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Under the Stars: Mason Jar Outdoor Lights
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One of the best things about summer coming to a close is that I know we will begin to spend more time outdoors. Since it will begin to get dark earlier, I wanted to come up with an attractive lighting solution for our tree-lined seating area in the back yard.
What we have come up with is a one of a kind solution that could have other applications even inside. This mason jar light is quaint and reminds me of a jar of fireflies. Dangling from the branches, they add just enough ambient light to put some glow on your cheeks and sparkle in your eyes… perfect for an evening conversation and glass of wine.
savour… evening chats
Get the rest after the jump…
Before you start:
If you need help, ask for it. Working with lighting is easier than most people think, but electricity can be dangerous. Let caution be your guide.
Be sure to get the candelabra socket kits with the securing nut. This will pay off in the end.
If you did not find white it is fine. Just be sure to connect black to black throughout the entire project and whatever other color to white for the entire project. It must stay consistent.
If you will be leaving the lights outside you may wish to place a bead of silicone caulk between the socket and lid and also between the lid and ring. This will prevent any water from getting inside.
Wrapping the main line with twine is time consuming. You may be tempted to skip it, but don’t. Executing this step will produce a far superior finished project. Do it while watching TV to make it easier on you.
What you will need:
- 12 Jars w/lids and rings
- Black marker
- 12 candelabra socket kits
- 12 7W night light bulbs
- Plenty of electrical wire (two colors, black and white would be best)
- Connectors
- Needle nose wire cutters
- Electrical tape
- Scissors
- Clear silicone caulk (optional)
- Flathead screwdriver
- Hammer
- Block of wood
- Twine
- Household extension cord
The steps:
- Using the nut of the candelabra socket kit, draw a circle in the center of each of the lids using the inside of the nut as your guide.
- With a block of wood underneath, use the screwdriver and knife to “chisel” out the circle. Go around the outside edge of the drawn circle.
- After you have popped the circle out, use the side of the screwdriver to push any rough edges inward on the lid.
- Push the socket through the hole in the lid and secure it with the nut. Repeat for all.
- Put the lid ring on now.
- With the twine, tie a knot at the base of the socket and start winding the twine around the wires. Stop every inch or two to push what you have wrapped downward to make it tightly wound. When you get about an inch away from the end stop and temporarily secure with a clothespin or scotch tape. Repeat for all.
- Cut the wire into 3 foot lengths (12 of them for each color). We’ll call this the main line.
- Remove about ½ inch of coating from each end of the main line wires.
- If you skipped step 5, do it now. There won’t be any turning back once you start connecting and wrapping with twine.
- Slide a connector onto the end of each wire of the socket. Connect one of the main line wires to each of the socket wires with corresponding colors. Twist the ends together and slide connector over connection. Crimp the ends.
- For all but the first, one you will need to connect the socket wire, the main line coming from the last socket wire and the main line going to the next socket wire.
- After each socket wire is connected, take the time to wrap the main line with twine.
- Wrap the loose end of the socket wire over the connection. Wrap the twine on the main line over the connection and include the loose end of twine that is wrapped around the socket wire.
- Stop about ½ before the next connection and temporarily secure with a clothespin or scotch tape while you make the next connection. Repeat step 13.
- Cut the outlet portion of the household extension cord off so you are left with the plug at one end and exposed wires at the opposite end. Remove ½ of coating.
- Connect the extension cord to the last main line wires and wrap with twine.
- Screw in bulbs and secure lids to jars.
- Plug it in and verify that all lights are working.
- Hang outside on the patio or in trees using extra twine or wire.
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That is so super cool! Reminds me of catching fireflies and watching them buzz around in jars. You should totally send this in to Design Sponge to be featured as a DIY project!
Posted by: Lindsey @ Hot Polka Dot | 09/16/2010 at 10:10 AM
Thank you for your feedback, Lindsey. I have never sent anything to design sponge, but I will on your recommendation.
Posted by: sam henderson | 09/16/2010 at 10:23 AM
These reminded me of fireflies also! This is such a creative and simple idea...and a great use of jars that might be chipped or lids that are no longer perfect for canning :)
Posted by: Tiffany @ No Ordinary Homestead | 09/16/2010 at 03:39 PM
I'm so glad you liked it, Tiffany. Get out your jars and start creating!
Posted by: Sam | 09/16/2010 at 04:37 PM
Did you know that you just inspired me?? What an awesomely fun project to kick up the look on my dreary porch! Well thank you very much!!
Posted by: Correen | 09/17/2010 at 07:20 PM
Awesome, Correen! Did YOU know that is the reason I get up every morning! I live to inspire. Please let me know how it turns out.
Posted by: Sam | 09/17/2010 at 07:24 PM
What a great idea!
Posted by: Connie @ Sogni e Sorrisi | 09/20/2010 at 11:46 AM
Thanks so much, Connie! Happy to see you here. Hope you will return often. Keep on dreaming and smiling!
Posted by: Sam | 09/20/2010 at 12:28 PM
It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing. It's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it.
Posted by: Supra Vaider | 11/06/2010 at 02:01 AM
Perfect!..I love your article..Interesting!It's very informative very great post!*_*
Posted by: ghd IV Styler | 11/29/2010 at 02:01 AM
Thank you, ghd IV Styler... and thank you for dropping by the Nest. I hope you will return often.
Posted by: Sam | 11/29/2010 at 10:36 AM
great post
Thanks!!
Posted by: What Movies Online | 08/09/2011 at 09:54 PM
I have been looking all over for this very thing!!! Thank you so much. I love the use of the twine. great way to hide the wiring.
Can you pin this to Pinterest? I would love to have this on my To Do Board.
Soon to be follower. Ronora
Posted by: Ronora Correll | 01/03/2012 at 10:45 AM
@Ronora, I will dig up the picture this weekend and post to pinterest. Thanks for being here. Hope to see you around the Nest often.
Posted by: Sam | 01/06/2012 at 11:54 AM
This is awesome! Just wondering though - you say a few times to secure the twine temporarily, but then you never say when/how to permanently do it.. or am I missing something?
Posted by: Alison | 05/09/2012 at 02:11 PM
Thanks for sharing, Sam! I think a lot of homemakers will be inspired to do their own DIY lights at home. It is one economical and creative way of lighting your space and making it more gorgeous. And the good part is, you can add your personal touch to it.
Posted by: Allison Shallenberger | 01/02/2013 at 01:34 PM