You know that amazing moment when you get a brilliant idea? It’s like a light bulb goes off in your head. A switch in your brain just magically, well, turns on. I’m usually so crazed trying to accomplish 50 things during the day, but it occasionally happens to me, too! And there are tons of crafters out there who have had “aha moments” related to upcycling old light bulbs. Pear, candle, globe, vintage, and incandescent glass bulbs (among others) can be the source of so many creative DIY projects. You can fill them, paint them or hang them. So before you get rid of your old light bulbs, give them a new life in the form of a terrarium, ornament, pendant, place card, or vase.
Some of these DIY light bulb crafts involve filling the lights with objects, so before you start, follow a tutorial like this for your own safety.
DIY Lightbulb Crafts
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DIY Tropical Light Bulb Pendant
I love all things featuring a pineapple. I've seen the sweet fruit on totes, shirts and jewelry, but I've never seen it on a light bulb before. This light is so fabulous and chic and it's a doable DIY, too.
Idea and tutorial: Monsters Circus
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DIY Twine Light Bulb Pears
These DIY twine wrapped pears won't go bad in the fruit bowl. They can be on display year-round and they are a sweet way to reuse all those old light bulbs.
Photo and tutorial: Sweet Society
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DIY Light Bulb Flower Vases
Decorate rustic branches with hanging DIY light bulb vases. Hang the bulbs with twine, and add pretty little bud flowers for a beautiful hanging centerpiece. The flowers inside the bulbs can easily be switched each season, so once you hang the bulbs, 90% of your work is done. Score!
Photo and tutorial: Life is a Party
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DIY Magic Potion Light Bulbs
You will have the coolest Halloween (or scientist party) around town with these DIY light bulb potion bottles. They make for great party and bar props for kids, and adults, too.
Photo and tutorial: Organized 31
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DIY Light Bulb Wreath
This unique wreath has both a vintage and industrial vibe. It's made with vintage light bulbs, but if you don't have any, try it with regular lightbulbs, or even Christmas light bulbs. It's a year-round wreath that will brighten your days!
Photo and tutorial: Hydrangea Hippo
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DIY Light Bulb Gift
Tell someone special they light up your life with a DIY light bulb gift. This light won’t actually turn on, but it’s a special keepsake for loved ones. And this isn’t just relevant for Valentine’s Day. For those of you looking for a unique DIY Mother’s Day and Fathers Day gift, this would be an adorable token from kids with their artwork on the base.
Idea and tutorial: A Little Craft In Your Day
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DIY Terrarium Place Cards
Tell friends and family where their seats are with a pretty DIY terrarium place card made from light bulbs. They make for a lovely table setting with a touch of greenery, and they are clever favors for guests to take home.
Photo and idea: A Subtle Revelry
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DIY Light Bulb With Glitter And Note
Let bridesmaids (or friends) know how much you love them with a DIY light bulb filled with glitter and a special note It’s like a message in a bottle; only, in this case, the message is in the bulb.
Photo and tutorial: Love Vividly
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DIY Tiny Terrarium in a Light Bulb
This craft takes a little patience, but it’s oh-so-worth-it once you get your terrarium all set up. Even your kids will love the tiny toy animals that call the light bulb home.
Photo and tutorial: The Hipster Home
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DIY Glitter Light Bulb Ornament
Add a little extra sparkle to your holidays with DIY glitter holiday ornaments. No tools required for this project - just a lot of glitter!
Photo and tutorial: KA Styles
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DIY Light Bulb Vase
These DIY light bulb vases hold just the right amount of flowers for a lovely centerpiece. You can hang them on the wall, or make wire stands to support them.
Photo and tutorial: The Merry Thought
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DIY Light Bulb Place Card
Shine the light on your table setting with DIY light bulb place cards. The bases of these place cards are so creative. Can you guess what they are? I'll give you a clue; they are something you can drink with.
Photo: Kallima Photography
Tutorial: Ruffled -
DIY Mini Globe Light Bulb Ornaments
I'm going to have a hard time putting these DIY mini snow globe ornaments away in the storage bin when January 2 rolls around because I love them so much.
Photo and tutorial: No Biggie
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DIY Teacher Gift
This DIY teacher gift gets an A+ in my book because teachers make the world brighter (just like a light bulb) by enriching and teaching children.
Photo and tutorial: Uncommon Design
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DIY Light Bulb Penguins
These are the cutest little penguins I have ever seen! I've seen DIY light bulb ornaments painted like the Grinch, Minions, snowmen and other fun characters, too. These penguins are beautifully painted on a light bulb, and are topped off with an adorable fuzzy hat.
Photo and tutorial: Lady With The Red Rocker
