I have a couple of fun dollar store solar light ideas to share with you today. First, I'll share a fun Halloween Solar light idea for the kids. That project lead to another really easy idea for the grownups!
While shopping at the Dollar Tree, I picked up these two Halloween solar lights and a wooden disc from their craft department. I knew that wooden disc would make the perfect stand to hold the Halloween decor.
Determine the Drill Bit Needed
In order to know what size drill bit to use, I used this handy drill bit gauge. You simply find the hole that fits the best.
Find the Center of Wooden Disc
To find the center of the wooden disc, I used a Kreg Multi Mark Tool. You could also use a Combination Square.
Drill the Hole
The best way to drill a hole in a small wooden disc is to clamp it to another piece of wood. Why? Clamp it to keep yourself safe, and use the scrap wood to get the best looking hole without splintering etc.
Sand | Patch | Paint
You can see that some splintering did occur, but it's very minimal. Sand the wooden disc smooth with a fine grit sandpaper.
For a long time, I used drywall mud for patching holes. However, lately I've been using this Plastic Wood. It dries quickly and very evenly.
I was so excited to see how the Dollar Store Solar Light would rest in the center of the wooden disc! Do you love it?
Then, I had to see how a regular solar light looked. THIS is what lead to the other Dollar Store Solar Light Ideas below.
In keeping it real, I will tell you I tried to spray paint the wooden disc, but the paint just wouldn't adhere to the edge of the plywood. So, I decided to switch to acrylic craft paint.
Ghost Solar Light
How fun is the ghost solar light from the Dollar Store!?
Jack-O-Lantern
It's so hard for me to choose a favorite. But, it's now about me! I made this adorable project for my grandson. I thought it would be a fun display in his room. The solar lights charge really easily with filtered sun, then they will glow as he drifts off to sleep! While visiting recently, I also picked up a Snowman Solar Light at the Dollar General Store.
More Dollar Store Solar Light Ideas
After testing the simple solar light in the round wooden disc, I had an idea to make a rectangular light feature. with a piece of scrap wood.
Easy enough, drill three holes, add three dollar tree solar lights.
Follow Directions Above
Unlike the Halloween Dollar Store Lights, for these, I chose not to drill all the way through the wood.
I used a piece of heavy grit sandpaper, rolled up to sand and smooth the holes in the scrap wood piece.
I chose to use a cheap store brand spray paint for this light feature. It worked really well, and I was very pleased with the result.
For Loose Fitting Light, add Tape
Because the solar lights were a little loose in the holes I drilled, I opted to wrap each of them with a small piece of black electrical tape.
Voila! The solar lights are now snug and won't fall out.
I can think of many ways to use this scrap wood solar light feature! Place them on a deck railing, a table, or anywhere you need some mood lighting!
You may also love this dollar store basket light feature I made.
How about some hanging lanterns?
For this feature, I used reclaimed landscape timbers.
My friend Julie will give you all kinds of reasons "why you should buy Dollar Store Solar Lights". What kind of light feature will YOU make using Dollar Store Solar Lights?
gail
such great ideas! i think i like the ghost best!
GREAT IDEA. I LIKE THE GHOSTS.