How to Install Outdoor Accent Lighting

Although outdoor lighting is important for safety, accent lights complete a festive evening gathering. The warm glow from outdoor accent lights adds a new dimension to your outdoor living space when the sun goes down. There are many forms of decorative accent lights available, some more expensive than others. Save money for other things when you make and install your own outdoor accent lights. Flower-petal lights placed strategically throughout the garden area softly illuminate flowers and enchant evening visitors.

5/8-inch dowel, 48 inches long
Small cardboard cone shape
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
10 large artificial flower petals
Floral tape
Acrylic paints
Paintbrush
3 artificial leaves
Spray-on matte sealer
Candle holder
Tea light candle

Instructions

- 1
  Select a ventilated and well-lit area to construct the lights. Place all materials on a clean table.
- 2
  Push the end of the dowel rod into the small cardboard cone, with the wide end at the top. Hot glue the cone to the dowel to hold it in place. Allow the glue to dry. The side with the cone will be the top of the light.
- 3
  Hot glue the flower petals to the top of the light. Attach each petal to the face of the wide end of the cone. Arrange the petals in any desired fashion. Overlap the petals if needed.
- 4
  Wrap a piece of floral tape around the top of the cone, and continuing 1 inch on to the dowel. This will cover up the joint where the dowel and the cone meet.
- 5
  Paint the dowel and the cone with any desired color of acrylic paint. Be careful not to paint the flower petals. Apply at least two coats of paint for best color. Allow the paint to dry completely.
- 6
  Hot glue the artificial leaves to the dowel rod in desired locations. Do not glue the leaves to close to the bottom of the dowel where they will interfere with placement of the rod in the ground.
- 7
  Spray the entire light including flower petals and leaves with a matte sealer. Allow the sealer to dry before using candles.
- 8
  Insert the bottom end of the dowel into the ground several inches. Place a tea light candle holder in the center of the flower on the top of the dowel. Place a tea light candle in the holder. Your homemade accent lighting is ready for use.

Do-It-Yourself: Stepping Stones

Bird Houses & Feeders to Build

Lawn Ornaments