Hollowed-out light bulbs make for clever little terrariums. Molding a wire stand, adding twine and hanging the production further transforms it into a vase that is nothing short of elegant.
A light bulb vase is the perfect artistic gift to display on desks, countertops & coffee tables.
Just don’t send it down the chimney with Santa – it’s a bit fragile.
Directions after the jump!
Materials Needed:
1. Light Bulb
2. Thin screwdriver, wire cutters, protective goggles
3. Tacky Glue
4. Wire
5. Twine
To hollow the light bulb (never use a fluorescent bulb – the powder inside is toxic) start by removing the silver solder point. I used scissors and pried the ends up but you can use the screwdriver if you find it easier.
Once that is removed, take the screwdriver and place it inside the bulb. Start to slowly, but firmly, move it around until you crack the black glass insulator.
Keep slowly breaking the black insulator glass until you’ve removed it all. Be very careful – the breaks will be small and glass is likely to get everywhere. Wear goggles to use extra caution.
Once this is removed, crack the inside bulb materials with your screwdriver and remove the pieces.
This is a good step-by-step for hollowing out a light bulb if you need additional detail & direction.
Take the tacky glue and place it around the top of the bulb. Wrap the twine around the top. The tacky glue will try clear so don’t worry about white showing.
While you are waiting for the tacky glue to dry, you can build your stand. Take the wire and shape it into a square. Once all four sides are created, wrap one end to hold the foundation in place. Keep the other end long.
Measure how high you want your stand. Cut the wire accordingly. Curl the end up so that it creates a circle “hook”.
After the glue on the bulb has dried, take another piece of twine and wrap it around the top. Tie it in a double knot so that it stays, keeping the ends long. Take the ends and create another double knot so that you’re able to hang the bulb.
Add in dried flowers and you’re done!
You can also use water + real plants if you’d like.
15 comments
this is so creative Emily, I was wandering around PaperSource last night hoping something would come to me..ug where do you think of these awesome things 🙂
I really love these! So pretty and rustic!
Jamie
http://chatterblossom.blogspot.com/
I made these when I moved into my current apartment! They’re such a fun, simple DIY that add so much character.
Alyssa
The Glossy Life
Such a cute idea and I love that its easy!
XO,
Zhanna
http://www.lifeandbows.com
love!! what a great idea and it looks great.
Love this! Such a fantastic idea!
Chanced upon your blog and enjoy reading it!
This is SO sweet and creative, can’t believe that’s what they’re made out of!
xx, Emily
http://soanthro.com
These came out so cute! I’d love to have one at my desk, but I feel like I’m way too clumsy to take this on haha
yes, it does look like we both have bulbs on the brain today 🙂 so adorable! absolutely love this, emily!!! XO brynn
This is adorable! I absolutely love this idea!
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Xo Amy
http://stylechocolatechip.blogspot.com
Love this!!
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The Fashion Heels
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That’s so delicate and quite lovely – great DIY idea
Such a cool idea!! So different! xx
fashiontatt.blogspot.com
Love the idea! It’s simple yet original. I might use crystal bulbs for this project to add decorative and ornamental qualities. I just hope that I don’t get careless and smash them. LOL.
Alphonse Daigle