Every year I purchase a strand of solar lights (like Christmas lights) and put them in my crab apple tree and every year the strand gets nibbled on by the deer and the lights quit working. This year I decided to make my own solar powered garden lights using things found at the Dollar Tree. I stumbled upon the cut glass jars in the cosmetic section and was happy to find the solar garden stakes fit on top perfectly. I though the pattern on the jars would give off pretty reflection on the trees. They remind me of vintage salt and pepper shakers.
What you’ll need
- Glass Containers (Mine are From the Dollar Tree Found In the Cosmetic Section) You Can Use Anything As Long as There’s a Rim Around the Top To Secure the Wire to and the Opening is the Same Size as the Solar Cap.
- Solar Garden Stake (Mine are From the Dollar Tree)
- Hot Glue Gun or Use E6000 Glue In Clear.
- Copper Wire 18 Gage Found at Any Hardware Store.
If you scroll to the bottom you can watch the how to DIY video or if you’re internet won’t allow that you can follow the written instructions below.
- Remove the top portion of the solar stake (make sure and keep the clear part attached because it has a reflector in the bottom that will help illuminate the jar).
- Hot glue (or use E600) the solar cap to the glass jar.
- Cut a piece of copper wire 21 inches long (if you are using the same jars, if not cut it according to how much you will need for the size jar you are using).
- Wrap the wire around the rim of the jar and twist tight to secure in place.
- Leave enough gap on the opposite side to feed the wire through to make a handle. ( I put my finger under the wire to add the needed gap).
- Pull the wire over the top and to the other side and twist to keep in place (the same as you did at the start).
- Twist wire until tight and secure enough to take up the slack in the gap and keep the wire under the rim.
- Manipulate handle until it’s in the correct shape (the wire is very bendable).
- Place in a tree or garden and enjoy.
I made 6 for my tree and was excited to see them glowing the first night I had them up. I think they’d be a great addition to any garden, patio, walkway, or treeline. If you want them for yourself watch out they’re addictive to make, I could’ve easily put them together all day.
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These are just so cute! And easy to do as well. Thanks for the great tutorial… xo
Diane thank you for stopping in today!
Great tutorial crafty girl!! Looks so easy.. Have to give it a try. ?
Melissa they’re fun to do with kids or grandkids too. They love watching them light up at night.
This is such a great idea and I love the video! Makes me want to head right over the The Dollar Tree. 🙂
Thanks Ann I seldom go in dollar stores and I was amazed at all they have. I may have to frequent more often.
You are so clever! Great idea. Just might need to try this one.
Carolyn mine last for years too!
Super cool….we all must be making things! I love the soft glow. I just made curtain panels for my she shed from an antique (old as I am) button on mattress cover. It was on my bed when I lived at home and that was ages and ages ago. Now they are in a bucket of water with tea bags to stain them. The darn thing has been sitting in the garage doing nothing now it has made me productive and happy. I also made a no sew pillow today out of a white and yellow chevron fabric remnant. Have a good Monday Dawn.
Debbie you’ve been a busy bee. Doesn’t if feel so good to get so much accomplished?
Yes totally. But it is how I roll and you seem to be the same way. I am not much of a TV watcher, more a doer and reader. I still need to get the pics to you tho. Soon or soonish!!!!!!!!!!!
Debbie I can’t wait to see your pics and I know I’ll be so envious 🙂
I have trouble with my solar lights get enough sun rays to charge well when they’re under trees. So what do I need to do differently? Thanks
Linda I’ve never had trouble with mine and I live in Michigan where we have several days or months without much sun. I always buy the cheap ones too so I have no idea why you’d have trouble.
My daughter saw your idea and made herself 4 of them to hang on her fence . She had got the little vases and I saw them and fell in love . I asked her where she got them and she shared your link with me. She bought me one of the little solar lights and I had 3 of the little globes from where she had replaced my bathroom fixture so I used one of them and love it. Now I need two more lights for the next two. But I will want to make more like hers . Thank you so very much for being such an inspiration.