Glass Jars to Outdoor Lights

Why settle for ordinary outdoor lighting when you can make your own for under $15?

Our upcycled garden lights are the perfect way to turn old jars into works of art that are both beautiful and practical!

Place rubber bands of varied widths around a jar to create a design of your choice.

Have more than one idea in mind? Make several different lights and group them as a centerpiece or line them along a walkway.

Once you’ve banded your jars, apply spray paint evenly, let dry then add a second coat of paint.

When completely dry, remove the rubber bands carefully. Add aluminum craft wire for hanging on a shepherd hook or a flowerpot hook for the deck. Use real candles or battery operated tea lights.

Your unique upcycled garden lights will create a welcome ambiance to any outdoor area.

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DIY painted upcycled garden lights instructions

what you’ll need

• upcycled glass jars
• rubber bands of different widths
• spray paint
• aluminum craft wire – turquoise
• wire cutters
• jute twine
• shepherd hook 48″
• deck hanging flower pot hook
• tea light candles

let’s do it

• let jars soak in warm, soapy water
• remove labels from jar and let dry
• decide on pattern you want on jar
• place rubber band one at a time around jar

TIP: use rubber bands that fit snuggly to the jar

• use finger to angle rubber band, rotate jar to create even line
• place next rubber band parallel to the other

TIP: if you don’t have thick rubber bands, place 2 to 3 side by side

• continue with rubber bands until jar is covered with bands or desired pattern
• repeat for all jars
• place jars upside down on flat surface in well-ventilated area

TIP: use a closed cardboard box to elevate jars while painting

• spray paint jars lightly and in several coats to avoid dripping
• spray entire jar and let dry
• repeat with second coat of paint and let dry
• turn jar over and carefully remove rubber bands
• wrap 2 pieces of wire around jar neck just under lid groove (see sketch to the right or click here for more detail)

TIP: be delicate while wrapping wire as the paint scratches easily

• wrap another piece of wire up and over jar for handle
• twist wire to secure and trim off excess
• decorate neck of jar with twine if desired

TIP: keep twine away from lit candles

• secure shepherd hooks in ground
• hang jars and admire

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