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Recycle Light Bulbs Don't toss it—make art with it! From "B. Original" episode DBOR-127

The bulbs may be burned out, but they still can shine!

Michele Beschen says some of her most challenging creative moments come when she's just about to toss something in the trash. For example, a burned-out light bulb.

Sure, it doesn't shed any light—but a burned-out bulb still has a cool shape with undulating curves and even a handy screw-in base. Scroll down to see what Michele Beschen does with burned-out bulbs, then find your own inspirations for these humble orbs. It may be the ultimate challenge for anyone who wants to B. Original!

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Recycle Light Bulbs

• Use paints suitable for glass to paint up your bulbs—base and all (figure A). Be sure you follow the package instructions for the paint, whether it heat-sets or air dries.

• If you plan to use the painted bulbs outdoors, follow Michele Beschen's example and give them a couple of coats of spray polyurethane after the paint dries.

• Coil some wire around the painted bulb and its base to create a stand . Place them randomly throughout the garden as colorful surprises or keep them inside as a colorful bulb bouquet (figure B)

• Line up your painted bulbs as a decorative panel (figure C) or frame. Use a 1" spade bit to drill a hole in a piece of wood to accommodate the bulb's base; sand the hole if you need to make it a little bigger. Use double-stick tape or putty to help hold the bulb secure. Michele Beschen doesn't recommend gluing the bulbs, because glue makes broken ends hard to remove and replace.

• Use your painted bulbs as finials, or as floating gazing balls for a backyard pond.

How many more ideas can you come up with for ways to B. Original with burned-out bulbs?

Next: Concrete Lamp Post.