| Having an outdoor party? Would you like some | | | | screws that are long enough that they will go |
| whimsical outdoor candle lights using materials that | | | | through the porch roof and cause a leak or cause |
| you probably already have on hand? | | | | other damage...also keep in mind that you will be |
| All you need are 3 or 4 canning jars - any size - | | | | using candles so make sure your wire is long |
| clear or the old blue tinted ones, some stripped | | | | enough so that the rising heat from the candle |
| electrical wire or wire coat hangers, a cordless drill, | | | | won't catch anything on fire. Once the lights are |
| a pair of pliars, some 1/2 inch screws and some | | | | secured, bend the wire between the ceiling or |
| tea lights. You can even use empty pickle or | | | | beam in a twisted or zigzag pattern - or if you |
| mayonnaise jars if you don't have canning jars. | | | | prefer straighten it - and bend the wire at the |
| If you are using coat hangers for your wire, use | | | | neck of the jar so that the jar is hanging level. |
| the pliars to unwind the coat hangers and stretch | | | | Then drop a tea light (use the ones that are in |
| the wire out semi-straight. Next, using the pliars | | | | the little metal containers) into each jar and light |
| and your hands, wind the wire around the neck of | | | | the tea lights using a long candle lighter to avoid |
| the jar at least once and give the wire a little | | | | burns. If you prefer you can paint stars, flowers |
| twist around itself at the end to secure it around | | | | or other designs on the outside of the jars...I used |
| the neck of the jar. Repeat this for each jar that | | | | the old blue-ish antique Ball jars and they add a |
| you have. Next, using your pliars, wind the other | | | | rustic old-fashioned charm to my back porch and |
| end of the wire tightly around the screw once. | | | | give a nice light above the table. I have four of |
| Then using your drill (or a screwdriver) insert the | | | | them hanging in a group at various lengths. |
| screw into an overhead rafter of your porch - I | | | | An extra jar with fresh cut flowers underneath |
| hung these lights above my outdoor patio table. | | | | will add just the right touch. |
| You need to exercise caution and not insert | | | | |