Solar-Powered Glow-Jar

The idea for this Instructable came from something I found called Sun and Moon Jars on ThinkGeek.com.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/lights/994a/

Unfortunately these jars cost much more than I was willing to spend. Because of this, I decided to make my own version, and share it with all of you.

Step 1: What You'll Need

Tools and Materials
~Screwdriver
~Some form of glue
~Soldering Iron (You may not need this)
~Dremel or similar tool.
~Solar-powered garden light
~Glass Jar
~Frosted Glass Finish Spray (You may not need this if your jar is already frosted)
~Paint for use on metal (Optional)
~Safety Glasses

Before you get started. Make sure you know what you're doing, and observe all safety procedures. That means you should probably wear safety glasses and any other appropriate safety attire. Otherwise, you might end up with a piece of plastic or metal in your eye. Trust me, it's not fun.

Comments

[jdoyel]

I bought 4 solar powered garden lights and medium sized jars (both from my nearest Right-Aid store and they fit like a glove. :) unfortunately, I'm having some disastrous problems "replacing" the current LED with the colored LED. I think I irreparably messed up the first two. I need some help. What is the best method in successfully replacing the LED? Also, I think the colored LEDs I have do posses a higher voltage of about 2.1v. Does that also dramatically change things? If so, how do I manipulate the garden light in giving more supportive voltage?

[MdP1632]

The best method of replacing the LED, in my opinion, would be to desolder the original LED and solder a new one in its place. Make sure you match the polarity to the original. If the LED requires more power than is provided from the garden light, you may wish to incorporate a "Joule Thief" circuit such as the one found here: http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Joule-Thief/#step1.

[ttaylor10]

How did you get the solar panel off the plastic housing? I can't seem to cut it with anything. Help!!
Oh and thanks for posting this 'ible.. nice work.

[MdP1632]

I actually left the solar panel attached to the plastic. If you have to remove it and you don't have a dremel or similar tool, you might want to try heating the plastic a little to soften it. Then, while it's still soft, cut into it a little bit, and repeat as needed. Be careful not to melt any wires or break the solar cell. Good luck, and I'm glad you like the Instructable.

[bad_pissy]

You can use pearl white nail polish.I used for my sun jar 2 bottles of nail polish, droped them into the glass jar, put the cover, shake well and then remove the cover and then turn the jar upside down for a few hours, it looks great

[MdP1632]

Thanks. That sounds like a really good idea. I'll have to try it when I make my next one.

[Infinite_minus_zero]

would Wax paper work instead of glass frosting?

[MdP1632]

Yes. Wax paper should work pretty well. Even just a piece of white paper works. I tried it that way initially, but I prefer the look of the frosted glass.