Upcycled Lighting - 2 Ways!

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Welcome back! Today I have 2 fun ways to create unique upcycled lighting and I want to share them with you.    

It's the 'Do It Over' Designers Blog Hop and this time, the theme is 'Lighting'. I've asked the team to create something using lighting-related objects including everything from lightbulbs and lampshades, to chandeliers and things you'd never expect to be a light.  
But there's a twist.  
The projects created do not have to be a light!  Join me in seeing what everyone created, won't you?  The links will be listed at the end of this post.

Project Number 1: 
It all began when I found this sweet vintage glass globe at my local antique/vintage/salvage store.
As you can see, it's not even 5" tall but I had big plans for it! 
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Three more items were needed to complete this little project:
  1. Copper tape
  2. Copper wire
  3. Solar light
The first step was to remove the stake from the solar light and wrap the top with the copper tape.
The solar light fit nicely into the top of the glass globe, but there was still a small gap.
A piece of copper wire took care of that little flaw in no time!
I charged the solar light outside because I just couldn't wait to see how it looked lit-up.  I was not disappointed!
I just love the little flower detail at the bottom!
Since I wanted to hang this light, some copper wire was wrapped around it leaving a little dimple on each side.
This left enough space to add another piece of copper wire to be used as a hanger.
Here you can see both sides:
The wire was curled.
I took it outside...
...and waited for dark.
I just love that soft warm glow!

Project Number 2:
This is the project for you if you like quick and easy with minimal supplies!  

Did I pique your curiosity?

Start with a bottle of your choice.  I tend to be a bit indecisive at times, so I gave it a go with two different bottles.
They've both been sitting around for a while and I love the shape of the one on the right.
The first step was to remove the labels.
Some peeled off easily, others, not so much.  I grabbed the peanut butter and that took care of them along with any sticky residue.
I ordered this bottle light shade.  It's rechargeable and has three levels of brightness.

All you do is place it on the top of your bottle.  The silicone connector holds it securely.
Here it is on the other bottle:
Two different looks!
When it starts to get dark, tap the top for light.
No, I didn't change the bottle light shade.  It started to get dark and the shade looked black in photos.

DIY projects do not get any easier than this and the best part is you can have a light anywhere you like since you don't have to plug it in!

Tell me, which one is your favorite?


Before you run off, don't forget this is a blog hop and the rest of the team has some amazing upcycle/recycle/did-it-over lighting projects to share with you.  The links are all listed below:

Comments

  1. Sara AllenJuly 26, 2025 at 8:26 AM

    Both projects are amazing Ann but my favourite is the first project because it has such a vintage vibe, I love the copper accents and is totally unexpected as an outdoor light.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 26, 2025 at 2:15 PM

      I love vintage, too and I fell in love with that little glass globe as soon as I saw it.  I think it was the little painted flower!

      Delete
  2. Vintage Style GalJuly 26, 2025 at 8:32 AM

    Oh my, this is a hard decision Ann. Okay, so I kind of fell in love with that darling hand painted flower right away. So clever, I bet you cannot wait to hang this at your new house. I imagine a tree full of those, the copper wire was genius to add. I did not know you could purchase lampshades that go over bottles. What a great idea! I find so many beautiful bottles, this thought never came to me though, so creative! I think I need to be on the lookout for a bottle now. Great ideas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 26, 2025 at 2:19 PM

      It IS a hard decision! I think they both have their merits and it depends on how much DIY you want to do.

      Delete
  3. Kim July 26, 2025 at 8:37 AM

    Don't you just love those bottle top lampshades? I am addicted, as well. They're so fun and turn any bottle into a lamp in minutes. That's my favorite kind of makeover...and that sweet flower on the glass globe? I am swooning over here. Just darling!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 26, 2025 at 2:20 PM

      I certainly do love them, Kim!  The little flower got me too...I think it's hand-painted.

      Delete
  4. Gail @Purple Hues and MeJuly 26, 2025 at 8:42 AM

    You never cease to amaze me with your "quick to do over" projects, Ann! Both are so cool and marvelous! While I do love the first adorable lighting, I was completely blown over with your second piece. I had never seen a bottle lamp shade before. Imagine all the ways you can use this! So extraordinary!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM

      I know!  This bottle lamp shade is the best - IMHO. The silicone connector holds it so well!

      Delete
  5. Patti @ Pandoras BoxJuly 26, 2025 at 9:22 AM

    What a sweet vintage lamp you have created! I also like the second project as I have never seen those bottle lamp shades! Great inspiration here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 26, 2025 at 2:26 PM

      Thank you, Patti.  They are two very different projects - depending on where you want your lighting and how much work you want to do.  The beauty part of the bottle lamp shade is it's SO easy!

