Have you ever noticed that cage light covers (especially the daintier ones) kinda-sorta resembles a birdcage? Well, as soon as I made that connection I decided to test my theory by upcycling one into bird cage decor for Spring.
If you remember my Light Cage Luminaria from my collection of repurposed Christmas projects, then you know I already have a collection of cage light covers.
So you could say that I’m about to repurpose an already repurposed project.
I used my “sturdier” versions for that Christmas project. But check out these lightbulb cages in comparison:
See what I mean, though? The daintiest of of them looks a little like a hot air balloon and, well, a bird cage! Maybe a bit of a stretch, but it was worth giving it a go. Besides, who doesn’t love bird decor around the house during the Spring months?
Since my Christmas luminaries were non-permanent, I simply removed the coil of sheet music, and prepped for Spring instead!
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Upcycling Some Cage Light Covers
To make this project, I took a very basic approach to converting my cage light covers into bird cage decor by simply creating a swinging “perch”.
First, I started off with heavy gauge jewelry wire, creating a flat edge for a mushroom bird to sit upon. I then took the ends of the wire and bent them over to create hooks.
I did this with my fingers but in retrospect, some round nose pliers like these would have made the hanging curves easier and smoother.
After I was satisfied with the perch shape, I took a small scrap of brown craft paper, and coiled it tightly. This would serve as the traditional “wooden” base of a bird swing or bird perch.
See where I’m going with this?
Next, using my hot glue gun, I dabbed a little glue on the perch bottom, wrapped the brown paper coil around it, and dabbed more hot glue at the paper edge to finish it off.
There- now my bird cage decor was going to have the perfect little bird perch.
Lastly, I then attached a little “mushroom bird” to the perch with my hot glue gun. Then, I carefully hung the perch from the top of the lightbulb cage!
Come on…how cute is that?? I just KNEW my lightbulb cage could be transformed into bird cage decor!
I’m such a sucker for bird decor during Spring and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone! Especially when it’s this adorable.
Bird Cage Decor from Cage Light Covers
To display my bird cage decor, I shredded some newsprint, crumpled it up, and placed everything on a thrifted vintage saucer.
The vintage plate had a nice cottage decor feel to it, but you could use a block of salvaged wood or even a tiny pie tin for a more rustic look.
I seriously think this DIY bird cage from a lightbulb cage is about as cute as it gets when it comes to Spring home decor. A little quirky and eclectic, true, but that’s my personality.
I was originally going to use sheet music, but decided that the newsprint was more accurate for a bird cage. At least, that’s what my grandmother used to line her finch cages back when I was a tot. But sheet music, raffia, or anything similar would work just fine!
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for bird cage decor, then you may also be interested in this bird nest decor that is PERFECT for Spring!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
What a darling idea! I have so many little bird figurines sitting around–they would love to have a home like this. 🙂
Oh MY GOODNESS this is stinking adorable!! I would love for you to hop over and join the party and share these!!! I am loving bird cages at the moment and I would love to have your brilliant creative mind around!
Hope to see you 🙂
Jess
Thanks, Jess! I’ll link these up on the March 30th party!!!
Very cool idea. I would love to do this!
Thanks so much, Brenda!
How cute is that! That’s just so adorable, and so simple. Industrial light cover and a pretty plate. Very clever! Going to have to keep an eye out for a light cover. Sharing!
Thank you, Linda!
Hey, it’s you again!! Love when I stumble on the same ones over and over again! It means you rock, right? this is way cute!!
Hahaha, I love it- and I hope so!! 😉
These are simply one of the most adorable crafts I’ve seen! Way to think outside of the box!
Eek! So cute! I have one just hanging around waiting for inspiration… I think I just found my inspiration!
Tania
tweeting adorable
You’re so creative, Sarah! This turned out really cute!
This is so adorable and such a clever idea. Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party. I’ll be sharing on Facebook tonight too:-)
Thank you, Betsy!! I always appreciate that. 😀
You are so creative! I absolutely love this creation! Thank you so much for sharing this on Making Memories Mondays! 🙂
Cathy
This is adorable! What a clever redo- am now on the lookout for these light covers 🙂
Wow, you are a visionary, what an adorable project!! Love birdie crafts!! Have a great week! ~Lorraine ♥♥♥
Thank you so much, Lorraine!
