DIY Hanging Solar Lights

I really wanted some ambience lighting for my back patio and it got my wheels turning to use solar lights. I came up with these DIY hanging solar lights made from embroidery hoops! Sounds crazy, right? But they turned out gorgeous!

I used three sizes of hoops--7", 6" and 5". The first step to making hanging solar lights is to disassemble the embroidery hoops by loosening the screws and pushing the inner hoops out. You will need one full hoop and only the inside from the other. Stain or paint the hoops the color of your choice. 

Once dry, place the two inner hoops into one another as shown. The bottom will cross like an ‘x’.

Add the chain next. I bought my chain from Home Depot which is sold by the foot for under a dollar. They will cut any length for you. Take the outer hoop and unscrew the screw until it comes undone. Slide the chain onto the screw. Catch the other side of the embroidery hoop and screw back together but NOT tightly–you won’t tighten fully until the smaller hoops are added.

Next, fit the outer hoop over the inner hoops and fully tighten the screw. If hanging outside, spray on a coat of sealer.

Cut a 12″-14″ piece of wire (I don't know the gauge but it was on the thinner side) and wrap the middle of it once around the plastic on the light. Then wrap the ends around the underneath of the screws and screw it back tight.

Turn the light over, take the ends and make them meet in the middle and twist a couple times to look like this. Slip the light through the embroidery hoops and attach the wire to the embroidery hoop screw, making sure the light is straight. Cut off any excess wire.

Hang them where you want some accent light. Just remember, high winds or rain can damage them if they are not secured.

My DIY House Number Sign and my DIY Industrial Chalk Board