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 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 fun mason jar 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!
- Activate solar lights by following the 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, set aside for another project.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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Mason Jar Solar 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.
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Laura Wall says
The solar lights I bought won’t fit into the opening. Where did you find your solar lights?
Amanda Formaro says
These are the ones we recommend https://amzn.to/3otBlcu
Marjorie Prescott says
I was excited to make these canning jar solar lights. I used your link to Amazon to buy the solar lights and purchased the ones in the link. I glued the light to the canning ring but was disappointed to find that the light did not fit in the mouth of the jar. My lights look exactly like those you use in your tutorial. I don’t know where I have gone wrong. Marjorie
Sandi H. says
Can these be made with the plastic mason jars. It would be safer for younger children and adults who drop things a lot?
Bev says
Wow the are so expensive to buy
Can’t wait to make ours
Thks for sharing you ideas
Rose Ciryak says
Terrific idea. Had some broken solar lights and didn’t know what to do with them. Love reading all your suggestions. Very ingenious!