Hot Air Balloon

Upcycled Hot Air Balloon Light Bulb: A Whimsical Craft from Old Bulbs

Don’t toss out those burnt-out light bulbs just yet! With a bit of creativity, you can turn them into charming miniature hot air balloons. This simple upcycling project is a fun way to give a second life to light bulbs and create unique décor for your home.

Materials You’ll Need:

  • Burnt-out light bulbs
  • Paint (acrylic or spray paint)
  • Paintbrushes
  • String or twine
  • Small basket or cap (for the balloon basket)
  • Glue (hot glue or strong adhesive)
  • Scissors

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Light Bulb

Start by cleaning the light bulb. Carefully wipe off any dust or grime so that the paint adheres smoothly. Handle the bulb gently to avoid breaking it.

Step 2: Paint the Bulb

Choose your colors and start painting the bulb to resemble a hot air balloon. You can use bright, playful colors or go for a more elegant look with metallics or pastels. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

modge podge light globe
marking spots for circles on a lightbulb
sticking on the decor
sponging colourful dots on a lightbulb
wraping the lightbulb with colourfull circles
lightbulbs ready to dry

Step 3: Attach the Basket

Find a small item that will work as the “basket” for your hot air balloon. A bottle cap or a small basket from craft stores works perfectly. Use hot glue to attach it to the bottom of the light bulb. Hold it in place for a few minutes to make sure it’s secure.

making lightbulb baskets for hotair balloons
little string buskets drying

Step 4: Add Strings

Cut four pieces of string or twine to act as the ropes connecting the balloon to the basket. Glue the ends of each string to the basket and then attach the other ends to the light bulb. Make sure the strings are evenly spaced for a balanced look.

gluing on strings on the baskets
attaching the baskets to the lightbulbs
adding a colourful string to the bottom of the hotair balloon

Step 5: Hang Your Balloon

To hang your hot air balloon, glue a small loop of string or twine to the top of the light bulb. You can hang it from the ceiling, a window, or anywhere that needs a touch of whimsical décor!

Step 6: Optional Decoration

If you want to add extra flair, consider decorating the basket with miniature figures, adding beads to the strings, or painting additional patterns on the balloon.

waiting for the hot air balloons to dry

Your upcycled hot air balloon light bulb is now complete! This creative project is a fantastic way to reuse old bulbs and add a touch of fantasy to any space. Try making several in different colors and sizes for a magical, floating hot air balloon display.