Upcycle Bowls, Bottles and Old Mugs, Into Light Fixtures

Edited by Shalom, Robbi, Lynn, Rafah Perlado and 6 others

6 Parts: Materials needed: Steps Notes Warnings Questions and Answers Comments
Unique-lighting-design-ideas-recycling-tableware-18.jpg

Plain is just boring, don't you agree? You have had the same old chandelier for the past several years and want to make a new look for the house. Something playful yet professional. Anyway 2014 is right around the corner. Maybe a little change won't hurt right?

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A personalized light fixture, wherein you get to choose what you want and not just rely on the same ol' chandelier designs that you've been seeing over the years in that same home depot.

Aside from having your personal touch on that light fixture, you will also be able to lessen your expenses. This is a great time to freshen up your home. You'll be surprised at the happiness that these useful arts and crafts bring you and your family.

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It is also a good way of family bonding. Just make sure that your kids are properly attended to when they're helping you make these trendy light fixtures.

Materials needed:

  1. 1
    Old Mugs, Bowls or Bottles.
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  2. 2
    Bulb Sockets
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  3. 3
    Chains
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  4. 4
    Wires
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  5. 5
    Bulbs
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  6. 6
    Drill and Carbide-tipped Masonry Drill Bits
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  7. 7
    Sand Paper
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Steps

  1. 1
    Make a hole at the base of the mug or bowl using the drill
    .
    Make sure that the bulb socket will fit.
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  2. 2
    Before anything else, check the switch of the light
    .
    Make sure that you have turned off the electricity to the area where you wish to place your new bulb socket.
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  3. 3
    Insert the bulb socket into the hole and connect the wires for electricity to flow.
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  4. 4
    Make a hole on both sides of the mug or bowl to put in a chain so you can hang it.
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  5. 5
    Connect the bulb into the bulb socket.
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  6. 6
    If your wire connections were right then turn on the light
    .
    If it's fine, you are now ready to hang it, and now you have your new light fixture. Easy and creative!
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Notes

  1. 1
    If you're using a ceramic material for your mugs or bowls, use a masonry drill bits
    .
    For a harder and glazed materials use a glass and tile drill bits.
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  • 2
    Finish the drilled area with a sand paper to smooth-en it up.
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  • 3
    For appropriate measurement in drilling holes, trace the socket first to the surface with a pencil
    .
    It will be your guide on how wide the hole must be.
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  • 4
    You may put a piece of masking tape onto the area that you're planning use the drill with
    .
    This will prevent the drill bit from slipping.
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  • 5
    Make sure to drill on a steady pace to avoid having any cracks from the material
    .
    Cracks will eventually lead to breaking and that's one thing to avoid with.
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    • Warnings

    • Make sure you connect the right wires to avoid explosion or fire.
    • If you do not have any experience in using a drill, it is better to seek for help to avoid accidents.

    Questions and Answers

    I want to change a lead crystal punch bowl into a chandelier?

    I was wondering the best way to put a hole at the bottom of the punch bowl.

    Use the drill bits recommended in the VisiHow article above. The carbide masonry bit helps keep the glass from shattering. Practice using the drill with the bit and glass like a wine bottle before you put a hole in the punch bowl.

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    Is there a method for changing a glass bowl into a light fixture?

    I have a pretty frosted bowl that looks like it would make a great ceiling light fixture.. I have tried: Nothing because I do not want to break the bowl.. I think it was caused by: Do I have to drill holes in it? How do I hang it?

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    It would be best to either drill a hole in the bottom of the bowl and hang it upside down or upright connected to S hooks and chain. The S hooks require smaller holes but you would have to do at least 3 to secure the bowl to the ceiling where the other method is just one larger hole.

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    Meme Light fixture using a glass bowl 73833.jpg

    If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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    Article Info

    Categories : Repurposing Crafts

    Recent edits by: Donna, Jen M, Eng

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