This summer I made a trip out to my parents house and I spent a little time going through their basement. My dad always has new and interesting treasures that he finds at flea markets and junk shops.
Over in one corner I found this filthy wooden tripod, originally used for surveying. I knew immediately that I wanted to turn it into a lamp so I packed it up and brought it back home with me. (I stuck it in my suitcase.. I wonder what the TSA thought!)
I have wanted one of these tripod lamps for-EVER.. since seeing them in the Pottery Barn catalog.
My version looks pretty darn close!
If you aren’t lucky enough to find an authentic vintage tripod, you can actually buy wooden tripod reproductions on Amazon for about $50.
Of course, they won’t come with the patina (or cobwebs) that are found on the authentic deal found in your dad’s basement but they are still cheaper than a $470 floor lamp.
To turn this beauty into a light, it is pretty straight forward. You just need a make-a-lamp kit and a lampshade. (You could buy the rewiring supplies individually but the kit makes it easy.)
I removed the center threaded washer from the tripod and added a threaded rod though (I used a longer one than the one that came with the kit, because the original was too short.. I secured the rod to the washer using a pair of nuts.
I replaced the washer into the tripod and made sure the threaded rod was high enough to support the new light. 
This was just one of a series of amazing DIY projects. You don’t want to miss them:
The Kim Six Fix Vintage Surveyors Tripod Lamp
Virginia Sweet Pea DIY Candlesticks Using Upcycled Bedposts
H2OBungalow Upcycled Metal and Wood Table
Create and Babble Little Round Stool
My Love 2 Create Small Decorative Caddy
My Repurposed Life Easy One Pallet Project
Designed Decor Build Your Own Tufted Bench
