13 Awesome DIY Crafts Using Old Light Bulbs – MUO – MakeUseOf

Before you throw those old light bulbs away, consider using them for one of these impressive projects.
Looking for a way to repurpose old light bulbs instead of tossing them in the trash? With just a few simple supplies and a little creativity, you can transform those dead bulbs into stunning decorative pieces for your home. From whimsical terrariums to elegant vases, the possibilities are endless.
Some types of light bulbs, such as fluorescent bulbs, contain toxic materials like mercury which can be harmful to you and the environment. Additionally, opening a bulb can cause the glass to break, resulting in cuts and injuries. Be extra cautious when working on any of these projects.
Want to bring a little bit of nature into your home? With the project in this Instructables guide, you can create a tiny terrarium inside a light bulb! It's a fun and unique way to add some greenery to your living space, and it's easy to make with just a few supplies. You'll need a fairly large light bulb, moss or other small plants, and tools to start. Follow the step-by-step instructions and you'll have a beautiful terrarium in no time!
You may also be interested in some more stunning DIY projects to instantly make your room more interesting.
Just got a beautiful bouquet of flowers but have no vase to put them in? Don't worry: you can turn an old light bulb into a unique and elegant vase with this easy-to-follow Instructables tutorial. By carefully removing the inside components of the bulb and attaching a wooden base, you can create a one-of-a-kind vase that's sure to impress.
It's a great way to upcycle old light bulbs and makes for a stylish addition to any home decor. So grab an old bulb and get ready to create a beautiful vase that will be the envy of all your friends.
Already got a vase and a terrarium? Try turning a burnt-out bulb into a mini "ship in a bottle"! You can transform an old light bulb into a cute and quirky decoration with a few tools, creativity, and this Instructables guide. Plus, it's a fun way to breathe new life into something that might otherwise end up in the trash. So why not try it and set sail on your next crafty adventure?
Turning an old light bulb into an oil lamp is a great way to repurpose unused bulbs. The process involves removing the filament and wiring, creating a wick from cotton string, and filling the bulb with oil. The Instructable provides step-by-step instructions and safety tips to help you create your light bulb oil lamp. This can be a good DIY project to beat the weekend boredom.
Looking for a fun and easy way to add some ambiance to your home? Check out this Hackster tutorial for making an ESP8266 mood light! Using an ESP8266 microcontroller and an RGB LED strip, you can create a customizable light that changes color and brightness based on your mood or preferences. Plus, the whole thing can be controlled from your smartphone or another device, making it a convenient and modern addition to your home decor.
Whether you're looking to set the mood for a romantic evening or add colorful flair to your living space, this DIY project is a great way to get started with electronics and programming. It could be an addition to our list of DIY light ideas to transform your bedroom.
Imagine having a special moment or event you'd like to remember forever, but you're afraid you might forget the memory over time. That's where the Heirloom Time Capsule comes in. The Instructables project shows you how to create a personalized time capsule to store memories and keepsakes, allowing you to revisit them years down the line. Not only is it a fun and sentimental project, but it's also a great way to preserve family memories for future generations.
Are you looking for a unique and fun way to decorate your home during the winter months? Look no further than this Instructables project on making light bulb snow globes! Not only is it a great way to repurpose old bulbs, but the result is a charming and festive decoration that will brighten up any space.
Looking for a unique and eye-catching decoration piece? Check out this "Magic Bulb" project! By using some basic electronics and programming skills, you can turn an ordinary light bulb into a mesmerizing and colorful light show. The best part? The bulb is the canvas for your art, making each creation unique.
Whether you want to add flair to your home decor, impress your guests, or experiment with fun technology, this Instructables project will surely be a hit. So grab an old bulb and let your creativity run wild.
Have some old Christmas lights lying around that you're considering throwing away? Wait! Turn those bulbs into beautiful, unique earrings with just a few simple steps detailed in this Instructables guide. This project is a great way to repurpose old items and create something beautiful and fun to wear. Plus, it's a perfect gift idea for friends and family! Here are more similar creative homemade DIY gifts for your artsy friend.
Are you tired of having a plain, dull lamp on your desk? Then why not try building a chameleon lamp? This DIY project uses an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module and a color sensor to create a lamp that changes color based on its surroundings. You can even customize the colors to fit your mood or room decor. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the Hackster.io guide to create a fun and unique lamp that's sure to impress.
Give your home a touch of industrial chic by combining the antique aesthetic of a light bulb with modern LED lighting technology, as shown in this Instructables guide. This project requires a bit of creativity and skill, but the result will surely impress. Not only will you be repurposing an old bulb, but you'll also have a unique lighting fixture that is sure to start conversations. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and you can customize your lamp to fit your style.
If you want a fun DIY project to brighten your space, check out the Full-Color LED Miniature Lantern in this Hackster.io guide. With just a few electronic components and some basic coding knowledge, you can create a stunning lantern perfect for camping and outdoor adventures or add a touch of ambiance to your home. This lantern is functional and beautiful.
Constantly forget to water your plants? Try growing them in water. And to get you started on the right foot, this Instructables project has the solution: transform old light bulbs into a water propping station. This handy tool keeps your plant cuttings in place, eliminating the hassle of watering them while saving you money. Plus, it's a great way to repurpose old bulbs and keep them out of landfills.
For more help with propagating plants, try making an automated gardening system with the Raspberry Pi Pico W.
From crafting a terrarium or vase to creating a chameleon lamp or a miniature lantern, there are endless possibilities for DIY projects using old light bulbs. With imagination and basic crafting skills, anyone can turn old light bulbs into functional and stylish gadgets. So why throw away old light bulbs when you can give them a new life and purpose?
Alan Blake holds a degree in microbiology and biotechnology. When he is not in the lab or traveling, you will find him tinkering with electronics or recycling/reusing stuff that would end up in landfills. He currently works as a DIY writer for MakeUseOf covering Arduino, reusing projects, how-tos, and a host of other exciting topics.

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