I have a simple self-made ceiling light fixture, but it currently lacks two things:
I'd like to use something similar to what's used on this fixture to hide the wires in the ceiling, but I'm not sure what it's called or where I should look for it.
I also need to figure out how to hide the wires between the ceiling and the fixture itself.
What types of ready-made products should I use for this type of project?
You can get a condiment cup or similar and just drill a hole in the middle of the bottom. Here's one, that runs $1.50, but there will likely be about a billion to choose from, so you can surely find the right diameter somewhere.
For hanging pendants, provided the shade isn't really heavy, the wiring is the cable. Not sure the look you are going for, but black heavy-duty extension chord strips work well.
As Decorator states, a cup is a good idea for the plate cover. I'd consider maybe considering a small stainless steel bowl (again, depending on the look you are going after).
Ikea's marketplace is a great place for picking up parts for lamp ideas.
You should not use any metal cup. It is conducting. On electric failure the cup may be on the high potential. At least you should connect the PE wire with a crimped lug and a screw to the metal cup.
You can buy these in all colours and made from insulating material. Keep an eye on the pull relief on the bottom. You will find big difference in quality here. A good system was used by many IKEA lamps.
In Germany these things are called "Baldachin"; in English its baldachin or canopy. Try to search for it in combination with "lamp" as a keyword.
