Hanging solar light using glass chandelier bowls and dollar store items!

Jun 01 2018
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How to make a DIY hanging solar light by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier and a couple of dollar store items. So when my mom and I gave her house a makeover it also included replacing several of the light fixtures. She has a small, quaint little place and the light fixture in her dining room was just way too big for the space so it was the first one that we replaced. I didn’t keep the actual fixture (Ah hindsight and regret!) however, I did keep all of the glass bowl light shades because it just seemed like I could use them somewhere…

How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.

If you have a glance at my deck makeover from last fall you can see I have several 8 foot 4×4 posts along the entire length. Each of these posts I hung a shepherds hook on for flower pots, bird feeders etc. but I’ve wanted something different for a while now.

I have six of these glass bowl light shades and knew I had room to hang four of them. (the remaining two I have another plan for!) It was only natural for me to think that I certainly needed to find a way to add a solar light too!

My first stop was a trip to our local Dollar Store because I needed to find a way to hang each hanging solar light. I purchased the four solar lights for $1 a piece and the four hangers for the same!

How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.

Removing the bottom part of the solar lights I was left needing to run to my local Ace hardware for the perfect washer. It needed to be bigger around then the hole in the bottom of the glass bowl but the center hole had to be large enough for the solar light to slide into it.

Love Ace Hardware! I purchased the four washers for less then $2! All in these four solar lights cost me about $13!

I applied Gorilla Glue to the bottom of the washer and the bottom of the solar light before attaching them all together. (I did not quite go all the way around the bottom of the washer because I still wanted some drainage so these lights wouldn’t become water buckets every time it rained.)

At first I was gong to remove the chains from the hanging baskets and just use the chains but I liked the caged look around the bowl and it sat so perfect in them! (I added a little glue between the two of them too.)

After hanging them up I have been really quite pleased!

How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.

Of course the coolest part is how pretty each hanging solar light is at night. You can see my old solar jar lights I made years ago are still going strong, but these really look elegant I think and put out a surprising amount of light!

Tutorial on how I used the last two bowl shades on the top of my posts is coming up soon! ๐Ÿ™‚

Make sure and check out the rest of the garden projects from the Farmhouse Hens this week, be prepared for some really creative ideas!

Announcing a fun collaboration of several bloggers called Farmhouse Hens Decorate! Fall Vignette, Kitchen Project, Homemade Christmas Ornament, Wall Art


Announcing a fun collaboration of several bloggers called Farmhouse Hens Decorate! Fall Vignette, Kitchen Project, Homemade Christmas Ornament, Wall Art

DIY Rustic Farmhouse Outdoor Bench

Stephanie at Abbotts At Home! Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter


Announcing a fun collaboration of several bloggers called Farmhouse Hens Decorate! Fall Vignette, Kitchen Project, Homemade Christmas Ornament, Wall Art

How to Make a Cute Garden Scarecrow

Denise at My Thrifty House! Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter


Announcing a fun collaboration of several bloggers called Farmhouse Hens Decorate! Fall Vignette, Kitchen Project, Homemade Christmas Ornament, Wall Art

How To Make DIY Wine Bottle Torches And Solar Lights

Michelle at Our Crafty Mom! Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter


Announcing a fun collaboration of several bloggers called Farmhouse Hens Decorate! Fall Vignette, Kitchen Project, Homemade Christmas Ornament, Wall Art

Repurposed Old Vintage Plate Garden Idea

Sam at Raggedy Bits! Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter


Announcing a fun collaboration of several bloggers called Farmhouse Hens Decorate! Fall Vignette, Kitchen Project, Homemade Christmas Ornament, Wall Art

Scrap or Pallet Wood Flower Box

Leanna at FaeriesandFauna! Blog / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest / Twitter


I am absolutely stoked to be a part of a group that contains SO many spectacular DIY bloggers! Can’t wait to see what we all come up with next month and share it here on the blog with all of you!

How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.How to make DIY hanging solar light bird feeders by upcycling glass bowl light shades off of a chandelier. Easy bird feeders with additional $1 solar lights from walmart, lighting for your backyard and deck as well as a great spot for squirrels, chipmunks and birds to eat all year.

Comments

  1. June 1, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    I love this idea! We started using the solar lights just last year and they are so nice. Your deck looks great with these on it and I bet it means you can enjoy the outdoors just a little long.er

    • June 2, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      Whoever invented those little solar lights was a genius! They’re so easy to use and I can’t believe how long they last, I have lights on my deck from over two years ago that are still going strong!

  2. June 1, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    Tarah, this is such a great project! I absolutely love how they look at night. Very serene on your beautiful deck!

  3. June 1, 2018 at 10:50 pm

    Such a great idea! They look so pretty hanging in your yard!

    • June 2, 2018 at 12:20 pm

      Thank you Sam! Hope you have a lovely weekend!

  4. June 2, 2018 at 5:31 am

    Tarah! You always have such clever ideas for reusing things. Nice job!

  5. June 2, 2018 at 7:39 am

    What a great idea, they turned out really pretty!!

    Tania

  6. June 2, 2018 at 8:19 am

    Tarah….these turned out awesome. Such a clever idea with a purpose. Love it.

    • June 2, 2018 at 12:23 pm

      Thanks Denise, hope you’re having a good weekend!

  7. June 4, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    They look great!!

  8. Tina
    June 4, 2018 at 6:55 pm

    Love the lights—thanks for the inspiration. I am planning on making some for around our pool area. We’re out in the country with woods all around, so we have no street lights. I think it will provide enough light to see without being too bright. Thanks!

