Upcycled Tin Container Solar Light Display
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Upcycled Tin Container Solar Light Display
Have you ever wanted something for your garden? Maybe something cheap, easy, simple, and looking beautiful? And lastly, do lights and flowers call out to you!? If so, then this instructable is for you! Today, you will learn to construct a beautiful pathway light using recycled materials and one cheap solar light.
Supplies
One tin can-If you have a tin can around your house, this project is perfect for reusing your tin can. I'm using a recycled Arizona tin can! (If you cannot find a tin can, plastic, aluminum, and metal can work too!)
Paint or Spray Paint- I'm using Black spray paint, but the color is up to you!
One paintbrush (If you're using wet paint)
One solar light- These can be bought from a variety of stores. I heavily recommend getting a solar light that looks similar to the one I'm using; I got mine from Home Depot.
Scissors
Floral Snips- In case you have long flowers or need to make adjustments to your plants
Hot glue or Strong Adhesive
Optional
Craft Rocks or Marbles- These will mostly be counterweights, so the lamp doesn't tip over!
Bottom Tin - This will act like a stand for the tin can. You can get your bottom tin from recycled materials, however the one i'm using is a little tin tray.
Plants of Your Choosing Mostly used for decorations, especially if you want them to be part of your garden! However, I recommend using strong and durable plants; I'll use fake flowers, such as buttercups, pink roses, and purple roses. in this project. These fake plants can be bought at stores like Walmart, Michaels, and any local craft store!
Painting the Can
SPRAY PAINT - Firstly, the tin can stand upright on a flat surface. In this photo, I'm using scrap cardboard. Secondly, depending on what type of spray paint you're using, I recommend holding your spray paint around 5-9 inches away from the can, this will make it easier not to apply extra coats. Safety: Spray paint can be harmful to your lungs if not used properly, make sure to wear a mask that can filter out these fumes. Also, make sure to read the instructions and safety label on the back of your can.
REGULAR WET PAINT - Firstly, take some of your paint, and apply it onto your tin can. Secondly, for complete coverage you will need to apply around three coats of paint to your tin can. Lastly, set your tin can aside, and allow it to fully dry.
If you would like, you can use a blow dryer on the lowest setting, and dry your paint between coats.
Safety: Be sure that if you're holding your can that you protect your hand with either an oven mitt, or towel. The tin can get very hot.
Cutting a Hole Into the Lid
Use scissors to cut a hole into the lid. Remember, have the hole be big enough to fit the stem of the lamp, but also small enough to hold the lamp tightly.
Safety: When cutting, make sure not to hurt yourself! Also make sure to remove the sharp points from the tin!
Adding Your Flowers (OPTIONAL)
Once your lamp is set into the tin can, apply your flowers! You will need your hot glue gun and floral snips for this part.
- Firstly, warm up your glue gun, depending on what type of gun you have, warmup time could take around 5-10 minutes,
- While you wait, you can take your floral snips and cut out the flowers that you want to apply onto the can.
- Once your glue gun is complete, add just a little amount of glue onto the back/stem of your flowers
- Quickly and safely apply the flowers into your desired spots!
Safety: Remember, glue guns can get hot! If you have a shaky hand, use gloves! Safety first!
Adding Craft Rocks or Marbles to the Inside of Your Tin Can (OPTIONAL)
This step is optional.
If you have any rocks or marbles, you can use them as a counterweight to the tin can!
(Note: It doesn't have to be rocks or marbles! You can use anything. However, I do recommend rocks or marbles)
Adding a Stand (OPTIONAL)
To finish off your beautiful lamp;
- Grab your glue gun again and add glue onto the bottom of your lamp.
- Place your lamp onto your stand, in this image, im using another recycled tin can, I got this piece of tin from a cat plate.
- Let the glue dry!
FINISHED!!!
Congratulations!
You now have a beautiful garden lamp, filled with flowers, and made from recycled materials!