There aren’t many things that evoke the cozy feeling of warm summer nights quite like fireflies glowing in the dark. And there’s nary a kid (or adult for that matter) who, so enchanted by the magic of these bugs, won’t wear themselves out trying to catch a jar full of the glowing little creatures. Because, let’s face it – the idea of catching light in a jar is cool. Or snails. And lady bugs.
How about fresh air from Paris? The smell of cookies baking in the oven? The sound of that awesome song from your favorite band at that amazing concert last summer?
HA! Keep dreaming.
But no matter how old we get, we may forever be intrigued by the idea of catching something in a jar and saving it for later. Which is why we’ve put together a very simple DIY project for making your very own Moon Jar – a jar that collects and stores sunshine with the help of a handy solar powered cell. It soaks up the sun’s energy during the day and turns on automatically at dusk for all your lighting (and enchantment) needs. Whether you’re partying all night or curled up in bed with a book – the Moon Jar is guaranteed to give you a little extra oomph of both whimsy and comfort.
What You Need
Hermetic glass jar with a clear lid (shape can vary, but make sure it’s along the lines of this)
Solar powered garden light w/ self-contained solar unit
Glue
1. Carefully disassemble the jar.
2. Place the body of the jar upside down and, following manufacturer’s instructions, paint the exterior with the frosting spray. Let dry completely. (Note: Do not paint the lid – it needs to remain clear in order for the solar unit to charge)
3. Take apart the solar garden light and detach the solar unit. (Note: difficulty can vary depending on type – some can simply be unscrewed from the lamp while others require a bit more work. We suggest asking your local hardware store about your options so that you don’t find yourself in a mess of wires). Using a little bit of glue, mount the unit to the underside of the lid – so that the solar panel is facing what will be the top of the jar.
4. Reassemble the jar. Shut it closed and let the finished jar sit outside in the sun to charge.
5. Once it’s dark, these babies will glow all night!