by Aldona Bird
Summer nights are perfect for outdoor evening socializing. But as the sun sets, you have to start thinking about how to light up your porch table or other gathering spot.
Running extension cords is always an option, but they can create tripping hazards in the dark and be an overall annoyance.
Making a simple lamp out of a solar light is a great solution to add some light and ambiance to your outdoor seating area.
To make solar lamps you will need:
- individual solar lights
- vases or lamp base
- lamp shade
- sand (optional)
The best solar lights for this project are the type that come with little stakes to stick into the ground along a walkway. They are available at most big-box stores (Target, Walmart, etc.) and sometimes dollar stores, as well as available online.
For the base of the lamp, vases with a medium-sized opening work well. Ceramic vases can look like a lamp base when the project is complete. But you can also use a glass vase or any vessel in which the solar light can sit.
The opening of your vase should be large enough to insert the solar light, but not have it fall to the bottom. If you are using a ceramic vase, you can leave the light on its stand. If you are using a shorter vase, or a transparent vase, taking the light off its base and setting it on top of the vase is a good option.
If the light doesn’t sit securely into the base, fill the vase with some sand, and nestle the base of the light into the sand.
You can also use a lamp base. Remove the power cord, but leave the bulb connector on, and let the solar light rest where the bulb would screw in.
If you are using a lamp base, you can use a compatible shade. If you are using a vase, use a shade that clamps over the bulb, or one with a base large enough for the solar light to thread through.
The lamp shade should have a large enough opening at the top to allow the light to charge during the day.
While the shade will block some of the light’s glow, it will add a lot of ambiance to your outdoor seating area, adding a cozy touch.
