Solar Powered LED Twinkling Star In A Jar

Here's a nifty little Christmas gift I made up for my daughter. It's quick and easy to throw together, and looks rather nice. It's pretty much a sun jar with a couple of modifications, I used a star shaped LED from a string of Christmas lights, and modified the circuit a little so that instead of a steady light, it twinkles softly.

Here's a short video so you can see how it looks. It is more noticeable in person, but you should get the general idea.

***UPDATE 5/4/10:  If you make your own star in a jar and post it in the comments, I'll send you a patch!***

Step 1: Gather your materials

Materials you will need:

Solar garden light
LED candle (see notes on step 4)
Star shaped LED Christmas lights (or make your own shape)
Glass jar with a wide lid (this jar is from some marshmallow fluff)
Tin foil (not required, but looks nice)

Tools you will need:

Needle nosed pliers
Wire cutters
Hot glue and glue gun
Epoxy (E6000 is the best!)
Scissors
Solder and soldering iron
Small flathead screwdriver

Comments

[z28racer]

Thanks for replying. 

The Holiday Time ones from Wall-Mart will not work either.  If annyone tries this and finds a brand that will work PLEASE post it.

[depotdevoid]

Okay, here are some more options.  This guy says he got his at the dollar store, so maybe the super cheap locations are where you need to look.  However, that was from last year so everyone may have standardized on the flicker LEDs and not the circuit that makes the flicker.

Also, here's and internet archive link of a website where some guy has many different ways he made an LED flicker.  Maybe one will work for you?

Finally, you can buy a package of different colored flicker candles here.  I don't know if they use flicker LEDs or the circuit, but you might be able to rig something up to work.

I hope that helps!  I'll also keep an eye out for the kind I used when I'm around town, and let you know where I find them.

[z28racer]

What brand of LED candle did you use??  I want to do this, but the the one I bought used a flicker LED, and was useless.  It was a brand called Inglow purchesed from Home Depot.

[depotdevoid]

Hi racer,

Sorry, I don't actually know the brand!  I found them loose (unpackaged) in a bin at the canned food warehouse, marked 2 for a dollar.  There was no brand name, no markings of any sort except "Made in China."

The only distinguishing mark was that the ones with the circuit inside were about 1/4" taller than the other ones.  You might be able to find them checking the height. 

The other option is you can buy flicker LEDs at radioshack or online.

Sorry I don't have more info for you!

[iMerry]

Really cool. x)

[depotdevoid]

Thanks iMerry!

[pokiespout]

Awww, that's purty! PS: I should be home pretty much all day Tuesday if you wanna call.