Don't Toss Your Old Lightbulbs — How To Transform Them Into Rustic Decor On A Dime
It's a common scene. You go to turn on a lamp, only to realize the bulb has seen its final days. Although it can be frustrating in the moment, the following project might have you a little more excited the next time one becomes available. When you look at a lightbulb, you've likely noticed its pear shape. So doesn't it make sense that it would be the perfect replica of the fruit? Content creator Mrs Claire Hoops must have thought so — as she shared how to upcycle an old lightbulb into the cutest pear decoration. Not only is the project's core item basically "free," but the other supplies needed are inexpensive as well. This might make it more enticing to craft a whole bunch of pears.
Light bulbs aren't easy items to toss out. There are ways to recycle LED bulbs, while incandescent ones should be placed in packaging so they don't shatter in the garbage. By turning them into pears, you can avoid the headache, all while creating decor with rustic charm for your home. The main part of the DIY involves wrapping them with jute twine until they're fully covered. If you don't have any at home, this Vanhench Natural Jute Twine could be an option. You'll need a material like felt for the second part of the project, because what pear would be complete without leaves? In addition, grab a hot glue gun, a marker, scissors, and some twigs.
Follow along to make decorative pears out of lightbulbs
The craft is more tedious than difficult. First, take the end of the jute twine and glue it to the top of the lightbulb. Move the twine in a swirling pattern, gluing it down as you go. Continue on, wrapping the sides of the bulb until you reach the very bottom of the base. Cut the twine and glue down its end. Now, take a twig and snip off a small piece. Flip the lightbulb over so the base is at the top. Glue the twig on to serve as an adorable stem.
@mrsclarehoops Bit of string, a couple of felt leaves and apparently we're saving lightbulbs to make twine pears now 💡🍐 #AutumnCrafts #AutumnDIY #FallCrafts #DIYAutumn #pearcrafts
Draw a pair of leaves on the felt material. You could also get real leaves and trace them instead. Cut them out, then attach them to the pear near its stem. Repeat the steps until you have as many fruit pieces as you'd like. While it's possible to learn how to grow pears, these are ones that'll be long lasting. However, just be careful with them; being made of glass, they'll naturally be fragile.
Display your pears in charming ways
You could easily nestle your pears in between items on a shelf so they stand like figurines. But they would also look darling in a woven basket or fruit bowl, which could be placed on a kitchen or living room surface. Incorporate the pears into a chic dining room table centerpiece when guests come to dine, "pairing" them with beautiful faux blooms. Another idea is to create hanging decor out of them. Secure multiple pears to a long piece of horizontal rope using fishing wire. The end result will be similar to a banner. Just make sure to space the pears out so they don't clank together. Mix in fairy lights for a magical touch.
Like with most crafts, it'd be easy to put your own spin on the pears. For instance, if you don't want them to be the color of natural jute, there are green versions — like this PerkHomy Garden Twine. Alternatively, you could use yarn in place of twine, choosing whatever color suits your fancy. There are other materials that would work for the leaves, too. Use scrapbook paper if that's all you have available. Or, make them out of green or patterned fabric. And if you really want to boost the whimsy (and chuckles), glue on sets of googly eyes.