How to Catch Moonbeams in a Jar

There's something magical about summer evenings: balmy breezes heavy with the scent of night blooming flowers, cricket sounds and the twinkle of fireflies. So why not grab a comfortable chair and head out to your evening garden to relax and enjoy the show?

The best accessory for any moon garden would have to be your very own homemade jar of moonbeams.

Now you can bottle up the magic of moonbeams and give your evening garden that special twinkle with these simple instructions.

So go ahead, carry moonbeams home in a jar.

All photos are by author

What is it, anyway?

You don't have to be a gardener to appreciate the wonders of an evening garden.

A moon garden, or evening garden, is simply a garden designed to be enjoyed in daylight and after the sun slips down. Evening gardens take advantage of night blooming flowers for their exotic scents and bright white blooms for day and evening interest.

Moon garden essentials are very simple: a few white flowers, a night blooming flower for extra fragrance and a comfortable seat. Add a glow and a twinkle and you've created a magical spot to relax and let the stress of the day melt away.

What You'll Need

One jar with a clear lid

Glass frosting (I used Rust Oleum Frosted Glass)

One solar path light

Clear caulk or other adhesive

Make sure jar is completely clean and dry.

Lightly spray a coat of glass frosting inside the jar. You will need to give your jar several layers of frosting spray.(I used 5 applications)

The paint goes on clear when wet, so you will not see the frosted effect until it's dry.. Don't spray with a heavy hand or you won't like the outcome. Allow the jar to completely dry between applications.

Remove the solar panel from the solar path light. The photo shows two types of path lights with the solar panel disassembled. This should be a very simple procedure; just unscrew the plastic globe surrounding the solar panel.

Many solar lights also have a battery, so if yours has a battery component, insert batteries.

Place the solar panel on the lid of your jar, with the panels facing the top of the jar.

Secure your panel with adhesive (I used clear caulk).

Allow the adhesive to completely dry before moving the jar.

Set your jar in a sunny spot in your garden. When the sun goes down, you'll have your glowing moonbeams.

What You'll Need:

If you don't want to go through the mess of spray paint, here's another way to add some twinkle to your garden. It's a super simple project - only four easy steps.

Here is the list of supplies you'll need:

Jar with lid at least 3 inches wide

Battery operated string lights & batteries

White glitter or snow

Glue

Fishing line

Plastic wrap

Scissors

They make great party favors for Fairy themed parties.

If you want kids to make these for birthday party favors, just have the battery packs already attached to the jar lid. The party guests can paint and add their own combination of glitter colors or snow flakes.

Mix a small amount of white glue (such as Elmer's Glue) with water.

Brush on the inside of the jar.

Be sure to cover the inside thoroughly.

Add white glitter, or snow to the jar.

Cover the jar opening with plastic wrap to keep jar lid clean.

Place lid over the plastic and twist lid shut.

Shake jar to evenly distribute glitter/snow.

Allow to dry thoroughly.

Cut a 9 inch piece of fishing line and tie ends together in a secure knot.

Place loop around battery box.

Adhere battery pack to inside of jar lid with clear caulk or other adhesive.

** You can secure battery pack to lid with a hot glue gun, but remove batteries beforehand.

Drape the end of the string of lights over the fishing line

to evenly distribute lights throughout the jar.

Turn lights on, screw on lid.

Have you ever heard Bing Crosby sing "would you like to swing on a star, carry moonbeams home in a jar"?

Tell me now, I'd love to know

Do you let your garden glow?

If you do, then I should boast:

Moonlit beds we love the most.