4th of July Solar Lanterns – Dollar Store DIY

4th of July Solar Lanterns – Dollar Store DIY

When I saw these little glass votives at the local dollar store, I knew I had to do something fun with them for the 4th of July.  They come with wire already attached, which makes for easy hanging, plus they have the perfect sized top to which you can easily attach a solar light!  And of course the store also has the solar stake lights with stars around the rim.  Combining the solar stake lights and the glass votive holders works perfectly! So that’s how I came up with these 4th of July Solar Lanterns.  It’s a super easy, fast, and cheap dollar store DIY decor project!

I LOVE solar lights.  They are cheap to buy and to use (no ongoing electricity bill).  Plus, little lights outside at any time of year add some kind of magic to the scenery.  I have some kind of solar lights up all year round.  Especially in the summer when I just want to be outside all the time.  You can make 10 of these little lanterns for a beautiful 4th of July centerpiece for under $25!

Overview

Time: 1 hour or less
Difficulty: Easy
Cost: $2 to $3 per lantern

Supplies

I didn’t spend much to make these solar lanterns.  I spent $6 at the dollar store on 3 glass votive holders and 3 solar stake lights to make 3 solar lanterns.  And I already had some clear caulking at home to use as glue.  I bet you already have something at home for glue, as well! But if you don’t, I highly recommend Lexel clear caulking sealant, or E-6000 clear glue.  (There are affiliate links in this post to products I use and recommend.)

• • Solar Stake Lights from the dollar store, $1 each.
  • Glass votive holders from the dollar store, $1 each. I found these on a shelf in the candles section.
  • Clear glue or caulking. I LOVE Lexel crystal clear sealant. It runs about $8 for a 5 oz. squeeze tube at hardware stores.  Make sure you get the clear version because it also comes in white. Another good one is E-6000 clear glue.

That’s all you need to get started!

Let’s start making these 4th of July solar lanterns.

Instructions

1. 1. Unscrew the tops off the solar stake lights.  Pull off the little paper tab that sticks out near the top. This will allow the light to begin turning on once it’s charged by the sunlight.
   2. Next, arrange the solar light caps on your glass votive holders.  
   3. Now put some cheap gloves on and squeeze your Lexel clear sealant or E-6000 clear glue out along the edge of the solar light cap, gluing it to the glass votive holder.
      Lexel is immediately waterproof and stays crystal clear even after it’s completely dry and cured.  It does take a while to completely dry.  Don’t get it on your fingers!  It’s hard to remove and very sticky.
   4. Set your lanterns aside where dust or dirt won’t get blown onto the Lexel as it cures.
   5. Finally, hang your lanterns in the trees, on shepherds hooks, or set them on the table for a pretty 4th of July centerpiece at your BBQ.

If you want to try this project soon, don’t forget to pin it now to revisit later!

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