No Need For Pricey Lights — Use Tuna Cans And Glass Jars To Brighten Garden Paths

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Don't have much money set aside for backyard upgrades? There are lots — and we really mean lots — of budget-friendly patio lighting ideas that work no matter what your style is. If you're DIYing, what it really comes down to is knowing which project is worth investing your precious spare time into. If, for example, you have a garden path that needs just a bit of illumination to make it safer, there's really no need to go out and buy pricey lights. Instead, you can take inspiration from TikToker Mrs Clare Hoops, whose real name is Clare Hooper, to create your own bespoke garden torches on a budget. Hooper uses empty tuna cans, foraged sticks, and lidded jars filled with string lights to make magical-looking illuminators for large garden planters.

First, gather your supplies. You'll need a bunch of empty tuna cans and a can of spray paint to give them a glow-up. Something like Rust-Oleum Low Odor Premium Spray Paint in whatever color you prefer will prevent your tuna cans from rusting when left out in the elements. You'll also need a stake on which to mount your painted cans. Hooper uses branches from her garden, choosing those that are as straight as possible, but you could also use wooden dowels or bamboo stakes. Don't forget to grab your drill and a few screws to mount each can to the stake. Collect as many empty glass jars with lids as you have tuna cans. You can use mason jars, jam jars, or other upcycled jars, as long as they fit snugly inside the cans. Finally, purchase either solar or battery-powered fairy lights or some LED candles. The string lights recommended for this lighting tip — turning an ordinary garden patch into a whimsical backyard — would work well.

Clean your empty tuna cans and glass jars with soapy water to remove any food. Peel off the labels, using Goo Gone Original Liquid Adhesive Remover to strip stubborn glue. Allow the cans and jars to dry completely, then spray the cans with paint in whatever color you choose. You could even spray the cans in a few different colors, depending on the outdoor aesthetic you're trying to achieve. For example, a combination of teal, deep blue, and gray will give your backyard an oceanic vibe. Or go for a bold yet refined look by combining purple and gold. Mount each can on a stake, securing it with a screw through the base. If you don't want to use power tools, you could use E6000+ Multipurpose Clear Glue instead. Allow the glue to cure before moving on to the next step.

@mrsclarehoops

Tiny glowing garden lights made from tuna tins and bits I already had lying around. Nothing wasted #GardenCraft #CottagecoreCrafts GardenTableIdeas #diygardendecor #diygardenlight

♬ Johann Strauss II The Blue Danube Waltz Short 2(1217372) – takmusic

Place either an eLander Warm White LED Tea Light or a short string of lights inside each jar. Alternatively, you could use these Ostritec Solar Mason Jar Light Lids. They screw onto jars with a 2¾ inch diameter mouth and have a built-in solar panel to power the lights. These lights power on automatically, so you won't need to manually switch them on when the sun goes down. You'll never need to replace the batteries, either. Finally, all that's left to do is set up your DIY garden torches outside. Drive the stakes fitted with the painted tuna cans into the ground around a patio or along a pathway, and set a jar inside each can. Now, sit back and enjoy this outdoor solution that brings character to your home's exterior.