Quikrete glass jar patio lantern DIY, Digi Mart USA News: Homeowners looking to light an outdoor space without hardwiring can make their own patio lantern using quick-setting cement, a glass jar and battery-powered lights. According to a House Digest guide, the project produces a spherical fixture that resembles a planet with a glowing core, an option for those interested in DIY celestial decor.
The project requires a bag of Quikrete Quick-Setting Cement, a mixing basin, a spherical plastic mold, a slightly smaller bowl to hold the mold steady, cooking oil, a brush, a hot glue gun and 1-inch thick wooden dowels, with square dowels recommended. The guide suggests a glass jar slightly narrower than a standard Mason jar and one without many embossed details so the concrete can adhere.
Sandpaper, paint and a battery-powered LED light, such as a tea light or fairy lights, are listed as optional or finishing items.
The process begins by mixing the cement with water to a batter-like consistency. One half of the sphere is set on a smaller bowl, the glass jar rim is attached to the base with hot glue, and the inside of the mold is brushed with oil, avoiding the jar sides so the concrete bonds properly.
The concrete is poured and tapped to release air bubbles, and the guide says it may take 24 hours to fully dry before the hardened half is removed from the mold.
The second half is made the same way but without the jar, and is not filled to the brim. After leaving about a ¼-inch gap from the rim and placing two dowel spacers, the jar is slowly sunk into this portion.
Once the piece dries, the dowels and mold are removed, and the LED light can be placed inside the jar. Finishing steps include sanding rough edges and painting, with the guide suggesting painted craters for a moon-like texture.
