Use Quikrete To Transform Plain Glass Jars Into Unique Lighting For Your Patio

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Anyone who tends to a yard or a patio knows just how much TLC it requires to make it look good. Moreover, that level of care and regular maintenance can be costly. In this case, it's perfectly normal to exercise resourcefulness and find ways you can illuminate outdoor spaces with no hardwiring. So, instead of purchasing a mass-produced fixture, give your creativity a chance and make your own patio lantern by pouring quick-setting cement in a round mold, combining it with a glass jar, and inserting some battery-powered lights. This will make a unique spherical light fixture that looks like a planet exposing its bright core, which is perfect if you've been wanting to DIY celestial home decor.

To make one, get a bag of Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement, a mixing basin, a spherical mold like this Super Z Outlet Plastic Mold Shells, and a slightly smaller bowl to keep the mold steady. Here, choose a glass jar that's slightly narrower than a standard Mason jar, and one without too many embossed details so the concrete can stick. Furthermore, you'll also need cooking oil, a brush, a hot glue gun, and 1-inch thick wooden dowels (square ones work best) to help build the sphere's halves. Some optional materials you can also use for final touches are sandpaper and paints in your preferred color. And of course, don't forget to prepare a battery-powered LED light, such as a tea light candle or fairy lights.

Start preparing the Quikrete mixture in your basin, adding water until the consistency looks batter-like. Set that aside and place one half of the sphere on top of a smaller bowl to keep it in place. Next, attach the rim of the glass jar to the bottom of the sphere with hot glue, making sure it's centered. Afterwards, brush oil onto the inside of the plastic mold, avoiding the sides of the glass jar so that the concrete bonds properly.

Then, pour the concrete into your mold, making sure to gently tap the sides to release any air bubbles. It may take 24 hours to fully dry before you can carefully remove the hardened concrete from the mold. Prepare the other half of the sphere in the same manner (but without the jar) once the first half has dried, but don't fill the mold to the brim — we don't want the wet concrete to overflow when connecting the glass jar later. Leave about a ¼-inch gap from the rim, then place two wooden dowels spacers on top before slowly sinking the glass jar into this portion. Finally, let it dry before removing the dowels and mold.

Once you're done customizing your spherical lantern, insert the battery-powered LED light into the jar. For finishing touches, sand any rough edges and paint the lamp in your chosen color. If you want to stick to the celestial concept, try painting on craters to imitate a moon-like texture. Use this light to give your patio an inviting glow or make more for DIY jars to brighten your garden paths at night.