12 outdoor lighting DIYs to brighten your summer nights

Each stone is coated with glow-in-the-dark paint that charges in the sunlight and comes to life after dark. For something extra special, paint a pattern on each stone (spraying through lace looks amazing!) or paint the pebbles between the patio stones like this.

This project is fun, easy, and gives you a way to repurpose that old hula-hoop nobody has used in years. Grab some fabric to wrap around the hoop and then attach a string of icicle lights to create a charming twinkle chandelier. It looks great hanging inside the porch, over the outdoor dining area, or even from a tree.

This is the most fun you’re ever going to have with a gourd. It requires some basic power-tool skills, but the end result is amazing. If you don’t have the patience to insert and adhere each bead, you can just paint the exterior, or keep it simple and let the light come through without any obstructions. This project also works great with coconuts!

These are cute, cheap, and look great everywhere. All you need are some recycled cans, a little paint, and a drill. Choose colours that suit your style, and then drill out whatever pattern your heart desires: flowers, stars, or one letter for each can to spell out messages in the dark. Hang them from trees or the porch railing, or just sit them down on the yard or dock.

These are not exactly waterproof, but they are great for a special evening. All you need are some festive cupcake papers and a string of lights.

These charming shades add style to any backyard. To assemble just buy ready-made wicker balls, a string of lights, and then insert a bulb into the middle of each globe.

These garlands are super easy to make—just cut a hole in the middle of each ball and insert a string of mini-lights. If you are feeling extra crafty, find some translucent paint and give the balls a spray of colour before attaching the lights. You can even make them polka-dotted like these!

These are a great way to light up your evenings at the dock, while also fending off the mosquitos. Purchase some coloured bottles to match your décor, or save a few after your next dinner party for a more mismatched, eclectic look. The installation requires a little planning, but it will be worth the added effort. Add citronella scented oil if you want to keep the bugs at bay.

Add tiny dots of fluorescent paint to jars of any size or shape to create these starry-night glow jars. Reminiscent of childhood evenings spent catching fireflies, you can just leave them out in the sun all day to charge.

These delightful (and relatively easy to make) dangling lights will add an enchanting allure to any yard or garden. Make your own candleholders by adding a wire holder and handle to a glass jar, bowl, or cup. You can hang your candles from branches with fancy ribbons for a classy look, or keep things simple by using twine.

All you need to create this movable chandelier is glass jars, a string if lights, and somewhere to hang your finished creation. You can customize your light sculpture by painting the jars, using different sizes of wire or string, or by adding burlap ribbons. If you’re not into the clustered look, there are many other jar light designs.

Marquee lights are timeless, and not that difficult to make. You can use letters or shapes—everything looks great behind those classic round bulbs—and, if you’re feeling creative, you can paint some designs onto the back of each letter. Don’t fuss about placement, they look good sitting on the ground or hanging on the wall.