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By Barb 38 Comments

Solar Power Lamp

Filed Under: Budget-Friendly, Crafts, Crafts, DIY and Design, Everyday Crafts, Everyday DIY, Farmhouse Style, Floral Projects and Wreaths, Garden Ideas, Gardening, Hobby Lobby Crafts, Painting Projects, Porch and Deck, Summer Projects, Wreaths and Arrangements Tagged With: Crafts, DecoArt, DIY, Farmhouse, Farmhouse Style, Gardening, Hobby Lobby, Porch

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Is it a lamp?

Is it a planter?

Is it a house number plaque?

Well….yes, yes and yes.

It’s all three.

I am late getting my porch decorated for

Summer this year because of taking care of Daddy.

But, because I am doing a Front Porch

Showcase in a few weeks, I decided I better get

a move-on and get it ready.

So, I whipped up this project today…and I

LOVE it.

Solar Powered Porch Lamp 

Porch Light Planter by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

This project actually gives you a look

into the direction I am going with my porch

decorating.  My home is not a farmhouse,

but who says I can’t “pretend” that it isn’t.

😀

The best part about this project

is that I already had most of the components.

Here is the supply list needed to make a

Solar Powered Lamp:

~ 1 Pot, any size, any kind.

(I used terra cotta because I already had one.)

~ 1 piece of PVC Pipe

(I will talk about size and length lower down)

~ 1 Lampshade

~ Potting Soil

~ Plants

~ Solar Powered Garden Light

Solar Light Crafts by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

I splurged on the garden light a bit because I already

had everything but the PVC and the light.

This one above was about $8.50 at Lowe’s,

and it was the most powerful solar light available.

I started out by adding a single coat of paint

to the terra cotta pot…

How to Paint a Terra Cotta Pot by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

I love this paint by DecoArt, by the way.

I picked this up at Hobby Lobby.

I only used one coat, because I knew I would

be adding another paint treatment later.

I purchased a 1″ diameter piece of PVC pipe.

To figure out how long I needed it,

I placed it inside the pot and held the shade up to it

to “guestimate” how high I wanted my shade.

Container Gardening by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

It doesn’t have to be exact.

Once I figured out my length, I cut it on my miter saw.

Then, I added potting soil to the pot, packing it in

securely around the pipe.

Terra Cotta Pots by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

Now…here is a perfect example of

DO WHAT I SAY AND NOT WHAT I DO!

😀

I forgot to add the decorative paint to the pot

prior to filling it with soil.

Oh well… never let it be said I am a quitter.  haha

Sponge Painting a Terra Cotta Pot by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

I squeezed a bit of red craft paint onto a paper

plate, cut a kitchen sponge into about a 1″ square…

and simply stamped on a Farmhouse Country

Checkerboard Pattern.

Once it was dry… I added red geraniums and a 

variety of plants I recycled from another pot.

Red Geraniums by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

You’re probably wondering about now how

the solar light comes into play.

I’m getting there… 🙂

First, I attached the shade to the PVC pipe

with a lot of hot glue.

(Because my tube of E6000 adhesive was 

nowhere to be found.)

Outdoor Lamps by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

I would suggest you use a stronger adhesive when

making yours, but the glue did hold

reasonably well.    Next, I disassembled the

spike from the garden light.

Solar Lights by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

Here is #2

DO WHAT I SAY AND NOT WHAT I DO…

(Hey – it was a learning process, and I am here to teach!)

😀

If you choose a slightly larger PVC Pipe,

you won’t have to remove the spike, because it will

slip right inside the pipe.

But, since I did not think that far ahead…

I simply sat the solar light right inside the lamp.

Solar Light Lamp by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

It actually worked fine.

The only thing I purchased, at the last minute, 

was three metal house numbers for $1.49/ea.

I would like to say it was part of the plan

all along because I am brilliant that way…

but I had to go take a pee-pee break reaallllly

bad and the numbers just happened to be on my way….

and a lightbulb went off.

But, only after I had my pee-pee break.

(when you’re 50, you have to prioritize)  😀

Southern Front Porch by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

It was the perfect final touch!

I think I may add some black trim to the shade.

I think it still needs something-something.

But, I could not be happier with it…

Checkered Painted Pot by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

It sets the stage for my Country Farmhouse-Style

Front Porch I will share soon.

Southern Porch by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

With the drop-leaf Farmhouse Table,

Tobacco Basket, Roo Statue and White Rockers…

I think I am well on the way, don’t you?

Country Lamp by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

Before I go, I thought I would share a quick pic of

just how pretty it glows at night…

Solar Porch Lamp by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

Solar Power Lamp by The Everyday Home

I like how the light makes the shade look “pleated.”

Now, I need to add a gazillion of my

Homemade Mason Jar Citronella Candles 

to keep the skeeters away.

DIY Citronella Mason Jar Candles   The Everyday Home Blog  www.everydayhomeblog.com (1)

Now I can’t wait to finish the other projects for the porch.

Oh to have three of me!

