18 DIY Ways to Make Your Garden Glow
Now is the perfect time for an outdoor dinner party, and nothing sets the mood like glowing lanterns of some kind illuminating your gorgeous garden. Take the charm up a notch by making the garden lighting yourself with any one (or two or three) of our favorite DIY lights from across the web. Dig out those twinkling strands — they’re about to come in reeeaal handy!
1. Paper Ranunculus: Maybe you don’t exactly have a green thumb, and you’re worried that a garden party in your little patch of dirt isn’t exactly that appealing. Well, if you can’t grow the flowers, make these flowers that are sure to make your garden glow! (via Brit + Co)
2. Poured Mason Jar Candle: There’s something classic about a mason jar candle, and it’s even more adorable if it’s a candle you poured yourself. This simple project can be knocked out in just a couple hours, but you’ll impress all your guests when you tell them they’re homemade. (via Something Turquoise)
3. Blow Box Party Lights: Origami can be so much fun, but aren’t you always left wondering, “What do I do with my paper frogs and swans now?” We’ve finally found an excuse for all the paper folding, so have at it! (via A Subtle Revelry)
4. Windsock Garden Lantern: Windsocks can be cute and all, but a glowing windsock is next-level charming. While you’re picking out your fabric, go mod for a retro vibe or keep the garden theme going with a floral print. (via Daisy Janie)
5. Mason Jar Lighting: This project is a little more time intensive, but when you’re done, you’ll have a beautifully rustic light fixture that will look just as good indoors as it looks in your garden. Talk about impressive. (via A Subtle Revelry)
6. Snow Lights: Why not have a little snow in the summer? Making these party lights will remind you that you’re never too old to cut snowflakes out of paper. (via Brit + Co)
7. Hula Hoop Chandelier: We absolutely love this idea. And between the hula hoop and string lights, this is an extremely cost-effective solution to creating crazy, cool lighting. (via Party Supplies Now)
8. Coffee Filter Lights: Speaking of cost effective, do you happen to have coffee filters lying around? Then, guess what? You’re already halfway done with this simple DIY! (via Brit + Co)
9. Glass Globe Lights: With a quick trip to your local garden center or home improvement store, you might find beautifully simple glass globes for your garden. With this tutorial, you’ll turn them into elegant (weather-resistant) lighting. (via In My Own Style)
10. Ribbon Tassel Lights: If you’ve got pretty paper lying around, just waiting for a purpose, all you have to do is cut it into strips to make these adorably fun tassel lights. Now you have an excuse for collecting all that paper. (via Brit + Co)
11. Plastic Cups Lamp: Turn something plain into something amazing with this simple DIY. Your guests will never guess that this awesome lamp was made out of plastic cups. (via Bit of Green)
12. Vellum Cone Lights: There’s something so elegant about vellum… maybe its history as a critical element of wedding invitations? Whatever the reason, keep it classy with these simply made party strings. (via Brit + Co)
13. Cactus Light: If quirky is more your style, then look no further! No one will be able to stop talking about your new cactus lamp. (via Apartment Therapy)
14. Ping Pong Ball Lights: We know you’ve got some colored lights stashed in your closet, and finally, we’ve found a summertime use for them. Plus, this gives ping pong balls a whole new purpose for your parties. (via Say Yes)
15. Outdoor Mason Jar Lights: Don’t have a lotta time, but got a whole lotta mason jars? (We know how that is.) Give them new life with this easy DIY. (via The Garden Glove)
16. Soup Can Luminaries: With just a hammer, some nails, a few spare soup cans (and maybe a little frustration you need to release), this fresh take on the classic luminary could be lighting up your garden. Just watch your fingers! (via Crafts Unleashed)
17. Glow Stick Balloons: If you can put a glow stick (or LED lights!) in a balloon, you can have glowing orbs floating all over your garden party. Yes, glow sticks are still a thing. And no, they’re not just for raves anymore. They’re for nighttime pool parties. (via Say Yes)
18. Dixie Cup Garland: Make a string of party lights that perfectly matches whatever theme you’re using for your garden party. With a box a Dixie cups and craft paper of your choosing, the variations are endless. (via Hey Gorgeous)
Which DIY party lights lit up your garden? Show us photos in the comments below, we love seeing what you make!
