How to Make Lights from Flower Pots
Flower pot lights can be whimsical decorations for your interior or outdoor living spaces. You can make lights from metal, wood, plastic and terra cotta flower pots as long as you use the appropriate tools. Flower pot lights can become decorative patio or garden lighting that coordinates with your landscape or they can enhance a garden themed room. Cover the top with a large plate or planter saucer to create a lighted bird bath. Paint flower pots to complement the décor or leave them natural to fit the landscape.
Things You'll Need
- Flower pot
- Drill
- 1/4-inch diameter drill bit
- 1/2-inch diameter flat-backed glass stones
- Clear, viscous craft glue
- Painter's tape
- String lights
- Electrical tape
- Wire mesh
- Wire cutters
- Floral foam
- Serrated knife
- Silk flowers
Instructions
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1
Drill 1/4-inch diameter holes around the circumference of the flower pot. Space the holes at least 1-inch apart in a random pattern. Adjust the brightness of the flower pot light by the amount of holes that you drill. More holes equal more light.
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2
Turn the flower pot upside down. Glue four 1/2-inch diameter flat-backed glass stones to the bottom of the pot with clear, viscous craft glue. Do not cover the drainage hole. These stones will elevate the flower pot so that the electrical cord from the string lights can exit the flower pot.
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3
Glue a 1/2-inch diameter flat-backed stone over each 1/4-inch hole on the flower pot. A small strip of painter's tape can be used to hold the bead in place while the viscous craft glue dries. Wait at least 24 hours before completing the flower pot light for the glue to dry completely.
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4
Stand the flower pot upright. Insert a small strand of string lights inside the pot. Feed the electrical cord through the drainage hole. Tape the wire portions of the light strand to the inside of the pot with electrical tape.
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5
Cut a section of wire mesh 2 inches larger than the top of the flower pot. Bend the perimeter of the wire mesh to fit snugly inside the top of the flower pot on top of the string lights. Place the wire in the pot.
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6
Cut the stems from silk flower blossoms. Arrange the flower blossoms on top of the wire mesh to decorate the flower pot.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to use the correct drill bit for the type of flower pot you are drilling. For example, use a diamond or carbide drill bit on terra cotta pots and a wood bit for wood pots.
Insert a hanging light fixture through the drainage opening and hang flower pot lights around your patio.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit tuscan flower pot image by Bryce Newell from Fotolia.com
