Growing up in Minnesota we used to catch fireflies in the evenings. It was such a magical experience to run around with them. We would catch them, put them in a mason jar, watch them, and then release them. I wanted to create something to have in my home during the summer that could capture that memory.
I started with a battery operated votive light that I found at the Dollar Tree.
I pulled it apart.
I took the lid off a small mason jar that I had. You could use a recycled jar as well.
I knew I’d be adding the light base to the lid but I needed the light to hang down far enough inside the jar. I added some hot glue and let it cool to help elevate the light.
I added hook and loop (Velcro dots) to the glue on the lid, and one on the base of the votive LED light. I did this so I’d be able to get to the on/off switch as well as be able to change the battery when needed. I was able to get these at Dollar Tree as well.
Here is what it looks like attached and on.
I put some grass in the bottom of the jar. You could use fake grass or something else.
I placed the lid back on.
My jar was finished and I had a captured firefly.
The little LED light flickers on and off. I love how this turned out and I am happy to have this memory preserved in my home.
This project would be great for kids as well.
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Brilliant idea!! 🙂
Thank you so much Kate 🙂
Oh how I love this Chas!
How I miss those sweet childhood summers & my fireflys in a jar by my bed. I still see some, but very few. How sad they’re not around here anymore. Tfs this unforgettable memory. Not to share with my GB. ❣❣ Joy⚘
Now*
Thank you so much Joy and thank you so much for sharing your memories and reminiscing with me.
You are my go to craft person for wonderful ideas.. The teapot and cup and saucer , the gazing ball with the light inside are more are easy to do and innovative. Now i can add the firefly light to the crafts i am doing.. Thanks so much for this fantastic website.. I am definitely a fan.. Gail
Oh my gosh Gail, you just made my day 🙂 You are so sweet and I’m so glad you like my crazy creations 😉 I’m so happy to have you here! Sending you hugs
Oh gosh, I remember chasing fire flies around my grandparent’s side yard. I also put them in a jar with tiny holes so that they could live through the night. Then we let them go later. What a great memory! I never would have thought to take one of those tiny lights apart. I love this one. 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you so much Linda! I love hearing everyone’s stories about catching these magical bugs. Someone reminded me in Minnesota that we called them lightening bugs – I had forgotten that. I really miss seeing them in the evenings – but I don’t miss the mosquitoes 😉
Such a great idea! We used to love catching fireflies when I was young living in Pennsylvania! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger’s Pit Stop! Roseann from This Autoimmune Life
Thank you Roseann and thanks for sharing your memories of growing up catching them too. See you next week.
What a clever idea! I, too, have very fond memories of catching “lightning bugs” in the mountains of West Virginia as a kid.
Visiting from Little Things Thursday
Thank you Ericka, and I had forgotten that we called them lighting bugs too until someone recently reminded me. Thanks for sharing your memories too 🙂