Globe Pendant Light

With my profession old globes are very easy to find.  This particular globe still had the USSR labeled proudly,  so I didn't feel badly cutting it in half.  This is a project I've wanted to do for a while, and yesterday finally felt like a good time to do it. 

The first thing I needed to do was remove the tape at the equator.  This came off very easily for me, possibly because it was an older globe.

 

 

Then I used a utilty knife to cut the globe in half.  I went around and around and around the equator and it looked like I was going to have to keep circling the globe for a while. 

 

 

Then fate stepped in and I accidentally dropped the globe on the floor.  When I picked it up I noticed the two hemispheres were beginning to pull apart.  I pryed a little more and the two pieces came apart relatively easily. There is a thick piece of cardboard still attached to the Northern Hemisphere, so if I hadn't dropped the globe I might still be trying to cut through the equator.

 

 

The next step was to cut a circular hole in the top of the globe so I could insert the light kit.  I used a utility knife to cut the hole.  I scored the cardboard and eventually a piece pulled up.  Underneath was a circular metal piece that was easily removed.

 

I kept scoring the cardboard until I was able to cut through the cardboard.

Then all I had to do was insert the light kit and hang my globe.  Originally I made it to sell on my etsy page, but I like the way it looks hanging in my living room, so we'll have to see...

 

On the picture below you can see the thick piece of cardboard still attached.  I may use a piece of pom-pom fringe on the bottom to disguise it.

 



 

 

Update on my etsy page:  So far I haven't sold anything, but I check every day and keep my fingers crossed.  Yes, it would be so great to sell some of my treasures, but the real joy for me is in the creating.  I have a few more items to add.  Maybe next week...

 



Colored Glass

I am really excited to share this fun project with you.  Did you know you can dye glass to make it look one-of-a-kind?  I originally saw the idea on this blog.  Right away I knew this was something I had to try.  For some odd reason I can not get rid of glass jars.  I have them stashed under the sink, in the basement, and in the pantry.  It's like a sickness with me.  Now I have something to do with all those glass jars.

 

You can use any glass container.  I've used vases, old candle jars, and jelly jars.

To start the process, make a mixture of mod-podge, water, and food coloring. I made a batch of about 3 Tbsp. of mod-podge and 1/2 tsp. of water.  You can play around with ratio of mod-podge to water as well as the colors.  This is not a science, so just have fun with it.  Then I just kept adding food coloring until I got the color I wanted.

Coat the inside of each container with the mod-podge mixture and set them upside down to make sure any excess liquid drains out.  I used muffin tins covered in a paper towel.

 After about an hour or so, set the containers upright and place them in an oven that has been preheated at 225 degrees.  Depending on the size and shape of the container it will take about 45 minutes to an hour for the magic to happen.

 The finished project looks vintage and beautiful, don't you think?  Now, go out there and dye some glass for yourself!