$3.50 Solar-Powered Mason Jar Lights

[Cowracer]

We went to a light display at the Missouri Botanical Gardens over the Christmas season. One area that really struck me as beautiful was a large tree with about 20-25 lanterns hanging in the branches. I thought that would be a neat thing for the lake lot. I found the exact lanterns they used, but at $25 a piece they were out of the question. Plus they run on batteries, and that would be a PITA. Obviously, solar is the way to go.

I had the idea to use mason jars instead of lanterns, and to use cheap solar walkway lights. I think the finished product look pretty cool.

Making them is super easy. I made 10 in about an hour. You can see the step-by-step on my blog: Bigger in Real Life: Jar Lights

I'll make simple twine hangers to hang them in the trees. I'll post up more pictures when I get them hung up at our lot.

Tim

[Wiscampsin]

Nice idea, I like those!

[aertsvilla]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing

[MillerTime]

Awesome idea!

[realgoodbear]

Very pretty! I love mason jars anyway they are used.

realgoodbear

[memere0211]

very cool!! anxious to make some!! thanks!

[Mrs Evans]

Originally Posted by memere0211

very cool!! anxious to make some!! thanks!

X2

[spierce617]

Cowracer

In your blog you say that you bought the lights for 1.97 with a metal stake. Where did you find them at?

[Cowracer]

Originally Posted by spierce617

Cowracer

In your blog you say that you bought the lights for 1.97 with a metal stake. Where did you find them at?

Wal-Mart.

Westinghouse Spartan Solar Light, Bronze - Walmart.com

Tim

[R&J Silverback]

I like it


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[youroo]

Originally Posted by Cowracer

We went to a light display at the Missouri Botanical Gardens over the Christmas season. One area that really struck me as beautiful was a large tree with about 20-25 lanterns hanging in the branches. I thought that would be a neat thing for the lake lot. I found the exact lanterns they used, but at $25 a piece they were out of the question. Plus they run on batteries, and that would be a PITA. Obviously, solar is the way to go.

I had the idea to use mason jars instead of lanterns, and to use cheap solar walkway lights. I think the finished product look pretty cool.

Making them is super easy. I made 10 in about an hour. You can see the step-by-step on my blog: Bigger in Real Life: Jar Lights

I'll make simple twine hangers to hang them in the trees. I'll post up more pictures when I get them hung up at our lot.

Tim

Cowracer,will they receive Sunlight for recharge when the (Leaves) come out? Youroo!!

[mark0224]

I like it, thought about the glass mason jars though being breakable. Did you ever think of using plastic mayo jars about the same size? Just use a hole saw the right size to cut the hole. You can paint the lids what ever color you want also.

[CA Fisherman]

I purchased a pack of solar landscape lights and short mason jars at Wal-Mart as shown in the attached picture. The set of seven solar lights cost $9.97 and twelve mason jars were $11 so total cost about $20. Still have five mason jars left over for ??.

[Cowracer]

Originally Posted by youroo

Cowracer,will they receive Sunlight for recharge when the (Leaves) come out? Youroo!!

I think so. The prototype has been hanging in front of my house since January. Its on the western side of my house so it does not get very much sun, plus being winter and all, the sun hangs pretty low anyway. Despite that, it comes on and stays on till about midnight or so. Its actually staying on longer now that its getting towards spring.

The box with the finished jars were sitting in my sons old bedroom. Never really in direct sunlight, but I noticed that they get enough light to stay on till 11-12 at night. Actually, I had to put them in the closet, as 10 mason jar lights in a box can be pretty bright in the middle of the night.

I think they will be ok. I don't really expect them to stay on from dusk-till-dawn. Usually, I am are passed-out... er.. sound asleep before 1am down at the lake.


Tim

[dj3spots]

Great idea!


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[TheMusikShoppe]

That is so cool! I wanted some lights, but they're all so expensive. I can't wait to try these.

[steveh326]

Just wanted to say thanks to Cowracer for the original post on this. I made a few of these for my daughter's baby shower as decorative lights, and they were a hit. Can't wait to take them camping with us. No hangers on them yet but I have a roll of stainless wire I plan to use for making the hangers.

[mzbrandi]

I like.


Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[widogmom]

Originally Posted by mark0224

I like it, thought about the glass mason jars though being breakable. Did you ever think of using plastic mayo jars about the same size? Just use a hole saw the right size to cut the hole. You can paint the lids what ever color you want also.

That was my thought, too...glass makes me nervous! Love this idea, thanks for making it even better!

[purduepete97]

Could u string them together and hang from your awning for some unique homemade awning lights? Could also go electric so no charging worries. Just not sure about the weight.