How to Make Solar Canning Jar Lanterns
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Solar. Canning. Jars. Do I really have to say anything else to convince you that you need a set? Yeah, didn’t think so, which is while I’ll skip right to the part where I tell you how to make them.
How to Make Solar Canning Jar Lanterns
What You’ll Need:
- Canning jars with bands (you won’t need the lids for this project)
- Solar garden stakes
- A heavy-duty glue. Gorilla Glue is one option
What You Do:
1. Take a canning jar to the store with the band attached. Use it to pick out a solar garden stake that’s the right size for your jar. You want the top of the solar light to be the same width as the band or slightly smaller, and the light to be small enough to fit inside the jar (when the stake is removed). I used wide-mouth jars for mine.
2. After you’ve purchased your solar lights, remove the stakes, and set them aside.
3. Run a bead of glue along the top of the canning band. Then, stick the solar light down through the hole in the band, and press down firmly.
4. Let the glue dry. Then, take your solar lanterns outside, and give them a try.
I like to use my solar canning jars for outdoor parties. I stick them outside in the morning to charge. Then, I place one in the center of each table. When it gets dark, the lights turn on like magic. I don’t have to run around lighting a bunch of candles, or worry that a candle will get knocked over. They’re completley fuss-free, and they look great, too.
Now, if you’re a canner, you already know how easily canning bands rust. Because of that, I don’t leave these outside full-time. I just carry them out when we need them. I think they’d do just fine on a covered porch, though.
More Use for Solar Canning Lanterns
- Take some solar canning jar lanterns with you when you go on camping trips. They can be used to light the tent and campground, without the need for a bunch of batteries
- Keep a set of these lanterns with your emergency supplies. If there’s ever a long-term power outage, you’ll be all set.
More Solar Projects
What kind of glue did you use?
I’d recommend E6000. Super glue should work just fine, too. I just wouldn’t use something like hot glue. I think the summer heat would cause it to lose its hold.
These make great nightlights for the bathroom, kids rooms and hallways. Plus you save on electricity!!!
Can’t wait to make these!!!
Could you please post a link to the solar light stakes you used, or something similar? I don’t think I’ve ever seen one, so am losing the plot.
Hi Cathy,
I usually buy my solar lights for this project at Target. I couldn’t find the ones I buy online (they usually sell for around $2.50 each), but the tops look something like this: https://www.target.com/p/pure-garden-led-solar-honeycomb-glass-pathway-lights-set-of-6/-/A-51779486
I recommend bringing a canning jar with you to the store, so you can test the fit. Since you’ll only use the top of the solar light, you just need to find one that covers the top of your jar and has enough overlap for you to glue it down. Hope that helps.