DIY Light Bulb Hot Air Balloons

DIY Light Bulb Hot Air Balloons

Posted by DecoArt on Apr 5th 2016

Repurpose light bulbs into high-flying accents using Americana® Frost Gloss Enamels™.

SUPPLIES

    • water container
    • palette or plastic plate
    • paper towels
    • rubbing alcohol
    • hot glue gun and glue sticks
    • cosmetic sponge
    • 3/8" flat brush
    • twine
    • jewelry piece
    • E6000 Glue
    • light bulbs
    • bottle

    INSTRUCTIONS

    NOTES:

    Place the end of the bulb into a bottle while you paint and leave it there to dry.

    1. Clean the light bulbs using rubbing alcohol and a paper towel.
    2. Instruction #1
    3. Use the Glass Paint Markers to plan your design. (See the attached pattern for design ideas.)
    4. Instruction #2
    5. Draw the desired lines and let the paint dry completely.
    6. Instruction #3
    7. To make the smallest hot air balloon, start with a white frosted light bulb. Draw the lines with a Glass Paint Marker using Pattern A as a guide. Use Black Leading or Americana 3D Frost Glass Enamels to trace the drawn lines. Let the paint dry completely.
    8. Instruction #4
    9. To make the round white and pink hot air balloons, start with clear light bulbs. Use a White Glass Paint Marker to draw the lines, following Patterns C and D. Trace the lines with White 3D Frost Glass Enamels. Use a pouncer and Crystal Gloss Enamels Glitter to add color to the clear bulbs. Let each application dry before adding another thin layer of paint. Continue adding layers of paint until you achieve the desired color.
    10. Instruction #5
    11. To make the large hot air balloon, draw the lines as indicated in Pattern B and trace them with Turquoise 3D Frost Glass Enamels. Let dry. When the painted lines have dried, add color to each top section by brushing on 3D Frost Glass Enamel Paint. Use a pouncer to add Turquoise Frost Gloss Enamel to alternating sections on the sides.
    12. Instruction #6
    13. To hang the lightbulbs, open a bead end cap and flatten it. Use E6000 Glue to attach the end cap to the top of the bulb. Repeat with each of the bulbs.
    14. Instruction #7
    15. Hot glue a piece of twine to the metal end of the bulb. Continue wrapping and gluing the twine to create the balloon's basket.
    16. Instruction #8

    DOWNLOADS

    Hot Air Balloons Pattern