With a lamp kit or parts from an old lamp, you can make a lamp out of just about anything. Make a thrift store run for a couple teapots and cups, and you can make this mismatched china lamp as featured in Country Living.
I really like the shabby chic style of this lamp. The shape is pretty conventional due to the curves of the china pieces, yet the patterns and handles/spouts make it a really unexpected piece. While it looks great mismatched, a matching or non-patterned china set would work just as well.
As the picture shows, you can make this with a bowl, two teapots and a teacup. Despite how it looks, the project is really easy and requires no drilling–the cord runs from the back of the lamp, not the bottom.
Once you find mismatched (but color-coordinated) china, assemble them to create a pyramid shape, with the heaviest pieces on the bottom. Using saucers between pieces will increase the lamp’s stability. Insert the lamp assembly in the tea cup (partially hidden by the lampshade in the photo), and secure it in place with a self-hardening clay, which may take overnight to dry completely.
Use superglue to glue the stack of china together, and use superglue or tape to run the cord down the back of the lamp from the teacup on top. Add a lampshade and your homemade china lamp is complete!