What Are the Uses of Light Bulbs?

Light bulbs are used, of course, to light up a room. But once they burn out or even before they burn out, they can also be used for several other purposes. Keep this in mind, especially if you are replacing all your old incandescent bulbs with the energy-saving fluorescent variety. Also be careful with whatever usage you choose, as light bulbs have very thin glass that's easy to break.

Preparation

Some of these ideas required a hollowed-out bulb. Use a set of needle-nosed pliers to loosen the brass contact piece on the bottom of the bulb. Twist and remove. Remove the rest of the bulb's innards by tapping them with the pliers handles until the glass filament breaks inside the bulb. Shake and dump the bulb's contents. Rinse the bulb well to remove all the soft white powder. Dry the exterior gently with a soft cloth and let the insides air-dry by propping with the opening at a downward angle.

Window Vases

Use craft glue to attach a small plastic suction cup to the side of each bulb. This is where you will suction the bulbs to the window. Allow to dry. Create small flowers out of pipe cleaners and felt. Cut flower tops from different-colored felt and attach at the center with a green pipe cleaner. Twirl the pipe cleaner around a pencil for a ringlet effect. Snake the pipe cleaner into the bulb, leaving the flower top visible. Suction the cups to the window in a strategic yet decorative layout. You can also use small live flowers by filling the bulb halfway with water, twisting a piece of wire around the opening to keep the stem upright, and placing a small cut flower in the bulb.

Sea Monkey Home

Follow the instructions for mixing the sea monkeys in water, but instead of putting them in a traditional container, put them in a hollowed-out bulb. The bulb will probably hold only 6 oz. or less of water, so measure and dilute the sea monkey mixture accordingly. You may have to break up the colony into several bulbs if it is very large.

Mini-Beaker

Light bulbs are also useful in science experiments as a mini-beaker. Fill the bulb with a bit of water or other liquid with which you are experimenting. Heat the rounded part of the bulb containing the liquid over a soft flame, such as a candle. Do not use a powerful heating source or the bulb may shatter.

Ornaments

For making ornaments you can use either a hollowed-out bulb or one that was left intact. Use several colors of spray paint to paint the bulb in a swirl of colors. Once the base coat dries, use paint pens to draw an array of holiday images, such as a candy cane, reindeer, fat Santa or jolly snowman. Apply a dollop of craft glue in strategic areas and dip the glued areas in a fine coat of glitter. Hang the bulb by attaching a wire wound around the bulb's base and looped upward so a small hook can be attached. You don't have to stick to a Christmas theme, but can make ornaments for any holiday or general purpose.