Lights for the poor

I found these 'Mariposas' whilst I was looking for some candles in my local mini supermarket. They were at the back of the shelf, hidden by boxes of matches and candles. They must have been there for years, but they're in perfect original condition. The truth is they should be in a museum of Spain's past because Mariposas are lights for the very poor.

I'd heard about these lights from my old neighbour who used them until 2002, despite having electric lights. They're handmade from a thin slice of wine cork, coloured paper and a wick dipped in wax. They're used by floating them on old oil or pork fat, and lighting the wick.

I gave one a try last night, and using modern lamp oil it worked a treat!

African glass light shades

There must be a secret to hanging lights, but I don't know what it is. I've fitted all the lights in my house but I'm waiting for the day one of them falls on my head, or worse, on somebody else's head. So far there have been no accidents (crosses fingers and touches wood). It always seems to be a bit of a hit or miss affair!

So how am I going to tackle one of the lights below, they measure 3-4 feet across.?

I've just ordered a large one of these lights from a friend who imports heavy (iron, stone, wood), furniture from North Africa.

These are north African, re-cycled glass and steel light shades. The blue ones look like a giant blackberry hanging from the ceiling. When they're lit they throw shards of light in all directions, but I think I like them just as much when they're unlit! I'll have to give in and get an expert to fit mine. Wall lights might be a safer alternative!