See how you can make your own light bulb bugs from recycled Christmas light bulbs, pliers, and craft wire. Also, a few ideas on how to place them outdoors to catch the eye and delight visitors.
Crafting With Light Bulb “Bugs”
Light bulb insects are a fun project especially for garden and landscape warriors out there looking for a unique homemade craft you can place almost anywhere outdoors.
They do not require much work and you may already have all the materials you will need around the house.
Note: Since this craft project includes wire and glass, it will not be suitable as a children’s toy or around small toddlers who might want to eat your little critter creations, causing a possible choking hazard for them.
First… Some Ideas & Inspiration
There are multiple ways to display your light bulb bugs. You can give them “legs” and place them anywhere indoors or out.
Hang them from trees, pergola, and patio structures as a type of sun-catcher. In the mornings and evenings they really do catch the sunlight nicely. Colored translucent bulbs work best for this purpose as opposed to painted bulbs.
My favorite option is to make light bulb insect garden stakes. This way, you can place them in flower beds, around the patio or deck, into water features, or in planters.
One advantage to making garden stake bugs (or hanging sun-catchers) is the fact that adding wire “legs” to the bugs is not really necessary. Placed on stakes, they almost appear to be flying in the air.
One more option is to hang them from your Christmas tree as funky homemade ornaments. They’re fun to look as being made from old Christmas light bulbs.
Materials You Will Need For This Project:
- 16 to 18 gauge Aluminum craft wire, 1 millimeter-1.5 millimeter diameter. Black coated wire is best to use.
- Small pliers suitable for wire craft such as needle nose or crafting pliers.
- Large colored C-9 Christmas light bulb or a type of bulb of your own choosing. Colored bulbs need little or no painting.
- Galvanized washers to use for the eyes, or googly eyes from the craft store.
Optional Materials:
- Super glue or epoxy glue
- A small paint brush
- Acrylic enamel paint
How To Make A Simple Light Bulb Insect
Below I included a fun how-to video showing the basics of crafting with wire and bulbs. This video is great for learning how to best shape, bend and cut craft wire to make light bulb insects.
You are by no means limited to this style which is why I’ve included ideas and some inspiration for all kinds of uses and types of light bulb insects. Always use your own creativity and ideas to make it your own.
Bonus: D.I.Y. Translucent Insect Wings
Old style 60-watt Light Bulb Bugs
Helpful Resources:
You might have all the materials needed already, but if not, craft and hardware stores carry everything you will need. Otherwise, you can find links to all the materials mentioned below on Amazon.com:
16-gauge black aluminum wire (1.5 millimeter diameter)
18-gauge black aluminum wire (1 millimeter diameter)
C9 outdoor Christmas light 25-pack assorted colors
These little critters can also be found on Etsy if you don’t feel like making your own. You can also find great ideas and inspiration there even if you don’t want to buy them.