Light Bulb Vase
A very simple, yet elegant vase, made from a light bulb.
Recently someone came around with a free energy saving light bulb for every home. So I made something from an old burnt out bulb that the new one replaced. The bulb was hollowed out, and then suspended on a simple stand.
You need:
-a light bulb
-metal rod - I found mine in the junk box. I think it came from a filing system. Something around 3/16"
-A piece of wood. I used part of a wine case. You could use anything really. Try something interesting like drift wood.
-the basic tools: saw, drill, Dremel, pliers.
Disclaimer- Glass is sharp. Be careful. Don't eat light bulbs. This is probably known to cause cancer in the state of California.
Recently someone came around with a free energy saving light bulb for every home. So I made something from an old burnt out bulb that the new one replaced. The bulb was hollowed out, and then suspended on a simple stand.
You need:
-a light bulb
-metal rod - I found mine in the junk box. I think it came from a filing system. Something around 3/16"
-A piece of wood. I used part of a wine case. You could use anything really. Try something interesting like drift wood.
-the basic tools: saw, drill, Dremel, pliers.
Disclaimer- Glass is sharp. Be careful. Don't eat light bulbs. This is probably known to cause cancer in the state of California.
Hollowing Out the Bulb
This step is probably most dangerous. The bulb could easily shatter. Wear Gloves!
I used TeamDroid's guide.
Here's a quick run through.
- Break off the metal contact from the bottom
- Use a screw or a knife to crack the brown glass insulator
- Looking inside you will see the fill tube. Break it off and remove it
- Remove the filament and other debris with needle nose pliers
- Use a dremel to grind down the glass edges inside for extra safety
- Clean out the powder with water
- Scrape off the writing with wire wool
I used TeamDroid's guide.
Here's a quick run through.
- Break off the metal contact from the bottom
- Use a screw or a knife to crack the brown glass insulator
- Looking inside you will see the fill tube. Break it off and remove it
- Remove the filament and other debris with needle nose pliers
- Use a dremel to grind down the glass edges inside for extra safety
- Clean out the powder with water
- Scrape off the writing with wire wool
Holes
Make a hole through the threaded part of the light bulb, close to the top. The hole should be through both sides.
Use a drill bit, or a dremel grinding bit. Make sure the hole is large enough to allow your rod to go through it.
Use a drill bit, or a dremel grinding bit. Make sure the hole is large enough to allow your rod to go through it.
Cutting Rods
Cut out two 3 inch rods, and another 3 inch piece with a bend in the end.
My rod had a bend in it already, but you can make one by clamping the rod in a vice and pushing on it, until it bends 90 degrees.
To cut the rods, secure them in a vice, and use a hacksaw to make cuts.
Smooth the ends using a piece of sandpaper.
My rod had a bend in it already, but you can make one by clamping the rod in a vice and pushing on it, until it bends 90 degrees.
To cut the rods, secure them in a vice, and use a hacksaw to make cuts.
Smooth the ends using a piece of sandpaper.
The Stand
Select a piece of wood that has an interesting look.
Smooth all of its edges with sandpaper.
Mark a line slightly above the height of the light bulb. Cut off the excess wood, and sand the cut.
Mark a hole at the top close to the center of gravity. Mark two holes at the bottom at each edge to provide most stability.
Select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the rod, so the rod will press fit into the stand, without needing glue. Do a test fit on the off cut to make sure the hole is not too loose or too tight. Drill the holes with a drill press if you have one.
Smooth all of its edges with sandpaper.
Mark a line slightly above the height of the light bulb. Cut off the excess wood, and sand the cut.
Mark a hole at the top close to the center of gravity. Mark two holes at the bottom at each edge to provide most stability.
Select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the rod, so the rod will press fit into the stand, without needing glue. Do a test fit on the off cut to make sure the hole is not too loose or too tight. Drill the holes with a drill press if you have one.
Assembly
Push the two straight rods into the bottom holes.
Put the bent rod through the holes in the bulb, and then into the hole at the top.
Find a suitably sized flower, and put it into your vase, along with some water.
Give it to someone for Valentines!
Put the bent rod through the holes in the bulb, and then into the hole at the top.
Find a suitably sized flower, and put it into your vase, along with some water.
Give it to someone for Valentines!