The subjects of stars and light have been blinking on and off in my mind a lot lately. How this came to be I do not know…and yet I do not question it. I know it is a sign of some sort.
I thought I’d show you a little something that I recently created (of course it has to do with lights and stars). About a week ago while my family and I were decorating our Christmas tree we came across an old string of lights with burnt-out bulbs, so unfortunately this strand could no longer fulfill its main purpose and had to be thrown out. However, before I tossed it all away I removed several bulbs to keep in case I could use them in future projects. A few days later when I found myself with a bit of spare time I came up with this.
To make the star I used these bulbs.
Begin by removing the green tops (gently pull them off with your hands). You’ll need 5 bulbs for each star.
Each bulb will have some loose wires at one end (as seen in the right-hand side bulb shown above). To form the star, wind one of the wires coming from the bulb to another bulb’s wire, and then repeat this until all five bulbs are attached at the center.
Then wrap 24 gauge wire around the center of the star and add beads (salvaged from old, broken necklaces) as you go. The wire will keep the star more securely together at the center if you wrap it snugly. TIP: To add a subtle dimension to the star I first wrapped a length (about 3-4 inches) of gold wire around the center, and then layered some silver wire on top, and then another short length of gold wire at the end. Use a pair of flat nose pliers to tuck the wire ends into the center to keep things tight and tidy.
The star can be turned into an ornament simply by adding a wire hanger or a chain at the top by attaching it to the wrapped wires at the back, center of the star.
It feels great to repurpose these bulbs and I like how they are ending up back on our tree…in another form, but still bright.
Wishing you bright star light glow throughout this holiday season and into the New Year.
23 Comments, Comment or Ping
Becky, This is remarkably clever and oh, so pretty! Thanks for sharing!
Wishing you and yours every blessing and all the happiness your hearts can hold this magical holiday season and New Year!
Best,
Jeanette
December 18th, 2012
These are so sweet…and you are so creative!! I truly love how your mind works. Thanks for sharing your creations with us!!
December 18th, 2012
oh so cute. love it. wishing you and your family a joyous holiday and a very happy new year.
December 18th, 2012
super cool idea, Becky, I love your star!
December 18th, 2012
Love it love it love it! Your creativity continues to excite and amaze me! Wishing you a warm loving Christmas and a bright shiny 2013.
Your biggest Texas Admirer
December 19th, 2012
You have found a way to re-purpose something that would have ended up in a landfill. Brilliantly creative! Your imagination never ceases to amaze me.
Merry Christmas and Blessings Abundant to you and your family,
JoJo
December 19th, 2012
absolutely ingenious!! i always hate throwing those old string of lights away! merry xmas mon amie! 😉
December 19th, 2012
You’re all so kind ladies…thank you for the bright light that you leave for me here. I can definitely feel the warmth, thank you.
December 19th, 2012
How cool are these? I think it’s great that you made something out of the burned out Christmas bulbs! Nothing goes to waste…there is inspiration everywhere!
Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas!
xo
jeanne
December 19th, 2012
Clever, unique, artful and definitely speaks of you.
Completely impressed at your use of the wee lights, fabulously inspirational.
Wishing you special times and new memories over the festivities.
Lynne
December 19th, 2012
What a unique, clever and really delightful star!! It truly shines with the essence of you. Thank you Becky for a year filled with creativity, love and light. Holiday blessings to you and yours.
December 19th, 2012
Awesome idea – I’ve been saving some to repurpose somehow and now I know what I can do with them!
December 19th, 2012
Another sparkley and warm Becky creation…yea! Wishing you bundles of love and bliss this Holiday season and beyond!
December 19th, 2012
Beautiful ornament, I love that you recycled broken lights. 🙂 Happy Holidays Becky!
December 20th, 2012
You have a gift for making mundane items into something pretty and decorative!! I love seeing your creations on Pinterest. 🙂
December 20th, 2012
Only you could come up with something this cool! I’ll wait until Tuesday before I start ripping the bulbs off my tree …. heee. Merry Christmas my sweet friend!!
December 20th, 2012
You art glows! I love this gathered inspiration~ You amaze me ~
I love how you take the broken, the random bits and create beauty~
Stunning!!!
Happy Holidays to you n’ yours! I hope their leave bright, wonderful memories~
December 21st, 2012
looooooooooove these!!!!!!!!!!!!
heart dazzling, friend!
love + merriest to youxxooox
December 22nd, 2012
Your creative light shines brightly my dear. Your upcycle of these little bulbs is brilliant. Holiday Blessings with Peace and Joy all of 2013.
December 22nd, 2012
Hi Becky! Just read your article in current issue of Somerset Studio. You have quite the way with words! Your article was so well written and I just love your writing style. Your words are soothing, which prompted me to check out your blog. You are a very talented lady.
December 26th, 2012
Hi Becky! You always seem to amaze me. When I visit your blog it is like getting a breath of fresh air. Thank You!!
December 29th, 2012
Happy New Year 2013!!
December 29th, 2012
Hi Becky, I’ve been spending a little time catching up on some long overdue reading of my favorite blogs! I’ve been sitting here with a cup of tea soaking in so much inspiration from your pages…..I love the little star ornament – it would be a wonderful little present topper as well (O:
January 2nd, 2013
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