DIY Christmas Decorations on a Budget
With Christmas less than two weeks away, it’s safe to assume that you’ve already put up the majority of your Christmas decorations. We have too. But if you find yourself looking for some festive and inexpensive crafts that you can do with the whole family or by yourself on a chilly Sunday afternoon, we’ve got some DIY decoration ideas that will brighten up your home for the holidays. Many of these simple decorations can be made with things you may already have lying around the house.
Tomato Cage Christmas Tree
With gardening season being a ways away, this DIY tutorial will give you an opportunity to re-purpose some supplies that you may not be using. Here are the basic essentials you’ll need: 2 tomato cages, any light string you want (has to be able to wrap around the entire length of the cage), and a rubber band or elastic to secure the tips of the cage.
When the cages are assembled, turn them upside down and stack one on top of the other. This is so the lights and whatever else you choose to decorate the cage with will have a stronger foundation. Gather the loose ends of the cage and secure them with a strong rubber band to create the point of a Christmas tree.
Take your Christmas lights and begin wrapping them around the cages from the top down. You can hide the rubber band at the top of the cage by tightly wrapping the lights or by tying festive ribbon over it for an extra decorative touch.
Cupcake Liner Light Strings
For those of you who happen to have a few cupcake liners stashed away in the cupboard from the last time you baked, this easy DIY is perfect for you! All you need is a mini light string and cupcake liners. We think holiday colors or metallic silver would look great, but whatever you have in the house works too!
When we say this DIY is easy, we mean it. All you have to do is cut a small slit in the bottom of a cupcake liner and fit it over an individual bulb on the light string and you’re done! Repeat with as many bulbs as you want to cover on the string. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the bulb on the light string to gently punch through the liner. This decorative light string will look great lining a fireplace mantle or strung across your living room walls.
Glitter Covered Bulbs
If any of your outside Christmas lights have burned out, don’t throw them away! Instead, use them as an eye-catching decoration. For this DIY, you’ll need replacement Christmas light bulbs, glue, and glitter.
First, take the bulb by the base and use a paint brush that you don’t mind throwing away or your finger to apply the glue evenly over the surface of the bulb. Next, roll the bulb in glitter or sprinkle it on yourself. Try and wipe off any excess glitter to make sure that it’s evenly covering the bulb. Once the bulbs are dry, put all of them in a bowl to display or tie ribbon around the base and use them as Christmas ornaments for your tree!
Illuminated Canvas
This next DIY may require trip to the craft store, but the end product is worth it. Using Christmas lights and a canvas, you can create artwork that doubles as lighting for your room. Here’s what you’ll need: Canvas, white mini light strings, a pencil, an awl (a tool for poking holes in wood and leather), and glue.
First make marks on the back of the canvas with the pencil to get an idea of where you want the lights to poke through. Make sure the lights are at least half an inch apart. Then, using the awl, gently poke through the pencil markings. Once you’ve done that, place glue around each hole and poke the Christmas lights through. After you’re done, you can tape the lights down on the back of the canvas to make sure they stay. If you want to add a little more holiday spirit to the project, paint anything from snowflakes to the words “Merry Christmas” on the canvas.
Light String Wreath
If you’re looking to make a simple, minimalist wreath that will look great in your home, but could also withstand the outdoor elements, this DIY is for you. All you need is a basic wreath frame (these can be found at any craft store) and a string of outdoor Christmas lights, unless you only plan on hanging the wreath indoors. Try LED mini lights or a C6 LED light string. Begin wrapping the light strings around the frame as loosely or as tightly as you want. Just remember that you have to leave enough of the wire to reach an outlet if you aren’t able to use an extension cord.
Have any DIY holiday projects you’d like to share? Send us your pictures on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus! We’d love to see them!
Leapfrog Lighting Announces a Distribution Partnership with 1000Bulbs.com for its Line of Spec-Quality Light Bulbs
Ottawa—As of December 3, 2013, Leapfrog Lighting’s product line will give 1000Bulbs.com customers a quality spec-quality lamp choice—bulbs traditionally specified by lighting designers, architects, retailers and galleries.
“Leapfrog Lighting fills that special need, for customers who require the most consistent quality, such as lighting designers and architects,” explained Jeremy Foster, Director of Marketing at 1000Bulbs.com. “We’re pleased to be able to provide our customers with a premium spec-quality line of lamps. We were impressed with the level of testing and quality control at Leapfrog Lighting.”
“We are excited about our new relationship with 1000Bulbs.com,” said Stephen Naor, CEO at Leapfrog Lighting. “1000Bulbs.com is nationally recognized for customer service and product. Its client base covers nearly every application category in lighting.”
Many users—beyond the professional designers and architects—demand the total light quality of spec-quality lamps. At a time when the lighting industry is discussing adding color rendering standards to LED lamp certification, Leapfrog Lighting goes beyond this standard to include testing for optical performance, color consistency and glare factors.
