So, I finally just changed all the burnt out light bulbs in my house. So now my left with old light bulbs and being the environmentalist I am, I do not want to throw them out. I want to make art with them! So I was looking at different crafts and I came across this vase. I was ready to make it on the spot but sadly I do not have all the materials, so I decided to share it with all of you! Tutorial after the break!
What You Will Need:
- A clear incandescent light bulb (only use an incandescent bulb. Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury, which is hazardous.)
- 2 feet of 3/32-inch aluminum welding rod
- Small needle-nose pliers
- Leather work gloves
- Safety glasses
- 1/4-inch Allen wrench
- Small hammer
Steps:
1. Put on your gloves and safety glasses.You need to break glass so I would suggest going outside to be safe.
2. Peel off the contact at the base of the bulb using the needle-nose pliers.
3. Carefully break the black glass at the base of the bulb by tapping it lightly with the hammer.
4. If that didn’t work, stick one of the jaws of the pliers into the hole of the black glass and twist while applying a little pressure.
5. Now, insert the wrench into the glass tube inside the light bulb as seen below and apply some leverage to break the glass inner tube. (A different size key may be necessary depending on the bulb)
6. Pull out the insides of the bulb out with the pliers as seen below.
7. Create a stand for the bulb by using the 3/32-inch aluminum welding rod. Sculpt the stand anyway you like or as seen in the picture!
8. Add water and your flower and you just made a vase!
Tip: If you only have a frosted bulb, you can fill it with a bit of salt and swirl it around, this should remove the paint to make the bulb clear! (I would like to thank Sean, in the comments for telling me this!)
Total Cost: $5 (if you already have all the materials and light bulb hanging around)
All images and the tutorial found here! I love this project so much, I think I’m gonna make a Home Depot trip this weekend and buy all the supplies!
If you don't have a clear bulb, you can fill a frosted bulb with a little salt, and swirl it around. It removes all the frosting stuff, so it becomes clear!
Thanks so much, Sean!! That's a sweet tip!
Gravel works too!
Question: What is the name of the plant pictured? Kind of looks like long grass blades, but they look beautiful with the vase!
I honestly have no idea, I’m sorry!! I tried looking on the Readymade website to find it but it wasn’t listed
It does look like long blades of grass, so that would be my best bet to what it is.
It’s probably onion plant. They have a faint smell of green onions too -subtle and pretty
amazing!! thanks so much
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Great idea!Just went through my light bulbs and couldnt bring myself to throw the bad ones away and was trying to think of something to use them for.Thanx!….I think it might be lemon grass in your project picture?
I believe that is lemongrass guys. But if it isn’t, i would recommend you use lemongrass..smells like lemon..lol. I’m going to get working on this.
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I wonder if a coat hanger or other upcycled material could somehow be used instead of aluminum welding rod.
Coat hangers are really hard to bend and shape, but if you can manage it then go for it!
Bear glass would be my guess
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