Yellowstone Bear Lamp

Here it is...the "Bear" lamp. There's a long story behind this project dating way back to the year 2002. That was the year "we" visited Yellowstone National Park for 10 glorious days. Let me introduce my dearest friends starting from the left of the picture, Yoko (Elementary School Principal), Erika (beautiful wife), George (very handsome), Ichiko (Elementary School Teacher) and Nobuko ( Legendary teacher of a magnitude I can't even begin to describe and...she's Erika's aunt). Because of Nobuko, this trip was made a reality. You see, she loved nature. What better place to experience nature at its finest? Plus this was her retirement present. She passed away a few years ago. It was a great honor to have had the chance to know her, hence, my dedication. I dedicate this lamp in memory of our trip to Yellowstone and to the chance to spend time with these totally awesome educators.

The lamp was purchased at the Old Faithful Inn Gift Shop. Did you know I almost worked there after graduating high school? Yep, my application was accepted and I was to start work at Old Faithful Inn. I visited Yosemite first and the rest was history. Well I finally made it to Yellowstone after 12 years. Anyway, the lamp had a flimsy paper lamp shade that disintegrated years ago. I knew one day...one day I would replace that lampshade with something more respectable. Well...here it is. 

I sure love(d) these people. Thanks for the memories.

This lamp was made by Montana artist, Jeff Fleming. I purchase this lamp at the Old Faithful Inn for a whopping $104.00 in 2002. For me, priceless.

This is how all of my lamps start out. First, with a cardboard template to get the dimensions just right. Then, I do a rough sketch in 3D.

Once the sketch is approved by Erika (Quality Control) I choose the glass.

The idea here is to create a treetop with a mountain background. The lighter colored glass let's the light through.

Pretty wild! I think the "bears" will like it.

After Quality Control approves, it's time for the mating of the base to the lampshade.

I went ahead and changed the harp and lamp socket to something more rustic. BTW, it was Erika's idea to make the bottom of the lampshade irregular...brilliant! I really like it!

Now, I need to install an electrical wall outlet and this project is complete. Three more lamps to go...

Thank you