How to Make a Snowman Ornament From a Light Bulb

Don't trash those burned-out light bulbs! Upcycle them into sparkling snowman ornaments for your Christmas tree instead.

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Don't trash those burned-out light bulbs! Upcycle them into sparkling snowman ornaments for your Christmas tree instead with just a few materials: glitter, glue, paint, pipe cleaners and wire.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Materials Needed

  • light bulb
  • white glitter
  • decoupage glue
  • black acrylic paint
  • orange acrylic paint
  • pipe cleaner
  • floral wire
  • paintbrushes
  • scissors
  • pliers

Step 1: Apply Glitter

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament: Apply Glue

If your light bulb has any writing on it, use a cotton ball soaked in acetone to wipe it off. Apply a layer of decoupage glue to the glass portion of the bulb using a paintbrush.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

If your light bulb has any writing on it, use a cotton ball soaked in acetone to wipe it off. Apply a layer of decoupage glue to the glass portion of the bulb using a paintbrush.

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament: Apply Glitter

Sprinkle a layer of white glitter over the light bulb and let dry.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Next, sprinkle a layer of white glitter over the light bulb and let dry. Tip: Use a pair of pliers to hold the bulb upright while it dries.

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament: Let Glue Dry

Use a pair of pliers to hold the bulb upright while it dries.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Apply a second coat of decoupage glue to seal in the glitter and let dry.

Step 2: Add Painted Details

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament: Paint Metal

Paint the metal portion of the light bulb black, applying two coats if needed.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Paint the metal portion of the light bulb black, applying two coats if needed.

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament: Paint Details

Using a detail brush, paint eyes, a mouth and buttons onto the light bulb with black paint. Add a carrot-shaped nose using orange paint and let dry.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Using a detail brush, paint eyes, a mouth and buttons onto the light bulb with black paint. Add a carrot-shaped nose using orange paint and let dry.

Step 3: Hang From the Tree

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament: Add Wire

Wrap floral wire around the metal portion of the light bulb to create a loop, and hang your new ornament from the tree!

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

Twist a pipe cleaner scarf around the neck of the bulb and cut off excess. Wrap floral wire around the metal portion of the light bulb to create a loop, and hang your new ornament from the tree!

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Upcycled Light Bulb Snowman Ornament

Don't trash those burned-out light bulbs! Upcycle them into sparkling snowman ornaments for your Christmas tree instead with just a few materials: glitter, glue, paint, pipe cleaners and wire.

Photo by: Jalynn Baker

Jalynn Baker

More Upcycled Ornament Ideas:

5 Trash Ornaments
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