How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights

My obsession with washi tape runs deep. Almost as deep as my obsession with hanging out in my backyard. Since I work from home, working outside can pose a few perils, like my chickens loudly clucking while laying eggs, my dog getting into a barking match with the neighbor’s dog or the lack of light as the sun goes down. Anyone who has animals knows that trying to stop chickens from clucking or dogs from barking is a lost cause, but I was able to shed a little light on the last problem by creating mason jar solar lights.

A few years back I made my own ‘from scratch’ solar light jars. They worked well but dealing with all the technology part of it wasn’t my favorite aspect of the project. At my local craft supply store last week I saw some mason jar lids that were already outfitted with solar panels. All I had to do was screw on the solar panel lids that had tiny led lights. The project and the outcome seemed kind of boring and I wanted to add a little color to my jars. Then I thought about some washi tape which was perfect for the project since it’s semi-translucent. I imagined my jars glowing with colors and patterns of my favorite washi tapes and embarked on making jars fancy and colorful with a little washi tape and fabric.

Luckily I had a great selection of washi tape from Scotch (one of our Craftcation sponsors). I choose a bright color palette and was able to match it to some fabric scraps I had on hand.

-Nicole S.

WHAT TO GET:

-Mason jars

-Solar lights that fit on top of mason jars (I got mine at Michaels but you can also buy them online here)

-Washi tape

-Fabric

-Mod Podge or gloss medium

-Scissors

-Paintbrush

-Card stock

-Pencil

WHAT TO DO:

1. Trace the outline of your lid on card stock to create a template for the fabric that will cover the lid.

2. Cut out the template and place it on top of the jar. Press down creating an outline over the solar panel.

3. Cut out the center for the solar panel.

4. Create a template for the strip of fabric that goes around the edge of the lid using card stock and a ruler. Cut out the template.

5. Trace your templates on the wrong (not printed) side of your fabric.

6. Cut the fabric.

7. Paint Mod Podge on the lid making sure to not get any on the solar panel.

8. Place the fabric on top of the solar panel and paint more Mod Podge on top.

9. Using Mod Podge adhere the fabric across the edge of the lid.

10. Adhere the long strip of fabric to the edge of the lid using Mod Podge.

11. Decide on a pattern for your washi tape.

12. Starting on the back of the jar attach strips of washi tape across the jar. Press down to get rid of any bubbles.
13. Put on your lids and set the jars outside in the sun so they charge up for evening.