😀

DotBar

If you liked this project, and would

like to save it for future reference, please

Pin these images…

Solar Light Lamp Planter by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

 

Porch Light Planter by The Everyday Home  www.everydayhomeblog.com

CountryLivingBar-705x143

Join me Monday for a fabulous 

Farmhouse Furniture Makeover project

and a fun giveaway!

 

Thank you for spending a few minutes

of your day here with me!

 

You can also follow along with me at:

PINTEREST      FACEBOOK

TWITTER      INSTAGRAM

GOOGLE +     HOMETALK

BLOGLOVIN‘

 

xxoo, Barb

*** This post may be shared on several Link Parties. 

Please check out my LINK PARTY PAGE to see

some of the blogs I may be sharing with.

« Kids Activities for Summer
Farmhouse Bedside Table »

Comments

  1. cranberrymorning says

    June 5, 2015 at 12:02 AM

    Cute and clever idea! But it’s that rooster that really speaks to me! 🙂

    View Comment
    Reply
  2. Mary Baldwin says

    June 5, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    Adorable idea! I got great solar lamps at BIG LOTS @ $4.50 that are wonderful, too. I agree with your idea of a trim…black, or maybe burlap ribbon? Looking forward to the big porch reveal:-)

    View Comment
    Reply
  3. lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart says

    June 5, 2015 at 10:05 AM

    Oh this is super super cute. fondly ~lynne~

    View Comment
    Reply
  4. Marsha says

    June 5, 2015 at 11:07 AM

    What a wonderful idea. It is so charming. I am sure it makes the evening porch a very cozy place to be. I can add it to my project list to do.

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    Reply
  5. Emily says

    June 5, 2015 at 4:19 PM

    I love, love, love this!! Great DIY project and I love how you made it in a flower pot. Thanks for sharing it………..

    View Comment
    Reply
  6. Carolyn @ Our Gilded Abode says

    June 5, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    That is just seriously too clever! And really cute, too. Adding the house numbers is the perfect touch. Thanks so much for sharing!!

    View Comment
    Reply
    • Barb says

      June 11, 2015 at 2:43 PM

      Thanks Carolyn, it really was a last minute idea. I would like to say it was “part of the plan” all along. 🙂
      Thanks for stopping by and leaving such kind words. Have a great day, Barb

      View Comment
      Reply
      • Darlene Happ says

        July 13, 2016 at 9:28 AM

        I absolutely LOVE this plant lamp or lamp plant.? I am definitely making this to match my home decor. Does the PVC pipe stay straight with just being held in by dirt? Thank you for this great idea. Looking forward to seeing your farmhouse porch completed.

        View Comment
        Reply
        • Barb says

          July 13, 2016 at 11:18 AM

          Yes, it stays secure with just the dirt. 🙂

          View Comment
          Reply
  7. chris aka monkey says

    June 5, 2015 at 6:27 PM

    this is the cutest idea i love it thanks for sharing and where did you get that roo he looks real xx

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    Reply
    • Barb says

      June 11, 2015 at 2:42 PM

      Chris – I have had that Roo, believe it or not, for about 10 years or more. Gosh, maybe even 15 now that I think about it. I used to have a matching hen but alas, she “passed away.” LOL Glad you liked the lamp project. Thanks for stopping by. Barb

      View Comment
      Reply
  8. tex says

    June 6, 2015 at 10:59 AM

    How does it et enough sunlight to charge being on the porch & below the top of the shade? I’m asking because I really love it!!

    View Comment
    Reply
    • Barb says

      June 6, 2015 at 9:33 PM

      I upgraded to a more substantial quality light, $8 for an 8x brighter light. It does get enough sun. Keep in mind this was never intended to provide enough light for security reasons, etc. I just wanted something soft and cozy looking under the porch when the porch lights were turned off. 🙂

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      Reply
    • connie songbird says

      June 22, 2016 at 2:23 AM

      I’m wondering that also. I suppose that if there’s enough sunshine for a geranium to grow, it’s enough for a light to charge !

      View Comment
      Reply
      • Barb says

        June 27, 2016 at 12:10 PM

        My front porch gets an ample amount of morning sun so I didn’t have any trouble except maybe on cloudy, rainy days. 🙂

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        Reply
  9. Karin says

    June 7, 2015 at 9:31 AM

    Love it! Where did you find your lamp shade?

    View Comment
    Reply
    • Barb says

      June 7, 2015 at 2:08 PM

      Karin I already had it from a lamp that broke. I have about 4-5 shades in the basement. Never realized I wasca shade hoarder. 🙂

      View Comment
      Reply
    • Barb says

      June 11, 2015 at 2:40 PM

      Karin – I have a small (hoarded) collection of shades in the basement. I never realized how many I had until I went searching for one. LOL Thanks for stopping by, Barb

      View Comment
      Reply
  10. Mary says

    June 7, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    Absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing this easy and fun idea!

