*This site contains Amazon Affiliate Links
Solar Light Lanterns
I’m so happy you’re here today because we’re about to make the cutest little solar light lanterns—and the best part? They’re super easy, totally budget-friendly, and perfect for adding a magical glow to your garden or backyard space. All you need are some Dollar Tree solar lights, a bit of strong glue, your favorite food coloring, and a few jars—old spaghetti sauce jars or mason jars work perfectly! This is such a fun way to upcycle what you already have at home, and you can get creative with the colors too. These lanterns look beautiful hanging from a tree, sitting on a patio table, or tucked into your garden for a little sparkle once the sun goes down. Let’s light things up with this sweet DIY!
Dollar Tree Solar Lights
Jute rope (if hanging)
Let’s make it:
Mix Your Color
In a small bowl, mix white glue with a few drops of food coloring. Stir until the color is even—you can go as bold or as soft as you like!
Coat the Inside
Pour the colored glue into your jar, then slowly swirl the jar around so the glue covers the entire inside surface. Take your time and enjoy the process—it’s kind of relaxing!
Drain the Excess
Once your jar is fully coated, turn it upside down onto a piece of wax paper. This will let the extra glue drip out and give you a nice even layer inside.
Dry Your Jar
You’ve got two options for drying:
Oven method: Place your jars (still upside down) on a baking tray and bake at 100°F for about 60 minutes.
Sun method: If it’s hot outside (around 100°F or more), just set them in the sun for a day. Nature does the work for you!
Prep the Solar Lights
Pop the solar light top off the stake—you’ll only need the top part that holds the solar panel and bulb.
Drill the Lid
Using a drill, carefully make a hole in the center of your jar lid, just big enough for the light bulb portion to fit through.
Attach the Light
Push the light through the hole in the lid so the solar panel sits on top. Then, use generous amounts of hot glue around the base of the light inside the lid to hold it securely in place. Let it cool completely.
Assemble the Lantern
Screw the lid (now with the solar light attached) back onto your jar.
Charge and Enjoy
Place your lanterns in a sunny spot to charge during the day, and when the sun sets—ta-da!—you’ve got a beautiful glowing lantern. And just like that—done! Your outdoor space just got a whole lot cuter (and glowier!).
And there you have it—your very own DIY solar lanterns, made with just a few simple supplies and a whole lot of charm. Whether you're lighting up a backyard dinner, adding a glow to your garden path, or creating a magical little nook under the trees, these lanterns are sure to bring a warm and whimsical touch to any outdoor space. I hope this project brings you as much joy making them as it does seeing them light up at night. Happy crafting, and enjoy your beautiful new garden glow
Skip the hassle of running to multiple grocery stores in search of hard-to-find plant-based ingredients—Try Amazon Fresh instead! I was thrilled to find Better Than Bouillon there for a third of the price compared to Walmart. Now, my pantry is fully stocked for all my soup-making needs. If you’re looking to stock up too, Check out Amazon Fresh.
Do you want to take you Family to Great Wolf Lodge?