Turn An Old Light Bulb Into Stunning Floral Patio Decor With An Easy DIY
A flickering light could be a restless spirit reaching out from the great beyond, but most likely it's just your bulb telling you it's time to be replaced. When it does finally sputter out, don't throw that bulb away: it can be reused as a floral vase for your patio! You can make a vase out of a pool noodle or transform a container into a quirky vase, so why not make one out of a light bulb? These hanging planters look vintage and chic, and you're recycling glass rather than risking it shattering in a landfill. While glass should always be disposed of responsibly, sometimes these bulbs are discarded without much thought, so why not create something useful once it no longer illuminates your interior? By simply removing some of the internal elements, you can turn an empty glass light into a tiny vase that can be refilled whenever you please.
Once a bulb goes out, it can be tricky to think of ways to reuse it, especially since the interior is filled with tungsten wire filament. The casing keeps this safe, and it can become brittle over time, which is why you should be very careful removing it when recreating this DIY. If you experience a broken lightbulb while trying this DIY, practice safety when handling it.
Tiny glass vases from recycled bulbs
To start, use needle nose pliers to gently pull away the end of the bulb where the filament is. You can tug at the very tip with the pliers, or tap it with the blunt side of the tool to knock it loose. To ensure you don't cut yourself should any glass break, make sure to wear thick safety gloves. Place a thick hand towel you can dispose of below the bulb while you work to catch glass as well. Properly wrapping up shards will prevent animals who dig through trash from hurting themselves, and it is safer for disposal workers too.
Once you've pulled off the end of the bulb, use the pliers to guide the interior filament and wiring out. If there is any jagged pieces once the bulb is empty, take the pliers and run them around the edges of the casing to prevent injury when you add in flowers. Shake all detritus loose, wrap up excess pieces, and dispose of them responsibly. You should have just the glass exterior with the metal "bottom." Wrap this in string, wire, canvas, or ribbon to disguise the silver tip, and glue it down to keep the fabric in place. If you want to paint the exterior of the bulb with frosted paint, you can add that to disguise the water and stems when it's hanging.
Don't buy new vases: just hold onto your light bulbs
The largest part of your bulb will become the base, where you add the water to keep the flowers thriving. It should hang upside down so that the narrow end points toward the ceiling or sky. This is open so you can insert any variety of blooms, just remember you should be changing the water in your vase of cut flowers regularly. By wrapping the metal completely in string or material, you can make the bulbs look vintage and chic, and this allows you to hang them wherever you please on your patio or outdoor area.
Lightweight flowers might be best for the hanging vases so they don't drop or tip. Lavender, Spray Roses, and Baby's Breath are all great options, but it will also depend on what's available for purchase or what you have blooming in your own garden! Hang several bulbs together to build on the arrangements and make them look fuller.