How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade LifeMy 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

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life

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.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
2. Cut out the template and place it on top of the jar. Press down creating an outline over the solar panel.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
3. Cut out the center for the solar panel.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
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.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
5. Trace your templates on the wrong (not printed) side of your fabric.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade LifeHow to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
6. Cut the fabric.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
7. Paint Mod Podge on the lid making sure to not get any on the solar panel.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
8. Place the fabric on top of the solar panel and paint more Mod Podge on top.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
9. Using Mod Podge adhere the fabric across the edge of the lid.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
10. Adhere the long strip of fabric to the edge of the lid using Mod Podge.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade LifeHow to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life IMG_2445
11. Decide on a pattern for your washi tape.

How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
12. Starting on the back of the jar attach strips of washi tape across the jar. Press down to get rid of any bubbles.How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life
13. Put on your lids and set the jars outside in the sun so they charge up for evening.

IMG_2457 IMG_2460How to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade LifeHow to Make Washi Tape Mason Jar Solar Lights + Washi Tape Giveaway on Dear Handmade Life

18 Comments

  1. I LOVE these Mason Jar solar lights. I had no idea Mason jars came prefitted with solar panels in them! I’m totally inspired to use some Washi Tape on my plain glass votive candle holders. I love working with Washi Tape and can never seem to get enough colors and patterns. I hope I win some of this brand.

  2. A Series of Haikus About Washi Tape

    Oh dear washi tape,
    How did I live without you?
    You bring me great joy!

    Before life was dull,
    But now you brighten my life!
    I’ll love you always!

    The patterns so cool,
    Adding pizzaz to the world!
    I’ll use you always!

    So many ideas,
    For using my washi tape!
    Where do I begin?

    First deck out my dorm,
    Then cover some mason jars,
    Washi tape my bike!

    Washi tape coasters,
    I could use a cool bookmark,
    Or cover a frame!

    My dear washi tape,
    There’s nothing you can’t spruce up
    What could be better?

  3. I love washi tape and am always looking for new ways to use it. These lights are super cool! Thanks for the idea and a chance to win more tape!

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