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​Are you decorating on a budget or looking for an eco-friendlier option for lighting your home? Try these DIY projects to create one-of-a-kind light fixtures by repurposing everyday objects.

Bowl Pendant Light

Whether hanging over your kitchen island or welcoming guests in your entryway, pendant lights are becoming a staple in home décor. High-end fixtures can run upwards of $500, but what if you could get the same stylish design without stretching your budget?

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​What you'll need

  • Decorative plastic bowl
  • Electric mount
  • LED lightbulb
  • Drill
  • Hole saw

​How to do it

  1. Using a hole saw, make a hole in the bottom of the bowl that's the same diameter as the electric mount
  2. Attach the electric mount, using a drill to secure the screws in place
  3. Screw in an LED light bulb and your pendant light is ready to be hung!

Note: Only use LED bulbs for this project as they don't emit heat. Other types of lightbulbs may create a fire hazard. We encourage you to use the right safety materials and measures, please consult a professional if needed. 

DIY Lamp Facelift

Is your table lamp looking a little outdated? Bring it back to life with a coat of spray paint and a new lamp shade.

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​What you'll need

  • Lamp base
  • Metal spray paint primer
  • Spray paint (your colour and finish of choice)
  • Latex gloves
  • Super glue
  • Painter's tape
  • Cardboard

​How to do it

  1. Gently wipe down the lamp base with a damp cloth and let dry
  2. Cover the electrical attachment and cords using the painters tape to protect them from the spray paint
  3. Put on a pair of latex gloves and choose a safe space outdoors to spray paint your lamp base on a piece of cardboard.
  4. Prime your lamp base using the metal primer; be sure to go slowly and avoid letting the paint pool or drip. Once the base is completely dry, repeat this step with the paint.

    If one coat of the paint doesn't completely cover the base, add a second coat once the first has dried.
  5. When your base is dry to the touch, it's time to remove the painters tape and attach the lampshade. Your once-drab lamp will be unrecognizable!

​Glowing Outdoor Orbs

Spring is right around the corner and soon you'll be getting your backyard ready for warmer weather. Try this easy DIY to reuse old glass shades and add some ambiance to your outdoor space.

 

​What you'll need

  • Opaque glass shades
  • LED battery-operated string lights

​How to do it

  1. Use a damp cloth to wipe clean the glass shades
  2. Put the string lights inside of the glass shades. They don't need to be arranged and will give off a better glow if not tightly coiled.
  3. Turn on the string lights and place the shades outside in your garden, flower box or on a ledge. Be sure to place them with the opening faced down.
  4. Spend your summer evenings enjoying your new landscape lighting!  
Sources: HGTV, DIY Network, Preciously Me, The Art of Doing Stuff

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