This week I wanted to revisit an oldie (but a goodie). Autumn in Arizona is prime-time for outdoor entertaining. After the hot summer months have kept us cooped up, fall is a welcomed reprieve. Because family and friends would be gathering soon, I decided to look at a few ways to spice up the place. While I have some great new kitchen ideas saved for the winter months, I wanted to focus more on the outdoors. Living in Arizona, I’ve noticed that there are a LOT of solar panels. Wanting to utilize the sun, save on power, and not break the bank, I decided to make some more solar lighting for the back patio where we host BBQs and get-togethers. These lamps are a great way to add some style and customization to the standard solar walkway lights, allowing you to really get creative and create a cozy extension of your living space. Plus it’s good for the environment! (win-win)!
While solar panel installers are a great option for helping to supplement your home or business energy costs, they may not be in the budget. These lamps, however, cost just a few dollars to make and of course when you’re relying on a solar energy, you won’t be inconvenienced when the traditional electricity in the area cuts out. So these can still have an impact on your monthly power bill. And they really help make your outdoor space feel warm and comfy.
Some Other DIY Lighting Ideas
We’ve also got some other fun lighting ideas, shown below, like our fun DIY Path Lights from Soda Bottles, our a Berry Adorable Upcycled DIY Room Decor Light and Woodland Mason Jar Light to name a few.
DIY Solar Lamp Supplies
DIY ON PATH LIGHTS: You can buy these at the Dollar Store. Walmart, Lowes and other hardware stores also carry them. You want the cheap plastic ones.
OLD REGULAR LAMP SUPPLIES
- Old electric lamp
- LED Plastic Path Light
- Spray Paint
- Lamp shade if needed (Must be the Slip UNO Fitter style)
- Hot Glue
- Wire Cutters
CANDLE STICK LAMP SUPPLIES
- Wood Candle Stick
- Lamp Shade (Must be the Slip UNO Fitter style)
- Hand Saw
- LED Plastic Path Light
- Hot Glue
**TIP: Spray your lampshades in Scotch Guard in order to protect them from the elements and keep them looking great!**
Instructions
Gather your supplies.
Begin by opening the solar lights.
Remove the pull tab so that the solar light is active.
Electrical Lamp to Solar Lamp
Remove the bottom of the lamp.
Cut the power cord and remove it from the lamp.
Replace the bottom of the lamp.
Spray paint the lamp in the color of your choice.
If the lamp has a harp to hold the shade, remove it.
Place on the slip UNO fitter lamp shade.
Fill the base of the socket with hot glue.
Insert the light portion of the solar light into the hot glue.
Once dry, place outside on your patio for beautiful decor and a cozy evening light!
Candle Stick to Solar Lamp
Gather your supplies.
If needed, use a hand saw to remove the plug at the base of the solar light.
Place a ring of hot glue around the center of the candle stick.
Rest the slip UNO fitter lampshade onto the ring of hot glue and let dry.
Apply additional hot glue to the top of the slip UNO fitter lampshade ring in order to secure the solar light.
Place the solar light onto the ring. Let dry.
I am very pleased with this article. It is really good and helpful for me to make my own solar light guide. I was able to find a lot of useful information in here, especially the tips on how to get started making your own DIY solar light guide. This article will help me a lot when making my first one!