|
|
|
There's
nothing like wicked dancing shadows cast by the
light of a fire to make anyplace instantly
spookier. Since most of we home
haunters live in areas with laws that forbid
open flames, and to keep from accidentally
barbecuing our visitors, we must seek out
alternatives.
A
flickering light effect can be accomplished
in many different ways from using silk over
a fan to simple electronic circuits that
vary the power to a light bulb. I,
however, like the extra on the spot spook-factor
generated by old fashioned
flicker-bulbs.
|
Video
875k
MPG
|
|
| Materials
list |
| Flicker
bulbs |
Get
them at Meijers,
Amazing
Lightbulbs, Lowes, National
Artcraft, eBay |
| Ornamental lamp |
Big
Lots, or in one of those cardboard boxes in the closet under
the stairs |
| Electric
lamp cord w/ switch |
Hobby
stores, Electronic
Goldmine, or hack an old lamp |
| Construction |
|
|
This
is an extremely simple project. In
fact, you may find that it takes longer to
find the flicker bulb than it will take to
build your lamp. Once you locate a
source for these bulbs then buy a handful of
them for other projects. They're so cool.
Important
note about bulbs, sockets, and
electricity
Make sure that the bulb you buy will fit
in your socket. You may be able to buy
the bulb along with a socket and switch in a
package that looks like a Christmas candle.
(Kind of weird looking Christmas candle if
you ask me) If you
get the "standard" sized bulbs you
can hack any old lamp you have lying around
the house and use its socket & switch.
I prefer the hobbyist lamp cord used to
light up ceramic figures because the socket
already has a clip that will fit snugly into
the bottom of your lamp. |
| For
gawd's sake be careful. Make sure the
socket is rated handle the load demanded by
the bulb. If its not you could start a
fire. And all the usual safety tips
about working with AC electricity.
Don't do it in a bathtub, keep your tongue
out of the socket, etc. |
| Metal
lamps designed to hold votive candles
are excellent for this project.
It probably has a circular tray to
hold the candle. If the tray is
removable just pull it out. Your
lamp may fit in the hole
perfectly. If not just use a
pair of tin snips or a file to embiggen
the hole.
If
you're using a lamp socket with a
clip, just pop it right in
there. It will lock in place on
its own. If you're using some
other type of socket then you'll have
to figure out a mounting
mechanism. If the lamp glass is
removable then you may as well
permanently attach the socket.
Otherwise you'll be in a bad mood when
it's time to replace the bulb but you
can't get to it because you chemically
bonded the socket to the lamp base
with Liquid Nails. |
|
|
|
When
there's no more room in hell then the
dead will walk the earth and living
won't have a prayer because it's the
dawn of the dead.
On
a brighter note, these 3W flicker
bulbs fit nicely into these hobby
lamps. Complete with socket,
clip, and switch. These things
are really handy for lighting up your vintage
Halloween light collection too. |
As of
9/14/2004 $1.00 ea.
at Electronic Goldmine
|
|
|
Your
lamp should be rugged enough
that it won't shatter if its
bumped. It should also
offer some protection from
moisture so the light doesn't
get
wet.
That's
it. I told you it was
simple. And now you have
a very cool flickering lamp to
hang in your haunt.
Saul & Hannah drop by the
haunted shop for a visit
|
 |
Download
video of this simple
flicker light in action
875k
MPG |
|
|
|
|
|
|
