How to Make an Easy and Affordable DIY Outdoor Chandelier
Are you looking for a cheap garden lighting idea to transform your outdoor space into a magical retreat? Today I'm going to teach you how to make a beautiful DIY outdoor chandelier with a tomato cage and wood shims.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
In this guide, you will discover the art of creating DIY outdoor lighting without electricity by embracing solar powered energy.
Grab your materials and let's learn how to bring this outdoor chandelier idea to life so you can illuminate your garden with this sustainable solution.
1. Gathering the Materials
To begin this outdoor solar lighting idea, gather the following materials:
- Tomato cage
- Wood shims
- Drill
- Wood stain
- Copper wire
- Solar light
- Scrap board
- Towel
- Wire cutters
2. Preparing the Shims
These shims have a unique feature – a small end and a thicker end. Our primary focus will be on the thicker end, where we'll drill the necessary holes.
First, grab a scrap board to protect the table while drilling. Take the thick end of the shim and mark the center about an inch down. Use a drill to make a clean hole, without applying too much pressure. Repeat this process for all the shims.
3. Applying Wood Stain
Now get your wood stain. Take a towel, dip it into the stain, and gently rub it all over the shim. The stain will insure the shim is protected, even when exposed to sunlight. Make sure you cover the whole shim, front, back, and sides.
Simply wipe the stain on and once you're finished with all your shims, set them aside to dry.
4. Preparing the Tomato Cage
Let's prepare the tomato cage that we'll be using as the frame to hold our shims.
We don't need the sticky points that usually anchor the cage into the ground. We are going to easily snap those off without using scissors.
Just bend the tomato cage at the bottom, right where the first circle is, and wiggle it back and forth. After a few times, the spike will snap right off.
5. Attaching the Shims and Adding the Solar Light
Now, let's grab some thin copper wire. Although it may be delicate, it serves our purpose well.
Cut off a few inches of the wire, we will use it to thread through the shim's hole.
Next, we'll start wrapping it around the first small circle of the tomato cage, treating it like a twist tie. The thinness of the wire makes it easy to work with. Attach the first shim by ensuring it has a bit of flexibility to move.
Repeat the process with all your shims until your first two layers on the tomato cage are full.
Let's bring solar power to your backyard lighting. Remove the bottom stake of a solar light and use some leftover copper wire to wrap around the top of the light.
Hang it at the center of the upper layer of your tomato cage chandelier.
With the light in place, you can now add the shims to the top circle of the cage to complete your backyard lighting setup.
6. Finalizing the Chandelier
Complete your project by hanging the light in an outdoor tree. The chandelier adds a rustic touch to your garden during the day, and at night, it lights up magically using the sun's energy. You don't even need to turn it on. It creates a beautiful glow that enhances your garden without any extra effort.
Explore another creative outdoor lighting project
DIY Outdoor Chandelier Tutorial
This backyard solar lighting idea will transform the way you brighten your outdoor space. With just a bit of creativity and some basic materials, you can bring a warm and enchanting glow outside without relying on electricity.
By harnessing the power of the sun, you not only reduce your impact on the environment but also free yourself from the hassle of wiring and expensive bills. The simplicity and affordability of this landscape lighting project make it a perfect choice for any DIY enthusiast.
I invite you to try out this tomato cage chandelier and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know how this project has enhanced your garden and brought a touch of magic to your evenings.
Comments
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And glass beads
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Just an idea: I think it would look cool if you drilled small holes all over each shim - then the light would shine through the holes.
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