Recycle Light Bulbs into Hot Air Balloons
Recycle Light Bulbs into Hot Air Balloons and see all the variety that is available with the different shapes of today’s bulbs. This is a craft better left to the older kids who are less apt to drop and break a bulb.
Supplies
Light Bulbs
Americana® 3D Frost Gloss Enamels™: Turquoise, White
White Americana® Crystal Gloss Enamels Glitter™
Turquoise Americana® Frost Gloss Enamels™
Glass Paint Markers: Black, White
Glass Stain™: Black Leading
Water Container
Palette or Plastic Plate
Paper Towels
Rubbing Alcohol
Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Cosmetic Sponge
3/8" Flat Brush
Twine
Jewelry Piece (end cap)
E6000 Glue
Bottle
Instructions
NOTE: Place the end of the bulb into a bottle while you paint and leave it there to dry.
Clean the light bulbs using rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.
Use the Glass Paint Markers to plan your design. (See the attached pattern for design ideas.)
Draw the desired lines and let the paint dry completely.
To make the smallest hot air balloon, start with a white frosted light bulb. Draw the lines with a Glass Paint Marker using Pattern A as a guide. Use Black Leading or Americana 3D Frost Glass Enamels to trace the drawn lines. Let the paint dry completely.
To make the round white and pink hot air balloons, start with clear light bulbs. Use a White Glass Paint Marker to draw the lines, following Patterns C and D. Trace the lines with White 3D Frost Glass Enamels. Use a pouncer and Crystal Gloss Enamels Glitter to add color to the clear bulbs. Let each application dry before adding another thin layer of paint. Continue adding layers of paint until you achieve the desired color.
To make the large hot air balloon, draw the lines as indicated in Pattern B and trace them with Turquoise 3D Frost Glass Enamels. Let dry. When the painted lines have dried, add color to each top section by brushing on 3D Frost Glass Enamel Paint. Use a pouncer to add Turquoise Frost Gloss Enamel to alternating sections on the sides.
To hang the lightbulbs, open a bead end cap and flatten it. Use E6000 Glue to attach the end cap to the top of the bulb. Repeat with each of the bulbs.
Hot glue a piece of twine to the metal end of the bulb. Continue wrapping and gluing the twine to create the balloon's basket.
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Contributor
DecoArt® has one of the widest selection of paints and finishes for arts, crafts, and home decorating. All DecoArt products are non-toxic and user- and enviromently-friendly. Visit the DecoArt web site for free projects, how-to idea videos, tips and product info, and for the DecoArt on-line store.