“We recognized that Leapfrog Lighting lamps have a slightly higher price for LED bulbs, but we decided to work with Leapfrog when we considered the overall quality, particularly for spec applications.” said Mr. Foster of 1000Bulbs.com
Leapfrog Lighting’s Mr. Naor explained that lighting is a major factor in the enjoyment of life and productivity of environment. In retail and commercial environments, the value of low-glare, even light distribution and consistent color are all equally important to workplace productivity, morale and satisfaction. “Leapfrog Lighting’s mission—our entire focus as a company—is to provide the most uncompromising performing LED lamps for commercial, industrial and retail applications,” said Mr. Naor.
The current Leapfrog Lighting product line, carried by 1000Bulbs.com, includes PAR20, PAR30, PAR38 and MR16 lamps that provide industry-leading output power through high-efficiency LED source and driver electronics. The innovative lens design creates a pleasing, glare-free light suitable for use in all indoor and unexposed outdoor down-lighting applications. The lamps also deliver the high CRI and ultra-consistent color temperature control critical to multi-lamp applications in hotels, restaurants, schools, office buildings, museums, galleries, retail operations and other public spaces. With a life expectancy of 40,000 operating hours, these UL-registered lamps will provide more than 27 years of service at 4 hours per day.
About 1000Bulbs.com:
1000Bulbs.com is an award-winning Internet-based lighting retailer. The company offers everything from simple, household light bulbs to cutting-edge specialty lighting systems. Nationally recognized for growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction, 1000Bulbs.com is an influential force in the lighting industry. Follow @1000Bulbs on Twitter for the latest company announcements.
About Leapfrog Lighting:
Leapfrog Lighting, is best known for specialized commercial-application LED light bulbs, for applications where consistent quality is important, such as: retail and display, interior and architectural design applications, industry and commercial space, facility management, hospitals, galleries and museums. Follow @LeapfrogL on Twitter for the latest company announcements.
LED Market Background:
LED lamps are expected to achieve 25.8% market share in 2013 according to Digitimes research in “Trends in LED lighting market.” (http://www.digitimes.com/Reports/Report.asp?datepublish=2012/2/13&pages=RS&seq=400&read=toc) Many industry insiders, according to GreenTech Efficiency (http://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/The-Path-to-an-80-Percent-Market-Share-for-LED-Lights), believe an 80% market share is feasible by 2020
1000Bulbs.com Launches Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals Early
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday quickly approaching, shoppers are already browsing the Internet for quality products at drastically lowered prices. Internet lighting retailer 1000Bulbs.com will be offering light bulbs, automotive headlights, Christmas decorations, and more at discounted prices starting on Tuesday, November 26, 2013. All deals will be extending through Cyber Monday, December 2, 2013.
For shoppers looking to find high-quality lighting for a fraction of the original cost, 1000Bulbs.com is having Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials on a selection of LED and halogen light bulbs. For the price of $4.49, 1000Bulbs.com will be selling the ETi Foreva A19 LED bulb which uses 8.5 watts, the equivalent of a 50 watt incandescent bulb to produce warm white light. Additionally, the ETi 5-watt A19 LED bulb will be on sale for $2.99. With a light output that matches 60-watt and 40-watt incandescent bulbs, the energy-saving ETi LED light bulbs are ideal for residential lighting applications such as table and desk lamps. The standard A19 shape of the ETi LED bulbs allow them to easily replace incandescent bulbs currently in household fixtures, saving customers money on their electric bills with their lower wattage consumption and impressive lifespan of 30,000 hours.
In time for Christmas, prices on select holiday lights and decorations have also been lowered. Starting at $6.90 each, these safe Flameless LED Wax Pillar Candles can be bought for 25 percent off their original price using the coupon code “CANDLE25″. 
For customers wanting to light commercial spaces, a selection of Philips PAR20 and PAR30 halogen bulbs will be discounted as well. Originally $2.99, the Philips 50-watt PAR20 halogen spot light will be available for $1.99. With a rating of 3,000 life hours, this long-lasting halogen bulb is ideal for a number of applications, including office, retail, and display lighting.
Just in time for Christmas, prices on select holiday lights and decorations have also been lowered. Among the holiday decorations on sale are flameless LED wax pillar candles. Sold in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles, the soft, glowing flicker flame of these candles will create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Starting at just $6.90 each, these safe, flameless candles can be bought for 25 percent off their original price using the coupon code “CANDLE25”. To keep these battery-powered LED candles lit, Rayovac AA batteries can also be purchased for only 25 cents each.
To see all of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals offered from 1000Bulbs.com, visit: http://www.1000bulbs.com/blackfriday
About 1000Bulbs.com: 1000Bulbs.com is an award-winning Internet-based lighting retailer. The company offers everything from simple, household light bulbs to cutting-edge specialty lighting systems. Nationally recognized for growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction, 1000Bulbs.com is an influential force in the lighting industry.
Feel free to leave a comment or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus!
Contact:
Paul Coppage
1000Bulbs.com
972-288-2277 Ext: 157
pcoppage(at)1000bulbs(dot)com
Watts for Dessert? A Look at Edible Lighting Technologies
Everyone has heard the adage “my dog ate my homework.” Educators would say this is an excruciatingly poor excuse for not doing homework. However, “my dog ate my lamp, so I couldn’t do my homework” may soon become a legitimate excuse.
