4 Illuminating DIY Projects Using Light Bulbs

The last household item you would ever think to reuse is a light bulb – dead, burned out, then straight into the trash, right? Not so fast! We’ve got some bright ideas about how to upcycle your old lights and turn them into gorgeous household fixtures. We’ll show you 4 easy ways to transform burned-out bulbs into something entirely new a mini terrarium, a gorgeous flower vase, or even a chic soap dispenser. Use these ideas to decorate your own house, or light up someone else’s life by giving them as gifts!

1. Mini Terrarium

You'll Need:

  • light bulb
  • decorative wood
  • hot glue
  • pebbles
  • sand
  • soil
  • moss
  • water
  • decorations
  • wooden peg

Here's How:

1.1 Saw the point of electrical contact off of a light bulb, then use a screwdriver and pliers to completely remove the inside elements. You should be left with just the metal cap and glass bulb.

1.2 Glue 4 small, round pieces of decorative wood together. Glue the light bulb on top of the wooden base.

1.3 Fill the light bulb with pebbles, sand, soil, and moss. Using an eye dropper or pipette, give the moss a few drops of water.

1.4 Spruce up the inside with a few small decorative elements and close it with a wooden peg. Now your mini terrarium is complete! 

2. Hanging Vase

You'll Need:

  • hobby wire
  • light bulb
  • funnel
  • water

Here's How:

2.1 Bend the hobby wire into the shape shown in the photo below – there should be a large ring at the bottom and a smaller ring at the top. The small ring at the top should be able to support the socket of a light bulb.

2.2 Hang the empty light bulb from the top ring, glass side facing down.

2.3 Use a funnel to fill the lightbulb with water and put some flowers inside. Now you have a gorgeous homemade vase!

3. Soap Dispenser

You'll Need:

  • red heat lamp bulb
  • soap
  • pump of a soap dispenser

Here's How:

3.1 Saw the point of electrical contact off of a red heat lamp bulb, then use a screwdriver and pliers to completely remove the inside elements. You should be left with just the metal cap and red glass bulb.

3.2 Fill the bulb with liquid soap.

3.3 Screw the pump of the soap dispenser onto the socket of the light bulb – ideally the socket should be slightly smaller than the screw top of the pump. Now your new, chic soap dispenser is ready!

4. Colorful Fairy Lights

You'll Need:

  • LED string lights
  • colorful balloons

Here's How:

4.1 Cut the mouthpiece off of some colorful balloons. Stretch a cut balloon over each individual LED bulb.

4.2 As soon as the string of lights is turned on, your fairy lights will glow colorfully!

These great DIY ideas for old light bulbs and new light fixtures are sure to make your home shine like never before!

Get the instructions for the Beautiful Cement Crafts, DIY Projects Featuring Birch Branches, Crafts With Popsicle SticksDIY Home & Garden Lighting Ideas, Constellation Wall Art, and LED Storm Cloud Lamp featured in the bonus video.

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