DIY Life

I realize it is only July, but it is never too early to think about Christmas, or at least to get a head start on your decorating this year. If you are into recycling items some people would rather just throw away, then release the artist in you, and paint yourself some one-of-a-kind ornaments.

Since you probably throw away your old burned out light bulbs, I invite you to recycle them into handpainted Christmas ornaments, courtesy of Kraftykristen over on Craftster. Kristen cleans the bulbs with rubbing alcohol, uses acrylic paint to make a snowman, gingerbread man, or a Santa onto the bulb, and finishes up with an acrylic sealer.

In the comments, fencerows tells how she has her kindergarten class paint dots on the light bulbs, using an egg carton as a holder for the bulb. She then ties some wire around the screw-in part of the bulb, then attaches a paper clip for a hanger.

I am not great at painting small detail, but I think the ornaments would be great to give as gifts, especially for the kids.

If you need other ideas for burned out light bulbs, Debra gives you some unusual uses sure to get your creative juices flowing.