Monday, September 19, 2011

. . . Lightbulb Vases . . .

I always use clear round lightbulbs in my bathroom light fixtures and I typically just throw them away when they burn out.  This time when I was changing a bulb a "Lightbulb" went off in my head and I thought why not use them for something.  Sooo, I decided to do a search on how to clean out a lightbulb and found a site that offered basic instructions on how to go about it.  It really is pretty easy!

One warning I will give is that you need to be super careful when you "break" out the black end of the bulb because it is razor sharp.  I know because I got a sliver of it in my finger so just be careful.  I did mine over a trash can to make sure that all the pieces went in that instead of on the floor or the counter.

You can use these for vases like I did or you could wrap the top with wire and hang them or fill them with tinsle for the holidays and so much more.  I can think of many things I'd like to use them for--what a great Christmas Tree ornament you could make too.  Have fun!

 Lightbulb Vases
 You Will Need:
Clear Lighbulbs
Needle nose plyers
Small screwdriver
Large Washers
E6000 Glue
Flowers

 • Gather your supplies
• Use your plyers to grip the little center "button" and pull hard to get it out.  I found that the easiest way to do this was to bend it upright so you had an area to grip.
• Take a mini screwdriver and start popping out the black piece over the trashcan.  Be very careful!
• You will have to break out the filament with a screwdriver and shake out the glass.  You will also have to pull the wire out.  Now your bulb is empty and ready to use.

 • If you are going to use these as vases instead of hanging them you will need to create a base.  I found the cheapest and easiest solution was a large washer.  Apply E6000 Glue around the washer.
• Place the bulb on top of the washer--you can place the bulb straight up and down or at a tilt like I did.  Let the glue dry for at least 4 to 6 hours.  Don't try to move them or the bulb won't stay attached to the washer.

 Simple, Unique and Pretty!
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20 comments:

  1. WendySeptember 19, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    What a bright idea!

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  2. HeidiSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    awesome! those light bulb vases are super cute!!

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  3. MariaSeptember 19, 2011 at 12:42 PM

    Brilliant!

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  4. StephanieSeptember 19, 2011 at 4:59 PM

    How fun! Love the washer on the bottom to set them flat!

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  5. UnknownSeptember 19, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    must Pin this right away!

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  6. KerrynSeptember 20, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    this is gorgeous! I absolutely love it! Well done! :) Now to have a look at the rest of your blog... :)

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  7. CynthiaSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    This is just so great! I love this idea!

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  8. BrandiSeptember 20, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    wow, what a beautiful idea and so creative.

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  9. KatieSeptember 20, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    I LOVE this idea... I don't think I can wait for my bulbs to blow, I may just have to buy new ones! I want these for my table centerpiece. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  10. Dana from Our Life's LegacySeptember 21, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    These are super cute!

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  11. Beverly {Flamingo Toes}September 23, 2011 at 12:19 PM

    Lindy these are so pretty!! I love the way they sit on at an angle too! I can't wait to make up a few!
    Thanks for linking up to Think Pink Sundays - I featured you today!
    http://www.flamingotoes.com/2011/09/crush-of-the-week-think-pink-highlights-4/

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  12. Nikki MonetSeptember 23, 2011 at 12:43 PM

    Beautiful!! Saw these featured at Flamingo Toes and would love to give them a go.

    Following :) Stop by and visit us at http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com

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  13. Shelly @Crafty Creative StudioSeptember 23, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    These turned out so well!! Definitely going to try it. :) Great tutorial. :)

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  14. MarionSeptember 24, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    Oh, I like it! I saw you on the blog Craft Link Party Polly want a crafter. I invite you to come visit and maybe join the link party - Galeria de Criações Compartilhadas – (Shared Creations Gallery), on my blog. Sunflower is the issue of the number 1 ! Hugs, Marion

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  15. Nikki MonetSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:43 PM

    Coming back to invite you over to my linky party. I would love it if you would stop by and share your vases.

    http://everything-underthemoon.blogspot.com/2011/09/bedazzle-me-monday-1.html

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  16. UnknownSeptember 25, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    Thanks for sharing! You are being featured this week at Lines Across My Face.
    Rachel
    http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2011/09/cure-for-common-monday-10.html

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  17. Angela OsbornSeptember 26, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    This is so clever and pretty! I can't wait to try it the next time a light bulb burns out.

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  18. greenbeanSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:55 AM

    how freaking cute!...love these!...

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  19. Debbie @ OtRDSeptember 26, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    What a great idea! Love the look of these and want to try it the next time I have to change out a light bulb.

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  20. Rachel SueSeptember 26, 2011 at 10:59 PM

    These are fabulous! I would love to feature this on Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle. Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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