• Having a solar fence light post not only harnesses the day's light and preserves energy, but creates a safe way for your family to see its way home. Although the poles are often ornate with wrought-iron construction, it can be fun and creative to decorate the post. With a few simple steps and items from around the house, you can enjoy some do-it-yourself crafts while decorating your solar light post.
  
  

Stripes

• The tall, thin shape of the solar light post easily lends itself to a fun, easy way to decorate for the Christmas holidays. Turn your light post into the tallest, sturdiest candy cane on the block with a few quick steps. At the hardware store (or craft store), buy one roll each of red and white duct tape (these can also be ordered online). Depending on the height of your pole, you may need to stand on a step ladder. Starting from the top of the pole, cover the entire pole in white duct tape, working your way to the bottom. Make sure the edges line up so none of the pole's natural base color shows through. Once the pole has been taped with white, repeat the process with the red tape, but leave about two inches of space between each loop of the red so the white shows through. In a few minutes, you'll have a tall candy cane. Striping can be done throughout the year -- use black and orange for Halloween, pink and blue to announce new babies or reuse the red and white when Valentine's Day comes around.
  
  

Leaf Garland

• Making a leaf garland is a fun way to involve children in an enjoyable craft while tackling the task of raking your yard. All that's required is a simple needle and thread; for very small children, an older child or adult should supervise use of the needle or hold it for them. Once the needle is threaded, set kids loose in the backyard to find the most colorful and interesting leaves. You can even work it into a contest--whoever brings back the coolest leaf, the most leaves. Once you've got a good pile of leaves, begin stringing them onto the thread by piercing the leaf in the middle and sliding the thread through. Fresh leaves will work best; dried/crunchy leaves will break and fall away from the thread. String as many leaves as preferred on the thread, then carefully remove the needle and loop it around the light post. You can use tape to anchor it in certain spots.
  
  

Glow Cut Outs

• Harness the power from your light post to create a glowing, cool night display. Purchase sheets of glow tape (often used on stages for actors to keep their places) from the hardware store or online. Then, using stencils or free hand, draw various shapes onto the tape, such as flowers, animals or even letters to spell out your name. Cut them out, then stick them all around your light post. Each evening, as the light from your solar post comes on, the glow stickers will soak up the reflecting light and glow brightly. Of course, you can always resort to the common plastic glowing stars sold in most party stores, but cutting out your own can be more personal and fun.