Cody Adams has a habit of not throwing away items that are normally considered not useful any longer. In 2015, he found a “bright idea” of re-purposing those items by turning them into lamps.
Cody Adams, Marine Veteran and graduate of Southeast Bulloch is a dedicated family man. His wife, Sandra, also a Marine Veteran along with his son Aiden, and his daughter Addison are used to Cody’s slight obsession with saving things from disposal.
Upon walking into Marketplace on 67 one realizes that they must pick a side of the store to start looking because of the enormous size of the antique mall. I first met Cody in 2015, shortly after walking into the store. Directly on the far right side wall, I found myself staring at the most unusual and creative lamps that I had ever seen.
"It all started with that lamp because I wanted to give it a new life."
Cody Adams
In a recent interview with Cody, I asked him if he remembered the first lamp that he had ever made. Cody said, “I used my wife’s old clarinet from her high school.” He continued, “it all started with that lamp because I wanted to give it a new life. I did not want to throw it away. It had meaning.”
Cody shares about his first lamp
I asked Cody what happened next. Cody shared, “well, the ideas just started to snowball. I started looking at old things in a completely different way.” He continued, “you know, we still have that first clarinet lamp. It is on our nightstand in the bedroom.” Naturally, I asked if he had a picture to share.
Wanting to know more about Cody’s lamps, I asked him what the most popular lamp is that he makes. He replied, “I love turning old sewing machines and guitars into lamps. Guitars are probably the most requested.” Cody continued, “people started bringing me things, like their old guitars, and asking if I could make them into lamps. They like the idea of giving something that is sentimental to them a new purpose. One customer in particular brought his electric guitar in for me to work on.”
Cody said that the coolest lamp project he has ever completed is one that is in the store currently. He showed it to me. I agreed, it is extremely cool! He took an old valve cover and exhaust manifold or headers and turned them into a lamp. The light bulbs on each of the ends of the headers look like flames coming out.
One of Cody's favorite
Cody explained, “before the valve cover and exhaust manifold lamp, a science teacher brought in an old microscope and asked me to turn it into a lamp.” He said, “I took the eye pieces and installed the tube like bulbs, and now it resembles bunny ears. This was also a fun project."
I asked him how he actually proceeds with turning something into a lamp. He told me that he looks at the old items carefully, and sometimes has to take them apart to see all of the pieces. Then as he is putting the items back together, he can figure out the power cord placement and bulb installation that will work best.
Refurbishes old lamps
Cody shared, “I do a lot of lamp repair work for customers also. Most of the time the lamps are antique, and I rewire them.” He also said, “sometimes incandescent bulbs get too hot to use any longer, so I will switch the lamps to LED bulbs. In fact, with nearly all of the lamps I make I use LED's."
Later, I asked Cody what lamp was his most difficult to make. He explained, “The bike lamp was difficult because of how I had to hide the wires and make a place in the wheels to install the bulbs.”
"Cody amazes me with what he envisions and the ideas he comes up with!"
Kim Adams - Cody's mother
Kim Adams, Cody’s mom and owner of Marketplace on 67 said, “Cody amazes me with what he envisions and the ideas he comes up with! We would be antique “picking” or cleaning out an estate and come across something from the past that has no more life and are about to toss it out when he stops and says that he sees something for that item. Something that is functional for everyday use. Later, he will bring it back to life as a lamp.” Kim shared further, “Sometimes his lamps spark special memories or something that symbolizes a lifetime such as a career or hobby. For example, he has made many musical instruments or lamps for the Military, Police, and Firefighters.”
Saw blade chandelier
Kim shared more, “one time a customer brought in a huge saw blade, almost five feet. They wanted a chandelier made out of that saw blade. In the end, he made an astounding chandelier! Cody truly amazes me when someone walks in and hands him something to make a lamp with!” She continued, “He is yet to say that he doesn’t see it.”
Kim stated, “I am always excited to see what he comes up with. As his mother I can tell you one thing, I wondered about his creativity when he was a child, but I had no idea that it would develop into what it is now!” She said, “I can also say I really enjoy now seeing his children, my grandchildren and their creativity at work, especially after watching how he has grown into such an inspiring talent.”
"Even though the store is closing, people can still contact me to purchase lamps or have a lamp repaired."
Cody Adams
I asked Cody, “Isn’t Marketplace on 67 closed or closing?” Cody replied, “yes, but not until Christmas.” He explained a little more, “even though the store is closing, people can still contact me to purchase lamps or have a lamp made or repaired. I can be found on Instagram @lamps_by_cody and I have a website that I am still working on but people can visit: lampsbycody.wixsite.com/lamps. Or call me at 912-541-3479.”
Cody told me that he has plans of expanding into Savannah one day, and he wants to pursue making lamps for commercial applications in small local businesses. If you have an object that you want Cody to rescue, or if you are interested in purchasing one of his lamps, find him on Instagram, his website or give him a call. You will not be disappointed!
Thank you Cody for taking the time to visit with me and share about your creative venture. Also I would like to send a special thank you to Kim Adams and wish her a happy retirement.
