Steampunk Sewing Machine Lamp Bookends

 

I made something very unusual last week: a pair of steampunk sewing machine lamps/ bookends.

Altering the sewing machine was a great task, cutting it in the middle and cutting the bottom to remove its feet and part of its mechanism to reduce weight took ages.

I then had to clean all the parts as it was very rusty and dirty.

I then made the wooden bookends from reclaimed wood, added the machine to it, after lots of puzzling drilling etc the base was ready.

I then added wiring and these flexible lights so that this beautiful piece has two functions. Would look great on a table with books.

I kept all the beautiful details of the old machine, the machine itself was beyond rescuing so this was a way to save it and give it a new life. It was also missing its needle plate which I made with some vintage tin.

Here is another fun idea to decorate with old sewing machines; showcasing a collection and creating a cool focal piece in a room.

Using the metal pedal/feet is something you see much more often; my machine did not have that. I do like this example especially as it still has its original wooden top with the drawers.