Your outdoor space is a little more cozy and warm and you have a few pops of light around you as the sun goes down. Even though there are plenty Consider outdoor lighting to brighten up your homeDeciding what’s right for you and your budget isn’t always easy. Hardwired options usually mean you need to hire an electrician to make sure the wiring meets safety requirements for outdoor conditions. To avoid that situation, some people opt for tiki torches or lanterns—those wire-free options set the mood, but may not quite fit the vibe. And while lanterns come in many different styles, they can be expensive. This Red gum YouTube channel Dollar Tree offers a cost-effective variation made from solar stack lights and mini pallets.
There are many ways to do this Turn a dollar tree find into beautiful and cozy patio lights on a budgetBut this one looks particularly charming. The finished product looks like a small fence and has a solar light peak inside. This is a great way to hide an inexpensive solar stack light with a more upscale surround. Since the light comes from sunlight, it does not pose the safety hazards of an open flame as with traditional tiki torches.
Each decorative light requires four Crafters Square Wood Pallets A thin piece of wood for the sides and for the base. The original design has a dark brown background with a white botanical design stenciled on it. You can adjust that design, using your choice of stain and paint, to decorate lighting that reflects your patio vibes. You will also need hot glue and sunlight, ie Garden Collection Solar Stack Light.
Design a mini pallet solar light display
First assemble the frame of the light by hot gluing the four mini pallets into a square. Next, cut a thin piece of scrap wood to fit inside the base of the square, or to make a more noticeable base, cut a piece of wood slightly larger than the square you’ll be gluing to the outside. It would be more convenient to add the solar light to the base of scrap wood before attaching the whole part, so first remove part of the light stack and then fix the light to the base with sufficient adhesive. When it dries, glue the base to the pallet frame from the inside or outside, depending on the style you choose. Once the glue hardens, paint or stain the wood. You can make a stencil pattern on it like an original or freehand design. If you don’t want a pattern, just paint or stain the palette. A coat of clear sealer helps lock in your design and protect the project.
While the original decoration stage stops here, you can continue. Large wooden beads or wooden squares are glued to the bottom corners which enhance the light and change the silhouette. If you want to give it the look of a lantern, add a wire handle to the top – drill small holes opposite each other, thread the wire and twist the ends. Or, add thin wood trim around the top edge, overhanging the outside slightly for a framing effect. You can add similar trim around the bottom edge for a more balanced look. If you want to use light decor pieces on a covered patio where the sun doesn’t hit, try Decorate it with fairy lights Instead — place the strand and battery pack inside the frame.
