Introduction: Firefly Jar - Christmas Tree V.1.0

The Christmas season just begin! If you don't have a tree or space for it, I'll show something that would match your desire.

There are two - major - magic things in the world - Christmas tree (with fairy lights) and fireflies, so why not put all together?

I uploaded a video that shows you some blinking modes of the fairy lights: two of them matches better the proposal.

Step 1: Materials

  • Fairy lights (mini lamps, type "rice") [R$ 9];
  • Dark bottle/jar (glass) - approx. 1L volume;

Tools

  • Diamond bits;
  • Drill machine/rotary tool;
  • Insulate tape;
  • Protection glasses and gloves;

Observations

  • Incandescent lights: If you are using incandescent fairy lights, you must keep the temperature low inside the bottle or reduce the power by changing the blinking mode - I'll explain more in the next steps. If you use LEDs instead, may you don't need worry. I don't like LEDs because they are directional and they don't have those amazing-warm-yellow color.
  • Dark bottle/jar: It's nice to use a dark one because they hidden the wires, so you (almost) just see the lights. I've used a green one to be similar to a tree, including its format - that one was from grape juice.

Warning

A good ventilation needs to be provided to keep it safe. Do not use plastic bottles/jars. Do not keep permanently the lights ON, especially when you live home. Finally, I'm not responsible for any damage that would cause you.

Step 2: Drilling the Hole

If you don't want to keep the wires out from the neck of the bottle, you can make a hole in the bottom. For that, you need to use a rotary tool or drilling machine with a diamond bit (rounded is better). Use water to lubricate and to not allow the bits to get warm.

Be careful using electric tools and water, and including to that, use protection gloves and glasses.

To remove the label from the bottle, keep it for some minutes in hot water. This will help you to remove easily.

If you are thinking of keep the lid, please make holes in it too.

Step 3: Wiring

LIke I said, if you are using the incandescent lamps, you need to try some blinking modes to make sure the wires inside the bottle not get too warm.

In my case just two modes cause some excess in warm, when almost the the time the lamps stay ON. In the other cases the temperature is almost the ambiance.

In the hole that you've made you will pass the power wire, or the wires from the lamps. I prefer mark all the five wires, cut them and then re-assembly. I keep the control box outside. You also could pass another wire or cut the plug and then pass through the hole.

Now you just put the lights into the bottle. Sometimes you need to shake it a bit, but be careful with the lamps.

TIP: You could use a 220V fairly lights in 110V, may help.

Step 4: Test and Enjoy!

Try some blinking modes that are better for your case. Watch the video with some modes!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Make it Glow!

Participated in the
Make it Glow!