These charming decorative pendants are the perfect remedy for a gloomy corner at the cottage, but could also work wonders when hung in multiples over a kitchen island.

This spring, keep your eyes peeled at garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops for vintage canning jars or other great items, such as glass canisters or wire baskets, that you can easily convert into your own fabulous fixtures.

You Need (for each):
• Large glass canning jar or storage jar (with metal or hard plastic lid)
• Hemma 15-foot (14.6 m) cord set ($6, ikea.ca)
• Low-wattage LED bulb or CFL bulb
• Dimma dimmer switch ($10, ikea.ca)

• Cordless drill or rotary tool with 1-inch (2.5 cm) metal hole saw bit
• Utility knife (optional)
• Hole punch

To Make:
1. Remove lid from jar and thoroughly clean both lid and jar. Drill 1-inch (2.5 cm) diameter hole in centre of metal lid. (For hard plastic lid, use utility knife to cut 2-inch (5 cm) X through centre of lid, then cut small circle out at centre of X so cord will hang straight.) Using hole punch or small drill bit, make a few holes in lid for ventilation.

2. From bottom of lid, insert plug end of cord, threading all the way through hole until lightbulb socket touches lid.

3. Screw in lightbulb; carefully insert bulb into mouth of jar and securely screw on lid. Connect cord to dimmer switch and hang from ceiling hooks included in cord set.

Safety tips
• Do not use incandescent lightbulbs that are over 40 watts. Instead, opt for low-wattage LED or CFL lightbulbs.

• Avoid leaving lights on for extended periods of time.

• When hanging pendants, be sure to use plugs and screws suited to the wall and ceiling materials.

Interested in more great craft ideas for your home? Check out the Craft blog.

Wendy Russell is a craft expert and segment producer for "The Marilyn Denis Show" on CTV.

This story was originally titled "A Bright Idea" in the May 2012 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!