Introduction: Light Bulb Vase

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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.

Step 1: 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

Step 2: 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.

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: 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.

Step 5: 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!