Monday, July 11, 2011

Decorating w/ Battery Operated Lights

I inherited a liking for lights from my mom. She is especially fond of string lights, which can end up looking either really elegant (below)

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or just plain tacky (below).

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 I bought 3 strings of battery operated, mini LED lights for a different project but because it never panned out, I was left with these guys...

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I figured there was something I could do with them. I basically walked around the house putting the lights in random places (plants, vases, centerpieces, top of cabinets, etc.) to determine if it looked good or tacky.  Then I placed in my silver urn ...



and it worked perfectly.


Because it isn't a clear vase, it hides the wires wonderfully, and because it is battery operated, there are no cords! 

It creates a soft glow and adds warmth to my living room, all for a mere $5.00 :) 

Other ways you could utilize these versatile little things...

*Decorate a mantel
*Hide in plants
*Wrap around a wreath
*Use as wall art
*Illuminate under cabinets
*Place in vases
*Hide inside garland
*Hang behind a picture

What other ideas have you seen?

Linking up to...


27 comments:

Jennifer said... Best Blogger Tips

I LOVE little lights. They are not just for Christmas! But I agree they can go horribly wrong. I have some on a houseplant that grows up a little trellis. I also have a few wine bottles that I have drilled holes in and run the lights up inside. I use the electric ones and put them on timers. :) I like your mercury glass along with the lights...pretty!

Drew {Coral Cafe} said... Best Blogger Tips

I am a huge fan of lights too! My sister makes fun of me because I used to get very out of hand with it and display tackiness instead of elegance! I even strung battery operated lights at the top of my windshield for Christmas back in high school..lol..I see now that no matter if its tacky, anything at Christmas is excused for tackiness. I love your lights in your beautiful vase/jar!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Such a cute idea for those little lights! It looks great all lit up! I think those lights can look so pretty when done right. Unfortunately, when I was in middle school, I totally sinned with those lights (well, the thicker rope kind, like the kind at the movie theater) and totally lined all of the molding in my bedroom with them... green ones. I also had a black light hanging from the ceiling. I was a special child. But, the good news is that I now know how to do those little lights right, thanks to you!

Jami said... Best Blogger Tips

So pretty! Loving the mercury glass containers, too! So glad you stopped by and left comments...I'm now following your wonderful blog!
Smiles!
Jami
www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

Tamra {ever swoon} said... Best Blogger Tips

Great DIY light work. It's amazing how string lights can add that little bit of magic. :)

Tamra {ever swoon} said... Best Blogger Tips

Great DIY light work. It's amazing how string lights can add that little bit of magic. :)

Tamra {ever swoon} said... Best Blogger Tips

Great DIY light work. It's amazing how string lights can add that little bit of magic. :)

Bird Bug Pug said... Best Blogger Tips

great idea, i've seen string lights put into acrylic boxes and used as wall art/shelves

People Who Know Me Would Say: said... Best Blogger Tips

This is something my late mom used to do starting way back in 1970 with colored bottles and colored lights. What you've done is lovely. I'm your newest follower.

Kat said... Best Blogger Tips

Very pretty! I love them in the mercury glass, it makes a lovely glow. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Sandra said... Best Blogger Tips

What a NEAT idea! I love what you did w/the lights - the vignette looks lovely!

Wendy@~Chez~La~De~da~ said... Best Blogger Tips

ooooooo~love it! I have always wanted to try these, but thought "okay how long will they really light something up? a day? and I will be constantly buying batteries?" So you tell me how long they last k cuz I always wanted to know lol....I have thought about the all the uses also, under the counter being my favorite!!!
Following you for more creative insipration:*~:*~thanks for visitaing my blog
~~Wendy

Jazmin @ My Little Memory Jar said... Best Blogger Tips

These is awesome! I am going to borrow this idea!

Thanks for stopping by & commenting yesterday.

*new follower*

♥Jazmin

Becca {A Blonde's Logic} said... Best Blogger Tips

Great ideas for lighting! Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier! You have a great one yourself :-)

Becca
http://beccatm.blogspot.com

Terriea Kwong said... Best Blogger Tips

Cool idea and safe. Love it.

Kelly said... Best Blogger Tips

So pretty! I love that look in the urn. That's how I get some of my best ideas too, walking around house with an accessory or artwork looking for that perfect spot! Great post.

AsylumTanya said... Best Blogger Tips

NEAT! I am speechless! (and that is saying something.) :) I am definitely going to have to get my hands on some of those! Thanks for sharing!

Pamela said... Best Blogger Tips

I love battery operated candles and lights! I just wish they made the candles to glow white and not halloween orange! I also wish I could find a batter powered lamp. I have two spot where I want to place a lamp and no plug even remotely near by. Thanx for stopping by earlier!

Miss Kitty said... Best Blogger Tips

Great idea and so pretty! I am going to steal this idea to decorate a dining or serving table. That way, no cords for folks to trip over getting to the table. I have used this idea on a wreath on the front door at Christmas so that no wires are hanging off it it.

Jessica said... Best Blogger Tips

So pretty! Love the mercury glass.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said... Best Blogger Tips

Hi Coley, This is such a great idea and looks wonderful in the mercury glass vase.
xo,
Sherry

Faith said... Best Blogger Tips

what an awesome idea!! i absolutely love it!

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said... Best Blogger Tips

What a great idea. I'm having a party today and every Monday at http://diyhshp.blogspot.com Would love for you to stop by and link up this project and any other projects.

Christina'Marie said... Best Blogger Tips

How very clever! Love your blog and am a new follower :)

Brandi said... Best Blogger Tips

Such a cute idea. I like the lights inside your mercury glass. very pretty!

Ladybird Ln said... Best Blogger Tips

What a great idea! Light really makes a huge difference! THank you so much for showing off on my blog, you have so many wonderful ideas!

Carlee
www.ladybirdln.com

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips

love that look in the urn. Picture Lighting