DIY Moon Jars

Capture moonlight in a jar by making your own moon jars.

What if you could put moonlight in a jar, and carry it around with you in the dark? Do-it-yourself moon jars let you do exactly that. With a few simple adjustments to solar garden lights and a glass jar of your own choosing, you will be able to enjoy the shimmery pale light of the moon even on overcast nights. These jars also make excellent gifts for lovers of the night sky and are safe and easy to enjoy anywhere, as they don't require an outlet, plug or flame to shine since they are solar powered. Make several moon jars for a special glow at an outdoor night party, arrange some around your room for a special night light or substitute them for candles and flashlights.

Things You'll Need

• Glass canning jar with attached lid
• Solar garden light
• AA batteries
• Small utility knife or pocket knife
• Sticky tack
• Frosting spray or white tracing paper

Instructions

1. Cut out tracing paper to line the inside of the moon jar, or if using spray paint, spray a coat of frosting spray onto the insides of the jar.

2. Cut apart the outer casing of the solar light and remove its components. From the components you will need the solar panel, the attached light sensor and light and the rechargable battery pack and battery.

3. Rest the solar panel in the upper mouth of the jar with the connected light and battery pack resting on top. Make sure the solar panel surface is exposed to the clear glass. The light sensing component should also be exposed under the clear glass lid so that it can receive light.

4. Roll up pieces of of sticky tack and place them between each of the components to hold them in place. Press gently on the components to make sure that they will hold together.

5. Close the lid of the moon jar.

6. Place the moon jar in direct sunlight to absorb solar energy. When it is dark, the moon jar will automatically come on, glowing with a pale radiant light.

Tips & Warnings

• Use different colored tracing or tissue paper for different effects.

References

• Rechargeable Sun Light