# DIY Ink Lights Used Printer Cartridges Creates Colourful Lamps By Andrew Robichaud | Published 2009-08-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ink-cartridge-lamps References: [craziestgadgets](http://craziestgadgets.com/2009/08/03/recycled-printer-ink-cartridge-lamps/) & [etsy](http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=19381) Colour ink is not a cheap product these days so why waste it even after it’s gone? [Etsy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archflex-desk-lamp) user Boxlightbox has taken the useless containers and made these delightful [ink cartridge lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys). It’s quite a regular task really. You simply attach the empty cartridge to some sort of fitting dock that supports a light and voila, the ink cartridge lamp is complete and illuminates. It’s a creative innovation (I would’ve NEVER thought of arts and crafts from printer ink cartridges) that would be a unique fit in your [computer area](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/engrid-desk-lamp). They go from $35 - $200 (big mama). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 32% | Activity: 32% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Upcycling:** Repurposing used printer cartridges to create unique lamps opens up opportunities for upcycling in other areas of home decor. - **Sustainable Lighting:** The use of empty ink cartridges to create lamps reflects a growing trend towards sustainable lighting solutions that utilize existing materials rather than consuming new resources. - **DIY Home Decor:** The popularity of these DIY ink lamps indicates a larger trend in the home decor industry towards customizable and unique decor pieces that consumers can create themselves. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Consumer Electronics:** Consumer electronics companies could explore opportunities to create sustainable lighting solutions that prioritize the use of existing materials and reduce waste. - **Home Decor:** The upcycling trend seen in these ink lamps presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the home decor industry to rethink existing product lines and create more eco-friendly alternatives. - **Craft Supplies:** Craft supply companies could capitalize on the DIY trend by offering more creative and sustainable materials for consumers to create their own unique projects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fishnet-Made Pendant Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/philips-mycreation-droplet-lamp.md) - [Animation-Inspired LED Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animationinspired-led-lamp.md) - [3D-Printed Reversed Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/revolve-lamp.md) - [Recycled Material Lamp Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cozy-cleo-lamp.md) - [Repurposed Vintage Apple Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/repurposed-vintage-apple-computers.md) - [Organic Paper-Like Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farolito.md) - [Recycled Lighting Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nytt-lys-collection.md) - [Recycled Paper Pulp Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-lamp1.md) - [Oversized Pen Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bic-lamp.md)