How to Make a Custom Party Light

Use party lights to enhance the celebration.

Party planning can be expensive, especially when it comes to decorations. If you are looking to save a little more money for your food budget, try being crafty and making a custom party light set at home. Outdoor party lights are easy and inexpensive to make and, if stored correctly, can be used again in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Clear glass jars
• Bags of natural or colored sand
• Bag of small metal encased tea light candles
• Liquid glass cleaner
• Decorative accessories (shells, ribbon, glitter, etc.)

Instructions

1. 

   Washing your jars is the best way to make sure the most light shines through them.

   Wash your jars using hot water and dish soap to remove dust and residue. Allow to air dry. Spray with a liquid glass cleaner, then wipe with a paper towel to allow for the most light to shine through.

2. 

   Sand is a great non-flammable filler for your party lights.

   Assemble the components of your party lights. Line glass jars up along a table or other flat, stable surface. Depending on your taste and theme for the party, fill your jars halfway with natural or colored sand. This will make a natural, non flammable bed for your candle to rest in.

3. 

   Tea light candles make a nice decorative accent.

   Insert your tea light candles into your custom party lights. Bury the candles into the sand so that the metal casing is barely exposed. Make sure that the sand does not overflow the top of the candle, as this may cause your candle to burn improperly.

4. 

   Decorating your customized party lights can make them a part of your theme.

   Personalize your lights to your party theme. You can do this by adding small non-flammable accessories to the jars such as shells or glitter. You can also tie colored ribbon to the outside of the jar for extra flair. Also, when you place your customized party lights around the party location, you can sprinkle extra sand, glitter or seashells around the jars.

Tips & Warnings

• Place jars where you want the most light but be sure not to place them near anything flammable or where they will be knocked over.

• These customized party lights are especially good for lining walkways and as lighted centerpieces for tables.

• Do not use this type of party light at small kids' parties because they pose a potential hazard to curious toddlers and running children.

References

• Gardener's World: How to Make Glass Jar Lanterns
• MSBL Sports Store Guide: Make it Tonight! Glowing Glass Jar Party Lights