Mt. Rainier and Lenticular Clouds - Dec. 2008 copyright: JMM

September 8, 2013

Light Bulb Hot Air Balloons

I saw this one floating (ha! see what I did there?) around the interwebs, on FB and Pinterest and I just love how these repurposed hot air balloons look.  I didn't look up any tutorials or links because it looks pretty straightforward.  However, I did notice that these look like they have actual metalwork welded or soldered on.  I also realized that, without some kind of glass cutter, I would never get the bottom off without shattering the glass and lightbulb glass is damn sharp.  I definitely didn't want to slice open an artery either.


I put this idea on the back burner and then I spied lightbulb shaped jars at AC Moore crafts!!!!  The project ended up getting moved to the front of the line.  I bought 2 large and 2 small jars.  This first one is done with one of the large jars.  

I used E6000 glue to attach chain on 4 sides, then used silver glitter puff paint to make the designs and swags.  After it dried, I stuck crystals on it.

I covered the metal screw with celestial fabric and a different chain around the top, then glued the hanging chain inside to make the gondola.

Then I worked on a small sized jar.  Again, I glued on some chain, then used silver puff paint to make the outline designs.  After it dried, I filled in the squares with glass paint.

The screw top was way too big for a gondola and a bottle cap was too small.  One of my friends suggested a thimble!  Brilliant!!!


I have 2 more jars to decorate!!

Total Win!!!

16 comments:

  1. Your creativity is astounding. I'm seriously impressed. You had a lightbulb moment and it certainly didn't leave me up in the air.

    A peaceful Sunday to you, JoJo.

    Gary :)

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  2. They look amazing, what a clever idea!

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  3. OKAY --- LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE these balloons!!! These are amazing. I love the examples - but your pieces from the jars are spectacular!!!!!

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  4. What a cute idea! I love the little thimble and cloth gondolas. Very sweet!

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  5. These are amazing. Is it wrong that I really want someone to make working light bulbs that pretty?

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  6. Wow, Jojo! Your little balloons look so beautiful! Really liked how you decorated them. Well, those jars are adorable!

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  7. Hi JoJo .. you have amazing craftmanship ... aren't they beautiful and what a fun idea - I'm so pleased you were able to find bulb-like glass .. and how clever with the gondolas ..

    Brilliant .. cheers Hilary and I agree with Teresa .. but now we've got these horrid low-light things ... but pretty clear glass ones would be soooo beautiful!

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  8. Awesome JoJo! What a great idea - love that you found a safe alternative to cutting open a lightbulb; I would be wary of that too. Yours are really lovely!

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  9. Thanks everyone! I still have 2 more jars to do, too. A lot of you guys are more artistically gifted than I am...Maureen I'd love to see what you do with this craft.

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  10. Anonymous12:44 PM

    As ever, you are endlessly inventive (and patient!)

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  11. I don't think they are soldered, it looks like Gutta to me - the outline stuff you use for glass painting. I was wondering how to cut the bottom off too, you couldn't do it with a standard glass cutter. Yours look really cute.

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  12. Impressive. I really love how these turned out. You have the patience of a saint JoJo. Seriously!! Love the all color one best. ♥

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  13. Impressive. I really love how these turned out. You have the patience of a saint JoJo. Seriously!! Love the all color one best. ♥

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  14. Those are awesome! The colors and designs are perfect. That is co cool that you found light bulb shaped jars so you don't have to cut any glass, brilliant.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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    Replies
    1. I was pretty surprised when I walked by the aisle and they caught my eye....I think I even said out loud, 'oh my god no way!" lol

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