These lamps were made by Amy of DesignDNA. She sent me photos of them a couple of weeks ago and I was astonished at the beauty and fragility of them. Each one is different, made from antique figures, brass fittings and gemstones. In addition, each one comes with its own schematic of how a complete circuit is made by the wires in the little scenes (resistor, capacitor etc.) So, although they are turned on by a switch on the back of the wood base, in theory everything is correctly wired inside to light the lamp - a story within a story. Husband and I were so enamored by these that I have commissioned her to make one for his birthday. She calls them "design", I call them sculpture. Husband's is going to have a shade over the bulb since he doesn't like direct bulb light and she is looking for a suitable figure while she is on vacation in Maine (my home state) this week. I can't wait to see what she finds. If you're interested in purchasing one, you can contact her via her weblog.
I can't believe you're from Maine!! I grew up here in the Midcoast area and returned here 2 years ago after an 11-year detour to Boston. I've been reading you -- both here and at Pink Mohair -- for many months now only to find out you're a fellow Mainer. Yay! It's a damn small world, I tell you...
Posted by: Susie | July 25, 2007 at 07:26 AM
So cool!
Posted by: scrappy girl | July 25, 2007 at 10:07 AM
They are amazing. I'm off to visit Amy's blog now.
Posted by: Rachael | July 25, 2007 at 10:14 AM
They are different! Very cool.
Posted by: Jordan Cappella | July 25, 2007 at 10:54 AM
oh! i agree. very creative & beautiful.
Posted by: blushing apples | July 25, 2007 at 01:55 PM
I freaking love these. So creative. I showed my bf too and he was equally enamored. YAY AMY!!!
Posted by: kiminottawa | July 25, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Susie, I'm so glad I have some Mainiacs on board! I miss it terribly, although I'd be lying if I said claimed to miss those winters.
Posted by: casapinka | July 25, 2007 at 02:12 PM
These are amazing - sort of like Joseph Cornell under glass (just saw his show in Salem which was AWESOME). How great for your husband - and you of course - to have one that may be connected to Maine. Tell Amy that Wiscasset has some wonerful antique shops and we have some here in Bath too.
Where are you Susie?
Posted by: suzanne | July 25, 2007 at 05:44 PM
Wow, these are incredible. What a great find. I would love to own one. Amy - email me and I'll email you! Thank you Casa Pinka for finding her! Really cool
Posted by: Jennifer | July 25, 2007 at 06:51 PM
Amy is so talented! Glad she's back, I've missed her blogging!
Posted by: allthebest | July 26, 2007 at 12:51 AM
it is incredibly delicate. the possibilities are endless.
Posted by: drey | July 26, 2007 at 04:12 AM
Oh, I totally understand about the Maine winters, Pink. I wouldn't mind so much if they weren't six-freaking-months long...
I forgot to mention yesterday in the midst of my Mainiac-enthusiasm, I love the lamps -- they sparkle beautifully without being too over-the-top froo froo. Nice find!
Posted by: Susie | July 26, 2007 at 06:36 AM
These are a little too kitschy for my taste, but are nonetheless fascinating. I am also fascinated that she takes custom orders. What will yours be? A physician putting a birdhouse in a root beer tree with a cute little girl wearing pink shoes? Ha, ha. Seriously though, I can't wait to see it!
Posted by: Peggy | July 26, 2007 at 07:47 AM
Wonderful! I would like one big enough for me to sit in.
Posted by: Di Overton | July 26, 2007 at 11:49 AM
Fantastic sculptures...very interesting!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Arch | July 30, 2007 at 01:30 AM
Charming!!!
Posted by: patricia gray | July 31, 2007 at 05:21 PM
oh how odd! very unusual pieces. I'm not sure I care for the 'trapped people' effect (LOL), but it is nice to see the creativity.
Posted by: franki durbin | August 01, 2007 at 03:07 PM