Mason Jar Solar Lights

If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to dress up your outdoor space, you’ll definitely want to make some mason jar solar lights! They are so easy that even the kids can get into the fun.

 

Why this project is so cool

Most of the supplies to make your own mason jar solar lights can be found at your local dollar store. You can also purchase the items you need at stores like Walmart and Target.

The fact that the kids can help with these solar lights is a plus. They really are easy to put together and the only true time investment is making sure the glue is dry!

Helpful Project Information:

• Age Level: 7 and up
• Mess Factor: Low (glue can be messy though)
• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Time to Complete: less than 10 minutes
• Cost Estimate: Less than $5.00 each

Craft supplies you will need

How to Make Mason Jar Solar Lights

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this project. Please scroll down to simply print out the instructions!

1. Activate solar lights by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves opening the top and pulling a tab to activate.
2. Remove the jar lid from the jar band. You will not need the lids, set aside for another project.
3. Glue the light inside the mason jar band using a strong adhesive such as gorilla glue. The top of the solar light will take the place of the original lid.
4. When the glue is dry, add the light cover back on and screw the band back on to the jar. This will encase the solar light inside the jar.
5. If you want to add a hanger to create a lantern style solar light, wrap craft wire around the jar lid (under the lip) and create a loop as a handle, then connect it to the other side.

Expert Tips & FAQs

• You can make several fun things from the canning jar lids (this is the round, flat piece) since you won’t need them for this project. We have some craft projects using those in our mason jar crafts section!
• Make sure you activate those lights early in the day. You can set them outside in the sun to charge up before making the project, or after. Either is fine.
• We used Gorilla Clear Grip Contact adhesive for this project, but E6000 is another great choice.
• These pretty mason jar solar lights are a fun and festive way to dress up your backyard. They are also great to take camping, just be sure to wrap them securing in packing paper or bubble wrap so the jars don’t break.

More Mason Jar Home Decor Projects

• Hanging Mason Jars
• DIY Mosquito Repellent Candles
• Vacation Photo Jar
• Mason Jar Wall Sconces
• Mason Jar Night Light
• Doily Luminaries

What to Make with All Those Lids

Since this project uses only the canning bands, here are a few fun ways to use all those leftover lids!

• Minion Christmas Ornaments
• Canning Lid Angel Ornament
• Canning Lid Monsters

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4.58 from 7 votes

Mason Jar Solar Lights

These pretty mason jar solar lights are an easy and affordable way to dress up your backyard. They are also great to take camping or to display on your deck!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Crafting Time15 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Age Group: Adult Crafts

Project Type: Crafts

Makes: 3 jar lights

Supplies

• 3 regular solar lights
• 3 (16 oz) small mouth mason jars with bands
• Gorilla Clear Grip Contact adhesive
• 26 gauge craft wire optional, for hanging

Instructions

• Activate solar lights by following manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves opening the top and pulling a tab to activate.
• Remove the jar lid from the jar band. You will not need the lids, but we have several craft projects using those!
• Glue the light inside the mason jar band. The top of the solar light will take the place of the original lid.
• When glue is dry, screw the band back on to the jar. This will encase the solar light inside the jar.
• If you want to add a hanger to create a lantern style solar light, wrap craft wire around the jar lid (under the lip) and created a loop as a handle. Connected it to the other side.

Expert Tips & FAQs

• You can make several fun things from the canning jar lids (this is the round, flat piece) since you won’t need them for this project. Check our Mason Jar Crafts section.
• Make sure you activate those lights early in the day. You can set them outside in the sun to charge up before making the project, or after. Either is fine.
• We used Gorilla Clear Grip Contact adhesive for this project, but E6000 is another great choice.

This post originally appeared here on Aug 19th, 2020.