bird cage. Pull the exposed end of the cord out the cage door (or temporarily remove the bottom of the cage, if possible) and assemble the socket.

Assembling the light socket:

Light sockets come apart in three pieces: the bottom cup, the interior mechanism, and the metal sleeve. First, separate the two wires at the exposed end of the lamp cord so that each separate wire measures about 1-1/2 inches in length. Next, slide the cup down over the end of the lamp cord. Twist the exposed copper strands of each wire tightly together, and loop each wire clockwise around each (loosened) terminal screw on the interior mechanism; the wire coming from the ribbed side of the lamp cord gets connected to the white terminal screw, and the remaining wire gets connected to the brass terminal screw. Finally, slide the metal shell (with insulating liner) over the interior mechanism, and push firmly into cap until it locks securely and evenly into position.

Step 3:

Screw in the socket adapter, and plug in the strand of light bulbs.

Step 4:

Pull the cord and light set back into the cage, and attach the end link of the chain to the hook on top center of the cage (if the cage doesn't have a hook, wire the link to the top center of the cage).

Step 5:

Cover the cage with flowers, wiring them in place, making sure that the wire is kept out of sight. Distribute the flowers so that the light sockets, lamp cord, cage door, and the bottom edges of the cage are well hidden, and allow for some open areas intermittently. Don't be afraid to over do it with the flowers; this is not a "less is more" kind of visual.

Step 6:

Secure hook to ceiling and hang the lamp at desired height.
Note:

be very sure that the light bulbs are not resting on any of the embellishments. Use low-wattage bulbs to prevent conflagration