Tea Lights Help A Couple Give Their Backyard A Cozy Upgrade With A Creative DIY

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If you're not so keen on selling them at the seashore, tea lights can transform seashells (or just about any candle-sized vessel you can find) into outdoor sconces with a warm, ambient glow. Using a few basic supplies and some flameless tea lights, you can use found objects to give your backyard a cozy upgrade.

That's exactly what TikTok creator modernbymanu and her partner did when they found themselves with a collection of large halved clam shells they hadn't yet found a use for. They mounted the clam shells directly on their wood fence. Each shell forms a shallow, bowl-like shelf that holds a small tea light, creating a series of candlelit accents along the fence. It's a unique alternative to traditional backyard fence lighting, and one that doesn't require running electrical wiring across your property.

If you lack a collection of beach souvenirs and want to recreate the sconces, you can purchase clam shells, such as the CraftMix Extra Large Atlantic Surf Clam Shells, on Etsy. Look for sturdy, relatively deep shells that can accommodate your chosen lights without allowing them to tip out, though you can help secure them with super glue or a product like Gorilla Mounting Putty. You'll also need a drill with an appropriate bit (ideally, a small diamond-tipped drill or a Dremel with a fine-grinding tip), outdoor screws, and solar-powered LED tea lights designed for outdoor use.

This artsy seashell DIY is relatively easy to put together. The couple begins by drilling a hole through each clam shell, and then cuts the screws to a length suitable for the fence. After experimenting with the arrangement, all that's left to do is drill holes in the fence boards, screw the shells into place, and nestle the tea lights inside the shells.

If you're using shells, ceramic, or a similar hard, shatter-prone material for your sconces, note that drilling requires a more careful hand than drilling into wood. Apply too much pressure, and you could end up cracking or shattering the piece. To keep the drill bit cool and minimize the risk of damage, place the piece in a shallow tray with enough water to cover the drilling area, keeping the rotary tool and its cord safely away from the water. Using low speed and gentle pressure, drill straight down, periodically lifting the bit to allow water to cool it and wash away debris.  Always wear eye protection and a respirator or dust mask to avoid breathing dust, and consider practicing on a spare piece before drilling into your favorites.

Before mounting your new sconces, take a moment to consider where they'll receive the most sunlight for charging the solar lights. You can swap these out for battery-operated or traditional tea lights as well; just make sure to never leave the lit candles unattended if you opt for the latter.