Summertime and solar lights go together, don’t they? We have several spots in our yard that have been cheered up by these twinkling gems. I like to find fun new ways to use solar light in my yard. Over the years I have added new designs.

My first project was an upcycled watering can pouring out solar lights. Next, I made a simple solar chandelier from a coffee can. I love how both projects turned out, but I recently finished my most ambitious and fanciful solar display. It starts with these simple candle wall sconces turned solar fence hangers.

Below you will find the step-by-step directions for my simple thrift flip wall sconces.

Step 1 – Gather Supplies

• Metal Candle Wall Sconce
• Dollar Tree Solar Light
• Krylon Fusion All In One Copper Metallic Spray Paint
• DecoArt Emperors Gold Metallic Acrylic Paint
• DecoArt DuraSeal Gloss Varnish
• Strand of Mardi Gras Beads
• Gorilla Hot Glue
• Gorilla Clear Glue

See additional solar projects and the finished area in the video below.

Step 2 – Paint

First, I used the Krylon Fusion copper spray paint to cover the metal candle sconce. As the label says, this is all-in-one paint, and it is rated for outdoor use on multiple surfaces, so it should wear well in the elements.

Next, I covered the solar panel with a small piece of painter’s tape. Then, I used a small brush to apply two coats of gold paint to the top part of the dollar tree solar light.

To paint the beads I used a small plastic container, dripped a few drops of paint on top of the Mardi Gras beads, and shook the container to cover the beads. Then I hung them to dry.

Step 3 – Apply Sealer

The copper spray paint does not need to be sealed; however, the acrylic paint is not meant to face the elements. So I used the same application techniques as the gold color to apply a coat of the DuraClear gloss varnish to the top of the solar lights and the Mardi Gras beads. Then I allowed the sealer to dry.

Step 4 – Assemble

To assemble the solar wall sconce, I removed the stake from the solar light and use a combination of hot glue and gorilla clear glue or E6000 glue to attach the top piece of the solar light to the base of the wall sconce. Once the bond was set, I use the same glue combination to adhere the beads around the bottom of the solar light.

Check out the video below for more solar light ideas.

Thanks for checking out my project.

Happy Upcycling,

Cindy

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