    • June 5, 2018 at 10:57 am

      Awesome Tina! For a little more money (I think like $3 a light) they make much bigger and brighter solar lights too that would give you even more light!

  9. June 9, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    I absolutely love these hanging solar lights. This is such a great idea. I am going to go buy the stuff to make them today. I’m thinking that you must have the cutest place around! Thank you for sharing at Dare to Share Saturday.

  10. June 11, 2018 at 5:10 am

    Your solar lights look beautiful, Tarah! What a fabulous, fun and frugal idea. Thank you so much for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. I’m featuring this post at the party this week. Hope to see you there!

  11. June 14, 2018 at 4:47 pm

    This is such a cool idea, I have been looking for some extra lighting ideas for my back patio will have to try these. Thanks for sharing on bloggers pit stop

  12. June 16, 2018 at 10:46 am

    Genius! I love this. I want to make one! I even have the basket and globes just waiting
    to be repurposed. Thanks for sharing at The Fabulous Party. I will be featuring your post.
    Look for it on the sidebar and on my Happy Homemaker Monday post at My Journey Back.
    And I am adding something this week! I will be tweeting the features!
    Thanks for linking. The new link will be live soon.
    http://ourholidayjourney.blogspot.com/

  13. July 26, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    I have both solar lights and wire baskets lying around here. I’m really impressed!

  14. Barbara Nickel
    September 8, 2018 at 8:42 am

    I love this idea. Is there a way for the water to drain if it rains?

    • September 10, 2018 at 8:32 am

      Hi Barbara, I did not put the glue all the way around so they drain great!

  15. September 9, 2018 at 9:51 am

    They look really nice , but what keeps them from filling with water when it rains?Maybe better to flip them and then put in the light?

    • September 10, 2018 at 8:25 am

      Hi Leslie! I didn’t put the glue all the way around so they drain just fine but I’ve seen several folks put them together flipped over and they are SUPER cute like that too!

  16. Maria
    September 9, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    Great idea! How does the water drain out when it rains?

    • September 9, 2019 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Maria, I left a gap in the glue so its a slow trickle but it drains great!

  17. Susan
    April 11, 2020 at 4:56 am

    What a wonderful peaceful view from your deck.

  18. Sharon
    April 29, 2020 at 7:17 am

    Will these hold water when it rains?

    • April 29, 2020 at 10:18 am

      Hi Sharon, I didn’t glue them all the way around so they would still drain properly.

  19. Sharon Blanton
    April 29, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    I am so sorry Tarahlynn. I thought I had read all your instructions but failed to read the section about the drainage. I love your idea and can’t wait to place some around my padio.

    • April 30, 2020 at 8:38 am

      Hi Sharon, no problem! In hindsight instead of not going all around with the glue I think I should have just added a washer to lift up one edge a bit and glue all of it, it probably would last longer and be more dependable for drainage. Thanks!

  20. Mose
    June 14, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    These are awesome! I have made many upcycled vintage electrical fixtures into planters(my dad owns an electric company) but I have a few large glass globes that I was debating on what to do with them or how to hang them in a unique way… I think you have just solved this problem!! I’ll borrow your fantastic idea but also add a few trailing plants to the outside of the globe (maybe even do one with plants on the inside too)!! Thank you!!

  21. Jenny
    June 15, 2020 at 5:30 pm

    Used an old hanging light fixture for my deck, removed electrical stuff and the cups. Glued the solar lights in, after I spray painted fixture.
    Bonus….if power goes out I can bring it inside and use it!
    Love your idea

    • June 16, 2020 at 8:49 am

      That’s awesome Jenny, I’ve been drooling over that idea for awhile now, can’t wait to have a place outside to hang a chandelier like that!

  22. Chris B.
    July 4, 2020 at 12:36 pm

    Great minds think alike! I also used the Dollar Tree baskets, but I also got the oversized S-hooks to hang them from a pine tree. I used globes from ceiling light fixtures and mosaic glass candle holders. The solar lights I used have the wide, flared top so they cover the opening to keep the rain out. I wish I could attach a photo.

    • July 7, 2020 at 9:30 am

      Love your idea of using the bigger solar lights, I’ve been thinking about that myself! Thanks for coming by and checking out my project!

  23. Tammy
    August 5, 2020 at 10:26 am

    These light fixtures are beautiful but it is so hard to find the chandelier bowls! I have tried few different stores and the reuse store but no luck. Do you have any ideas as where to get these bowls. thanks

    • August 5, 2020 at 10:41 am

      Hi Tammy I would try your local antiques dealer. Mine has an entire spot devoted to glass bowls from light fixtures, most of them come from center ceiling lights and not chandeliers but it could be fun to mix and match! Thanks for coming by!

  24. Lisa Scott
    August 20, 2020 at 4:40 am

    Love this idea. Wonder if the bowls could be turned upside down to keep from holding any water when it rains? Just a thought. Thanks for sharing this idea!!

    • August 20, 2020 at 8:56 am

      Thanks Lisa! I didn’t glue the washer all the way around so they drain properly ๐Ÿ™‚

  25. Sharon McNelis
    May 28, 2021 at 6:59 am

    Tara. I really like these little lights! My question is
    How large are the washers and how did you glue them on to leave Space for water drainage??? Looking at the washer in your photos looks like you put the glue all around the washer so I’m confused

    • May 28, 2021 at 9:31 am

      Hi Sharon, I used a little piece of stick actually, I just pushed it in there under the washer, can’t even see it but it worked fine. It was literally just a tiny piece of a stick I picked up off of the ground lol. The washer is a a 2″ washer. thanks!

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