Fast & Easy Sun Jar

Step 7: Final thoughts

My cost breakdown on this project went like this:

$3 Ikea SLOM jar
$2 Westinghouse solar garden light
$10 Krylon Glass Frosting Spray
$4 GE Premium Silicone Glue

I already had the knife, tape and newspaper.

You can see that the cost to make a single jar is nearly $20, but if you make 15 at a time, each jar will cost you only $6. The spray and glue are good for at least 15 jars.

As has been mentioned, the jars make wonderful gifts--particularly in the summer, when sunlight is abundant; and in winter, when it becomes a way to extend the limited sun. Mine will become this year's Christmas/Chanukah/solstice presents, depending on the recipient.

Now the only problem is what to do with the remaining solar light parts. Anyone know of a project which uses stakes, stainless steel tubes and plastic bulbs?

Comments

[MrDisco]

Does anyone know how I can get that deep rich yellow-orange glow? I have all the parts listed but I really don't want a white glow.

[SzilviaP]

In a small garden bed or raised bed the poles can make a good frame for a cover to young seedlings against birds until they strong enough. In hot climates it can hold up a shade cloth. In the winter you can winterize individual perennials if you put them around the base of the plant and wrap them with plastic.

[grandmadris]

if they are hollow why not cut the bottom off place into ground and use as a water catcher to water your garden or individual plants would make a great watering holder for container gardens
grandmadris

[Kelly C.]

I turned the stake out and used them as hose guides along my garden path. The glassy part still sparkles in the sunlight and it keeps the hose from ripping up my plants. Try it!

[sylrig]

Thanks--great idea, I will try this!

[tkamka]

Can you just buy the parts of the solar light instead of the whole solar light? Does anyone know where to buy the parts?

[sylrig]

Sorry, tkamka, I thought I'd replied to this earlier. You can just google "solar cell" to find suppliers online, or you could probably find them at electronics stores. It's much more efficient, but unfortunately, it's also more costly.

[joeysdreamgarden]

I love this! I'm now wondering if I can buy jars with glass lids with something in them, they're like the ones that you get fruit in liqueur in, aren't they? Eat the fruit then make a sun jar! Double the fun! :D

[tstark1970]

Make A Home Chandaler out of it.
using solar power to power it at night.

[sylrig]

I did think of hanging this from a tree branch to have some hanging outdoor lighting. I guess you could string several together for a chandelier--would love to see it.

[Whales]

small futuristic shot glasses?

[sylrig]

Great idea--thanks!