Upcycle a cardboard world globe into a unique and useful upcycled globe light, cloche, pedestal bowl and paper towel stand, to add charm and creativity to any space!

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I’ve always admired the look of upcycled globe projects! There’s just something about the map graphics that make me dream of grand worldly travel. Or the study geography vibe it gives.

So when I was recently challenged to upcycle an old world globe, I was all over it for the blog and saved these ideas especially for this event!

Today I’m joining a few of my creative friends where we share a brand new thrift store flip! So here’s my project, then below are the rest!

While this isn’t a new DIY project to the world, it is a first for me. However, I couldn’t stop at just one idea… so I kept going! So you’re about to get extra mileage from your visit this round, because I made 4 super cool projects with it!

Ready to see the quirky ideas I made with an upcycled globe? Cool! Let’s start with preparing it first, then onto each individual upcycled globe project! Here’s what I did…

DIY Upcycled Globe Light, Cloche, Pedestal Bowl and Paper Towel Stand

Supplies I used:

Neutral cardboard world globe

Screwdriver with straight tip

Black spray paint

Thick twine

Wood knob

Grapevine garland

Hot glue

Bosch cordless drill

Thin black chain with hook on end

Plug in light cord

Dimmable light bulb that doesn’t get hot

Dimmable extension cord

Tall candle pedestal base

Selecting the right globe.

1. Select a cardboard globe with colours that will compliment your home.

I loved this world globe with the ivory backdrop and somewhat pastel shaded continents. You can easily find cardboard globes in thrift stores, however I did land mine on Facebook Marketplace in great shape and for only $10!

How to take a cardboard globe apart

2. Separate the stand from the globe by gently pulling up and away from the top of the stand.

My first attempt was to try and take the top of the stand apart, but there was no need! Using a little force, I bent the stand slightly up and away from the globe to separate the two. I feel like such a globe expert now.

3. Pry apart the globe along the middle join using a dull screwdriver tip.

Since my globe was cardboard, I had NO idea if it would come apart easily. But it separated very cleanly!

I wedged a screwdriver tip into the middle join, then gently turned the tip back and forth while working around the globe perimeter, giving it plenty of time to open slowly so it didn’t tear.

Now you’ll have two globe halves and the stand. So let’s make some cool stuff!

1. Upcycled globe pedestal bowl

4. Select a base that would work as a stand.

I reached for a wooden candlestick pedestal I had in my stash.

5. Choose the globe half that will have the map positioned upright when you place the rounded side down.

6. Position the globe half on top of the pedestal, then screw them together from the inside of the globe. It’s that easy!

7. Embellish the rim with something to hide the cardboard edges.

For this project, I hot glued some grapevine garland around the entire edge. Love how the grapevine garland tied in with the wood candle holder!

8. Fill the upcycled globe pedestal bowl with whatever you wish!

I filled it with with faux plants, creating a planter look of sorts!

But the sky’s the limit… here’s a few other ways to use it:

line bowl then serve dinner rolls or other food
quirky toilet paper holder
bagged treats
leftover Halloween candy
entryway keys

The pedestal gives it a nice height that makes it stand out and look a little more prominent and special! It also looked cute as a centerpiece on my kitchen island. But I also love it on this dresser!

Onto the next!

2. Upcycled globe pendant light

This light project is my absolute favorite, as it’s super useful and stylish to boot!

1. Choose the side of the globe with the upright map when you position the open side down.

2. Hot glue heavy twine around the entire perimeter to hide the cardboard edge.

Using a wood lazy susan helps make this part easy!

Cutting a plug-sized hole

3. Reaching for a plug in light cord, measure the size of the plug along the top of the globe, then cut the shape out with a heavy duty exacto knife.

If your globe has a metal bracket underneath, gently pry it out with a screwdriver.

Then slip the plug through the hole from the inside of the globe. Cover the cut hole with some glued on twine if desired.

4. Spray the globe stand with black spray paint.

My stand needed two coats.

Preparing the globe stand

5. Drill two holes on the left and right side of the globe stand.

6. Insert two long screws into each hole, then screw it into position on a wall, leaving plenty of room for a pendant light to hang down.

7. Wrap the light cord around the stand until you get your desired look and height! Then screw in a light bulb that doesn’t get hot.

Isn’t that just the coolest pendant light in the land?!

Upcycled globe pendant light in an office

I installed the upcycled globe light in my office for an added quirky vibe. It’s one of the best lights I’ve ever had!

But I got a little fancy and installed a light bulb that dims AND doesn’t get hot. Then plugged it into the wall using a dimmer extension cord so I can dim as desired. It’s SO GOOD!

I’m just SO in love with this light! It works so well and adds a super cool vibe for this space! It’s like the globe stand was made to be a light bracket! Why don’t they just make these like this?! haha

Can you even?! I just love how the light is strong enough to create epic task lighting on the desk, or I can dim it right down for a soothing moody effect in the evenings.

Ready for more? Two to go!

3. Upcycled globe paper towel stand

Don’t need a lamp? Here’s another simple idea using the globe stand.

1. Paint the globe stand in a colour of choice. I used black spray paint.

2. Attach and resize a thin black chain with a hook on the end to the top of the stand.

My chain with hook came off a dollar store hanging basket.

3. Slip on a roll of paper towel.

And your paper towel stand is ready to work hard and look cute! Aren’t the angle numbers along the stand edge super cool?! Kind of gives this paper towel stand an industrial edge.

Black works well in my kitchen, however you could paint yours to match yours! This would also be handy in a workshop, or paint studio.

Ok… one more… which will come in super handy this summer!

4. Upcycled globe cloche food cover

1. Choose the globe half with graphics right-side-up when sitting open-side-down.

2. Hot glue twine around the open edge, and a wooden knob to the top.

3. Position the globe cloche on top of a surface that fits, such as a cutting board, pizza pan, large plate or serving tray.

Isn’t that just the cutest thing?! The globe was the perfect size for this cute round cutting board with handle, making the perfect food cloche!

It’s especially nice for outdoors too! Or just to use on a dinner table or kitchen island protecting fun treats and good eats!

I love the look, especially with my wicker table and chairs on my patio!

With that said, I think I got plenty of mileage with one upcycled globe! As you can see, I made more projects than I had globe pieces, so now you’ll have to pick and choose which projects you want more. So far I kept the light and the bowl, but I want a cloche too!

Looks like I’ll be joining you in the hunt for another globe…

Which of the 4 upcycled globe ideas is your favorite?!