    View Comment
    Reply
    • Barb says

      June 11, 2015 at 2:40 PM

      You’re very welcome, thank you for your kind words and for stopping by. Let me know if you give this project a try! Have a blessed day, Barb

      View Comment
      Reply
  11. Christine @ Must Love Home says

    June 8, 2015 at 10:33 AM

    Barb, I am coming over from Hometalk ( Love that site) where I saw your post. I had to come by to see the whole project and I am in love with your blog!! Thanks for sharing Barb!

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    Reply
    • Barb says

      June 11, 2015 at 2:39 PM

      Welcome, welcome!!!! I am so glad you found your way over here. Thank you for your kind words and I hope you’ll be coming back often. Have a blessed day, Barb

      View Comment
      Reply
  12. Karren Haller says

    July 6, 2015 at 6:45 PM

    Oh my goodness I found you post in the Brags Pinterest Party and had to pop over to see this cute little lamp. It turned out great and really quit easy, I think I might just have to try this. I have made a few painted pots, one that is not finished and the idea of using sponge in a square to decorate is perfect to finish. Great inspiration.

    Would love to have you stop by and share your party and other posts as well on the #OMHGWW already in progress.!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Karren

    View Comment
    Reply
  13. Steph @ The Silly Pearl says

    July 7, 2015 at 12:01 AM

    Barb, this is such an awesome project. I love that it’s so many things, all in one! Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d} this week, and I hope that all your appointments are going well. Take care – Steph

    View Comment
    Reply
  14. Mary@SweetwaterStyle says

    July 8, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    This is so wonderful! I am looking around the house for the supplies as soon as I leave the computer! What a great project and tutorial!

    View Comment
    Reply
  15. Joanne/WineLady Cooks says

    July 10, 2015 at 4:17 PM

    Barb, this is stunning. I would love to give this a try, it really looks doable. Thanks so much for sharing with Foodie Friends Friday party this weekend.

    We look forward to seeing you again soon with another great post.
    A FFF co-host,
    Joanne

    View Comment
    Reply
  16. Tania says

    July 12, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    OMG great idea! I’m pinning!

    Tania

    View Comment
    Reply
  17. Mila says

    July 16, 2015 at 12:33 PM

    What a creative idea! I have been thinking about making solar lamps lately. But my idea was much more boring!
    Your lamp absolutely rocks 🙂

    View Comment
    Reply
  18. Cindy Woidyla says

    May 22, 2016 at 9:48 PM

    Could you not just use the ‘spike’ that comes with the solar light? Maybe paint it and add the shade? I’m thinking of doing this too!

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    Reply
    • Darlene Happ says

      July 13, 2016 at 9:34 AM

      I’m thinking the spike won’t be long enough to go into the terracotta pot. That’s why you need the Pvc pipe.

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      Reply
      • Barb says

        July 13, 2016 at 11:18 AM

        Hi Darlene – that is correct and also I used the pipe to give it more of a “lamp” look. 🙂

        View Comment
        Reply
  19. Debbie says

    July 13, 2016 at 3:05 PM

    I have a question? I would like to leave out on a table. Is there a certain type of lampshade that would be better out in the weather? Also, If I put lamp on my porch (that is coered), do you think it would get enough light to power the solar light? I just love it and hope I can get it to work with my covered porch.

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    Reply
    • Barb says

      July 13, 2016 at 5:46 PM

      Debbie, mine stays out on my covered porch also. I do have to set it on the steps every few days to get a better charge. I also should have used a more expensive solar light than I did. LOL I used an older shade I had and it held up well. I would suggest maybe giving your shade a good spray of a fabric protectant product. Good luck, hope this works for you. Thanks for stopping by. ~barb

      View Comment
      Reply
  20. Jane says

    July 13, 2016 at 8:51 PM

    Just lovely. I’d add some wide rick-rack, either red or black to the top and bottom of the shade. It’s country and would finish off the look.

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    Reply
  21. Samantha says

    July 14, 2016 at 7:50 PM

    I think blue for the trim instead of black would look nice, or blue ribbon in a bow at the top. I got my solar light, soil, glue & etc. at the dollar tree, everything there is a dollar…can’t beat that price lol. Beautiful idea, thanks! ?

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    Reply
    • Barb says

      July 15, 2016 at 11:27 PM

      Hope it works out for you. Good luck and please let me know how it turns out. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. ~Barb

      View Comment
      Reply
  22. Linda Dann says

    July 20, 2016 at 8:41 AM

    This is just the best on all 3 levels you originally mentioned, light, plants, cute. My question is:
    I would like to make this for my son and wife for their UNcovered patio. I’m thinking this is not the optimum condition for a lamp shade. Any suggestions? Cloth, metal to rust in the rain, all factors of weather are involved in their area.
    Thanks,
    Lindy

    View Comment
    Reply
    • Barb says

      July 20, 2016 at 11:47 AM

      Linda,
      One option (and I have been wanting to do this) is to remove all fabric from an older shade and just have the metal showing, if they like the industrial look. But, I want to take it one step further and either wrap the shade frame with moss (wire it on) and let ivy grow on it like a topiary, or you could even weave and wrap wire or jute twine around the shade. Lots of options. Hope this helps. 🙂 ~Barb

      View Comment
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