Introduction: Bee Christmas Bauble Out of Lightbulb

Christmas is around the corner and I decided to make this bauble for my mum who is a beekeeper.

Since I didn't have a real glass bauble, I used an old lightbulb.

What you will need:

- glue
- a pair of scissors
- yellow and black paint
- a gold pearl pen 
- an old lightbulb
- a paintbrush
- white transparent paper
- copper thread
- a hook
- glitter or something else to decorate if you like
- wiggly eyes if you like (I decided to leave them out)


Step 1: Paint the Bulb

Paint stripes on the bulb with the yellow and black paint.
When finished, let it dry. 
If you have transparent coating that's great, if not leave it out and just be careful not to touch the bulb with sweaty or wet fingers. 

Step 2: Make the Wings

While the paint is drying, you can start on the wings.

Take the transparent paper to cut out two wing shapes. Bees have a thin pattern on their wings that you can draw on the paper with a pencil. This will help you apply the pearl glue. 

Follow the pencil lines with the pearl pen. 

Step 3: Decorate the Bulb

Apply the pearl glue to the bulb between the yellow and black stripes.
The glue is quite annoying and takes a long time to dry. If you can afford it, let it dry overnight. 

Step 4: Finish the Wings

When the wings have dried, turn them around.

Cut a small piece of the copper thread and bend it until it fits onto the wing. If your copper thread is flimsy, it's important that the shape matches that of the wing exactly before you apply the glue.

Apply the glue and press the copper thread onto the wing. When the glue has dried, turn the wings around again and hide the copper thread by applying another line of pearl pen. 

At the end, twist the two copper thread ends and attach the wings to another. 

Step 5: Attach the Wings

Take two pieces of copper thread long enough to wind around the winding of the bulb and to make an ear for the hook.
Twist the two pieces all the way to make the thread less flimsy. 

Position the wings on the bulb and wind the copper thread around tightly. This was the most difficult part for me. If you have a bit of stronger wire, that might work better. 
At the end, bend the thread around to make an ear. 



Step 6: Tie the Ribbon

If you think the thread looks a bit ugly, just tie a ribbon around it.



Finished!

Enjoy your Christmas. 

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