How to make your own globe light

The first globe was not like the ones we know today. It was made in 140 BC by Crates of Mallus. As his knowledge of the world did not include such details as Australia, China, or the Americas, it must have been sketchy indeed though round. The globes today are more accurate and readily available. One drawback is that they are ever-changing, thanks to the addition of new countries. Rather than throw these out-of-date globes away, make your own floating globe light and add interest and illumination to your home.

Remove the globe from the stand

The first step in making a globe light is removing the globe from its stand. Use a serrated knife to cut around the bottom axis of the globe, thus freeing it from its stand. Choose a latitude line as your guide, and make a second, cleaner cut above the first. Try to be as neat as possible. A large globe will work best for this project.

Cut the top of the globe

Hold the light socket for a pendant light (available at most hardware stores) against the top globe. Trace around it with a pen, then cut along that line with your serrated knife. Make a smaller hole to accommodate the light cord.

Paint the globe's interior

Wrap the outside of the globe with newspaper, leaving only the bottom of the globe open. Secure the newspaper with a painter's tape. Prime the inside of the globe with spray primer paint. Once the primer has dried, spray the interior with white paint. Let it dry before continuing. Cover the white paint with a glassy finish. You may have to apply two coats.

Finish the bottom of the globe

Remove the newspaper when the paint is dry. Adhere bias tape around the bottom edges of the globe with hot glue. Take your time with this step because you want to make sure that the tape is as straight as possible. As the globe will be hung overhead, this will be a detail that is noticeable.

Install the light

Insert the pendant light socket into the top of the globe and secure it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pick the light bulb of your choice, whether it is an eco-light bulb, decorative light bulbs or an LED bulb. 100 watt bulbs would be too bright and hot for this project. Hang the globe lamp from the location of your choice and enjoy!