Upgrading to LED bulbs? Don't throw those old incandescent bulbs out just yet!
Instead, upcycle them into something beautiful and unique- try a tiny terrarium! It's a fun and easy project that makes a great gift for friends, family, and coworkers or a great decoration around the home or office.
In this tutorial, we'll show you how to turn an old incandescent bulb into a tiny terrarium in just a few simple steps.
Materials
- An old incandescent bulb
- Eye protection
- Pliers
- Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Long tweezers
- Activated Charcoal
- Pebbles
- Moss
- Small succulents or air plants
Instructions:
- Put on gloves and eye protection to protect your hands and eyes from broken glass. Using pliers, gently remove the metal tip of the light bulb. Be sure to twist and pull the metal tip slowly and carefully to avoid cracking the glass. Set aside the metal tip as it will not be used for this project.
- Use the screwdriver to break the black glass seal at the base of the light bulb. Be sure to use gloves and protective eyewear while doing this. Once the black glass seal has been removed, shake out any remaining filament.
- Use small rocks or pebbles to create a base layer inside the light bulb. This will help with drainage and prevent the soil from becoming too waterlogged. Add a layer of activated charcoal on top of the rocks to help filter the water.
- Carefully add a layer of potting soil on top of the activated charcoal, leaving enough space for the plant to fit inside.
- Use tweezers to gently place a small succulent or air plant inside the light bulb. Be sure to choose a plant that will fit comfortably inside the bulb and won't outgrow it too quickly.
- Use a small brush or your fingers to clean off any soil or debris from the glass around the opening of the bulb.
- Add a few drops of water to the soil using a dropper or spray bottle. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as there is no drainage hole in the bulb.
- Finally, use a piece of string or wire to create a loop at the base of the bulb, so you can hang it up if desired.
And that's it! You've now turned an old incandescent light bulb into a tiny terrarium. Place it on a windowsill or hang it up using the loop you created and enjoy your new plant friend.
In conclusion, upcycling old incandescent light bulbs into tiny terrariums is a great way to repurpose something that might otherwise end up in the trash. Not only is it a fun and easy DIY project, but it also adds a touch of greenery and personality to any space. Give it a try and let us know how it goes!