      Delete
  6. Anita HollandJuly 26, 2025 at 7:54 PM

    Both lights are awesome I have learnt something new from both. I already have copper tape and a rechargeable lamp shade in my shopping basket. Your projects have opened up so many new ideas for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 27, 2025 at 8:23 AM

      Thank you so much, Anita.  I'm so glad to hear that I've inspired you!

      Delete
  7. Sum of their StoriesJuly 27, 2025 at 9:32 AM

    I've not seen a bottle top lampshade, what a fab find. And taking of fab finds, that little shade is just adorable. I love how you gave it a whole new life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 28, 2025 at 8:34 AM

      Thank you so much, Julie.  Bottle Lamp Shades are a game changer!

      Delete
  8. mireilleJuly 29, 2025 at 2:27 PM

    Both of these are great simple diy that everyone could make. I really like the idea of having one outside.
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 29, 2025 at 10:26 PM

      I like having them outside too...the advantage of not needing to plug them in!

      Delete
  9. Joanne July 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM

    These are both so fabulous but I really LOVE that first one so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 29, 2025 at 10:28 PM

      Thank you, Joanne.  That painted flower caught my eye as soon as I saw it!

      Delete
  10. Sandi MagleJuly 30, 2025 at 12:29 PM

    Wow, this wins my 'IDEA of the YEAR'...super cool idea, and yes, I'm sure you could 'light up' just about anything this way. I think I will snag some of these types of lights and make a few Christmas presents,....Love it, Sandi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnJuly 30, 2025 at 7:50 PM

      Thank you so much, Sandi.   I'm so glad I've shared these lights...so many have said they've never heard of them!

      Delete
  11. CatAugust 1, 2025 at 4:05 AM

    The first one is such a cute little lamp! It looks beautiful lit up, such a soft light and the flowers are the icing on the cake.

    Visiting from Weekend Traffic Jam

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 1, 2025 at 3:33 PM

      Those little flowers were the first thing to catch my eye - I'm so glad you like them as much as I do, Cat!

      Delete
  12. JeanneAugust 1, 2025 at 10:24 PM

    Great project! I like the lighting not needing a power cord. The outdoor solar power one gives me ideas!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 2, 2025 at 7:30 PM

      Thank you so much.  I love it when I give people ideas!

      Delete
  13. TarahlynnAugust 4, 2025 at 10:37 AM

    Thanks for sharing with us, I'm featuring you this week when the next To Grandma's house we go link party starts!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beth WatsonAugust 4, 2025 at 3:25 PM

    Ann such a brilliant idea for both lamps! I love the hanging one made from the glass shade! Thanks for sharing! Creatively, Beth

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousAugust 6, 2025 at 7:42 AM

    Ann,
    Love both these projects but the first one really made my heart sing!! LOL! Such a pretty shade...Thanks so much for sharing!! Love it!!
    Hugs,
    Deb
    Debbie-Dabble Blog

    ReplyDelete
  16. Cindy@CountyRoad407August 6, 2025 at 1:44 PM

    I love this so much and can hardly wait to find a vintage glass globe! Thank you for sharing it with us on Farmhouse Friday. I'll be featuring it this week. pinned

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 7, 2025 at 11:05 AM

      Thank you, Cindy.  I think I need to find more of them!

      Delete
  17. SlabsAugust 6, 2025 at 4:53 PM

    Absolutely Amazing, love the soft glow! Spectacular
    Thank you for linking to HIH 596. See you again! Did you know, you can also link up with https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 7, 2025 at 11:06 AM

      Thank you.  I agree, that soft glow is just perfect.

      Delete
  18. Funky Junk InteriorsAugust 8, 2025 at 5:27 PM

    LOVE your lighting ideas, especially the sweet vintage globe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 11, 2025 at 8:21 AM

      Thank you so much.  It really is a favorite!

      Delete
  19. Julie BrionesAugust 10, 2025 at 7:53 PM

    Well, I was hoping we would get to see that at Tuesday Turn About this week! Hope to see it next week... it's a lovely and unique upcycle!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnnAugust 11, 2025 at 8:20 AM

      Aww, thank you, Julie.  We moved last week so everything's a bit of a blur!  I'll be sure to stop by this week.

      Delete
  20. Tuula @ Color Me ThriftyAugust 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM

    Super easy and fun upcycling ideas. I especially love the first one. That sweet globe looks so pretty lit up!

    ReplyDelete

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