He Uses A Drill To Upcycle Bamboo Poles Into Boho Lights That Brighten Garden Paths

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Brightening up your patio and garden paths shouldn't only be about functionality. Sure, solar lights work, but they don't really show any personality or style. Instead, there's a clever and creative DIY you can do. In a video, TikToker @GardenLifeLove showed how to upcycle bamboo poles into boho lights. With these, you can increase your home's curb appeal, plus your garden won't look like any other one on the block. And when people ask where you've bought these lanterns, you can happily say, "I made them!"

The creator took bamboo poles and drilled holes in them. Then they added a small LED lamp inside the pole, so when it's turned on, the light glows through, giving it that boho look. For this hack, you'll need bamboo poles, which you can find at some hardware and garden stores, or online, like these Groovboo natural bamboo plant stakes. You'll also need some kind of outdoor lamp base and bulb that can fit inside the bamboo pole, like these 50W LED Corn Cob Light Bulbs from Gtaren. However, keep in mind that traditional light bulbs can't safely sit in the rain, so they're best for covered patios and paths. 

If the path you're trying to brighten up isn't covered, then you can use solar string lights.  These won't be quite as bright, but they will still add some ambiance and visual interest to your space, while staying safe and weather-resistant. Plus, you'll also need a drill with different-size drill bits. And if the bamboo stakes you have are long, you'll need a saw to cut them into shorter pieces. 

For this hack, start by cutting the bamboo poles to any length between 1 and 2 feet. Or cut different sizes for a chic, mismatched look, depending on your preferences. You can also slice the tops or bottoms of the poles at an angle or keep them flat. Next up, take a marker and draw where you plan to drill holes, creating patterns, designs, and lines. When you're happy with the results, take your drill and start working! Be gentle so the drill bit doesn't damage the other side of the bamboo stake as it passes through. Use different sizes to create wider and smaller openings. For even more light, use spade drill bits to make penny-sized holes. 

When you're done, use sandpaper to soften the outside of the bamboo stake and remove any rough edges around the drilled holes. This step should also help eliminate any marker that's left on the outside of the bamboo. At this point, you can leave it as is, or you can cover it with a bit of paint. If you live somewhere with frequent rain, consider using a spray paint that wards off moisture, like the KILZ Mold & Mildew Exterior Primer, Sealer and Stain-Blocker Aerosol. 

Now, either fit your lamp base and light bulb into the bamboo, or fill it with string lights. With the latter, since there is no base for the lantern, you can use a mallet and stick it into the soil to hold it in place. While this is a budget-friendly DIY for your garden path that's worth trying, you can also use it indoors if you prefer, as stunning mantel decor, a bedside table lamp, or on a dining table.