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.
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
