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A simple Dollar Tree find turned ordinary solar path lights into a string of chic porch lanterns. A crafting video went viral after showing how inexpensive wire pencil cups can be paired with stake-style solar LEDs to create an industrial, budget-friendly lighting solution for patios, porches, and garden nooks.
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The project requires only a few tools and a short bit of patience. The idea is to remove the stakes, tuck the solar units into wire pencil holders, and link them into a hanging strand. The result reads like a string of mini lanterns with a coppery, modern look.
What you need
- Wire pencil holders (rose gold or copper tone recommended)
- Solar stake lights with removable stakes
- Wire cutters or a craft knife
- Chain, rope, or cord for stringing
- Spray paint (optional) for color matching
How to assemble
- Unscrew or pop off the plastic stake from each solar light.
- Place the solar unit inside a pencil holder with the panel facing up.
- Trim a small hole in the cup bottom for any protruding tab on the light.
- Repeat for each light and arrange them with solar faces upward.
- Fasten the cups along a planter chain or a length of rope.
- Hang the finished strand where it can collect sun and add ambiance.
How to pick compatible solar lights and supplies
Not all solar stakes will fit. Measure the solar module before you shop. Pencil cups are roughly 3.1 inches in diameter and 4.3 inches tall. Choose lights that remove from their stakes and match those dimensions.
- Look for products described as “stake removable” or “modular.”
- Check the diameter of the solar head to be sure it slips into the cup.
- Consider finish: copper and rose-gold pair well with wire holders.
- Buy a few extras to test fit and color temperature.
Customization ideas to make the lights your own
You can personalize the strand to match any style. Paint the holders a different hue. Swap the chain for nautical rope or paracord for a coastal or rustic vibe. Use warmer bulbs if you prefer a cozy glow over daylight white.
- Spray paint metal cups to complement your decor.
- Try natural jute for a farmhouse look.
- Use thin paracord for a colorful, durable cord option.
- Build simple poles or hooks to showcase freestanding strands.
Weatherproofing and safety tips
Metal wire cups and inexpensive chains are not always waterproof. Even though the solar lights themselves may be rated for outdoor use, the added materials can corrode or let water through. Bring the lights inside during storms or heavy rain.
If you need to store them, place the lights on a sunny windowsill to keep batteries charged. Regularly inspect connections for rust or loose fittings. Replace batteries annually for consistent performance.
Where to buy similar lights and alternatives
If your local discount store doesn’t carry the exact model used in the video, similar options are available online and in big-box retailers. Check product descriptions for dimensions and removable stakes before buying. Popular brands offer 10–12 packs of solar pathway lights that often work for this hack.
Pro tip: Test one light with a cup before purchasing a full set to avoid returns and mismatches.
