Don't throw that burned out bulb away, let it become useful in a new way! How can you re-use an old bulb? Create a unique ornament. The possibilities are virtually endless with this project. Use them to create Christmas tree decorations, or create a faux birdhouse. Heck, you could even use a light bulb for a doll's head! (Obviously you wouldn't allow a child to play with that doll, but how cute a rag doll made from recycled odds and ends would look up on your shelf.)
Here's a version of the recycled and reinvented bulb. I used a primer spray so that the craft paints will better adhere. After it dried just paint on a design then spray on a sealer and add some "camouflage" to the metal part of the bulb. This is just one tiny example of the possibilities you could create with an ordinary light bulb. Paint it, decoupage it, sponge or texture it's entirely up to you. I would NOT recommend you do this to a bulb you plan to use in a light fixture. While there are high temperature paints on the market, I am not sure of the results one would achieve and ordinary craft paints should not be used on extreme heat. (At best it will bubble, worst yet it could catch on fire.)
Depending on how you plan to approach this project your materials will vary.
Burned out bulb
Flat primer spray for the base coat
Acrylic paints (Hunter green, white, dusty rose and blueberry)
Small sections of raffia
Very thin pieces of grapevine
Florist's Wire
Acrylic Sealer Spray
Enjoy and have fun finding new uses for the ordinary lightbulb!
Sinclairwife aka Brenda