Thanks to some incredibly creative artists, the lighting world has a new addition, edible lamps. A sweet treat and good for the environment, these lamps definitely bring a new, distinctive quality to lighting.
Lumière au Chocolat
Lumière au Chocolat
Delicious, scrumptious, and delectable, all words to define a lamp. What’s so tasty about a lamp? The idea that it is made of chocolate is a start. A Swedish designer by the name of Alexander Lervik worked with LED specialists from Saas Instruments to create the Lumière au Chocolat (Chocolate Lamp), which was on display at the Stockholm Furniture Fair. Influenced by the concept of polar nights, the lamp, as solid trapezoid of chocolate, is completely dark when turned on. As the heat from an incandescent bulb hits the chocolate, it starts to form holes, allowing more light to pass through. Once the chocolate thoroughly melts down, it slowly forms back into solid pieces for a delectable treat. Perhaps this lamp isn’t ideal for homework; it could be a wonderful addition to a restaurant’s dessert menu.
BITE ME
BITE ME LED desk lamp
Not a chocolate fan? No worries! New York based designer Victor Vetterlein’s BITE ME bioplastic LED desk lamp is made from natural, non-toxic ingredients including agar (a gelatin formed from sea algae), flavoring, food coloring, purified water, and vegetable glycerin. Coming in flavors of apple, blueberry, orange, and cherry, this lamp resembles a fruit roll-up with the solidity of plastic. The lamp includes an LED circuit board with an adhesive strip to be placed on the underside of the lamp and two power cords, one to be connected to a low voltage power converter and the other to a USB port. Once the lamp becomes a terrible bore, toss it in your backyard as compost or eat it, of course. Simply wash the lamp with organic soap and warm water and soak it in water for an hour; it will soften and have the consistency and taste of a fruit snack.
Time to Eat
Roald Dahl would be proud; we’ve gotten a step closer to Willy Wonka’s “world of pure imagination.” While we haven’t quite gotten to the full-fledged chocolate waterfall or 3-course meal gum, we do have edible lamps. Interested in one of the two, or both? Unfortunately for all of us, these lamps are not currently for sale, but we’ll be standing in line next to you when they are.
What do you think about edible lamps? Leave us a comment or visit us on Facebook, Google Plus, or Twitter!
read moreLighting Law: Chrome Yellow Paint vs. LED Bulbs
Portrait of Gauguin
The plaintiff, 125-year old chrome yellow paint, claims the defendant, 90-year old LED lighting, is darkening its bright, beautiful color. The discovery was first announced in November of 2012 when a team of scientists ran some tests using LED lighting against chrome yellow paint, specifically from Van Gogh’s work, Portrait of Gauguin. As Post-Impressionist works are featured in museums today, they need to be featured in a light that enhances their best attributes. Essentially, LEDs are best way to enhance the color and the focal points of the pieces; they do not contain infrared or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, could it be possible they are damaging works of art from some of the great masters?
The Plaintiff: Chrome Yellow Paint
To Post-Impressionist artists, like Vincent Van Gogh, color was an important feature in their art. They believed in contrast, making bright colors pop while enhancing the subtlety of dark colors. The chrome pigment, at that time, was popular as it created bold, bright colors. Discovered in 1797, chrome yellow pigment came from the mineral crocoite, lead chromate. It was used in the 1800s, but on a strict basis; the pigment would oxidize and darken over a period of time after being exposed to air. Naturally, the fact that the paint contained lead did not allow for a great reception either, leading to its early demise.
The Defendant: LED Bulbs
We praise LED bulbs; they are efficient, economical, and most of all, safe. They are frequently used in art museums, as the crisp, white light allows colors to pop. LEDs do not emit harmful UV rays, eliminating the risk of color degradation, nor do they emit heat from infrared radiation, removing the possibility of damage; nevertheless, it appears the bulbs seem to be slowly dulling the chrome yellow in these works.
The Surprise Confession: Xenon Bulbs
Breaking news in the courtroom! Upon further investigation, it has come to light that xenon bulbs were the culprit of this heinous crime; xenon bulbs do create heat as well as emit UV rays. While they make for bright, white light, these characteristics of xenon bulbs are not a pleasant companion for the chrome yellow paint featured in Post-Impressionist paintings. These traits do, in fact, speed up the oxidation process of the paint, thus causing the discoloration of the paintings. While some xenon bulbs have UV protection, a small amount of UV rays will still pass through.
Case Dismissed
While LED bulbs caught a bad rap for a short time, they escaped the guillotine of the lighting world. These green, energy efficient bulbs will continue to light the way for our world and our museums. Unfortunately, chrome yellow paint is destined to continue to oxidize, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy the beauty of in these masterpieces. Imagine how beautiful and bright it was when it was first used.
Comments or questions about LED lighting in a gallery? Let us know! Visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or Google Plus!
read more