This is such a cute upcycle!
Thanks, Gilly!
Popping over from Totally Terrific Tuesday =) that is super sweet! I think I have the plates that you have your cage on… Be sure to share your recipes, crafts, upcycles & DIYs at Two Uses Tuesday (Mon 8pm EST to Fri 11pm EST) over at Sarah Celebrates if you don’t already!
Hi there! Stopping by from Making Memories Monday. This is so cute! You’re so creative!
Hi, saw you featured at the Vintage Inspiration party. Love this idea! Very creative. I have a link party, Share Your Cup Thursday. It’s about sharing the things that make you happy. I’d love it if you shared some time. It goes live Weds. at 4 MST.
hugs,
Jann
Oh I just LOVE these!!! How creative!! Awesome work!
Thank you so much, Danielle!
This is so awesome…I love it! What a clever idea, and it’s perfect for Spring! Thanks for sharing it at Totally Terrific Tuesday! #TTTParty!
Very sweet, cute and so adorable!!! Love them, brilliant idea!!!
Thank you so much!
Hi Sarah! These are so adorable! Such a cute idea! I am featuring your bird cages at On Display Thursday this week! Be sure to stop by and check it out. And thanks so much for linking up at On Display Thursday!
Thank you so much!
This is adorable. I am tempted to take my shop light apart.
Hahaha!!! I’m not sure I should encourage that, but I can understand why you might be giving it a little side eye with consideration. 😉
OMG, this is amazing. Wow, I love it. You are so creative.
Hugs,
Bev
Thanks, Bev!!
I love these! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY link up!
Thanks so much, Helen!
Seriously girl, only you would look at a light cage and see a bird house! Absolutely adorable idea. Pinned and sharing
Thank you so much!! Me and my weird brain. 😉
So beautiful! It’s amazing how you can look at something a thousand times and then one day you see it completely differently with new possibilities! I love this. Thank you so much for sharing with us at My Busy Beehive’s #beeparty this week. Pinned!
Thank you, Julie!
Not only are you creative you’re very funny! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us each week at Celebrate Your Story. Happy Easter!
Aww, thank you! I try…sometimes it works. 😉
SO incredibly adorable! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Heather!
Such a cute idea Sarah!
Thank you so very much, Pamela!
These are darling! What a clever idea. Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday this week!
Thank you so much, Emily!
So sweet! Now, I’ll be looking for industrial grungy light covers!
So cleaver! Great touch with the shredded paper on the bottom of the cage! Thanks for sharing on Funtastic Friday!
Thanks, Heidi!
Such a funtabulously gorgeous idea Sarah. I love the way you made the perch and saw the potential in the light fitting. Super creative
Thank you so much, Michelle! :*
So adorable and creative.. You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.
That is very clever. It turned out absolutely adorable.
Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday.
Thank you!!
This is absolutely genius Sarah! 🙂
I’d like to invite you to share this at the brand-new Farmhouse Friday link party which kicks off this Friday at 6:00 am PST! I am giving away a $50 Amazon gift certificate to celebrate, and I will also share your linkup on DIY Farmhouse Style Facebook group where I admin, which at this writing has over 130k members! 🙂
Hope to see you on Friday!
Michelle
The Painted Hinge
http://www.thepaintedhinge.com
Michelle!! Thank you so much for the invite and I’m adding the party to my linky calendar right now! Your FB group sounds great, too- I’m always looking for repurpose/upcycle projects to share on social media. Would you allow me to join? (If not, no worries- I know FB groups can get overcrowded) Thank you so much!
Seriously? I totally need to find a little tweeting bird toy and make this for my CATS! haha This is crazy adorable!
I’ve featured you in this weekend’s DIY Salvaged Junk Projects 375. Thanks for linking up! 🙂
Oh my gosh, can you imagine??? The kitty would lose their minds! And thank you so, so much!!!
Such a cute idea! I’ll have to start looking for some of those!
This is simply genius! 🙂 Thank you for linking it up at the Farmhouse Friday link party! Pinned and shared! 🙂
Thank you so much!