High-End DIY Wall Sconces | Dollar Tree Chopping Mat Hack
Create stunning, wireless motion-sensor lighting using flexible chopping mats and silver glitter accents.
This article is adapted from a video originally published on YouTube on Feb. 9, 2025.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualified purchases from links on this page.
Wall lighting usually requires expensive wiring or bulky battery packs, but these DIY sconces offer a sleek, high-end alternative for just a few dollars. By using flexible plastic chopping mats as light diffusers and dollar store wood panels as backdrops, you can add a sophisticated glow to any hallway or gallery wall. These designs are lightweight, portable, and feature rechargeable LED technology for a modern touch.
📺 WATCH: See the ‘Chopping Mat to Elegant Sconce’ transformation here.
Materials
Browse and shop my curated list of Favorite Craft Supplies, Tools & Embellishments.
» Also get 20% off craft supplies and home decor from Temu! «
Plastic Chopping Mats (11x14 inch)
Wood Wall Shelf/Panels (Dollar Tree)
Silver Glitter Shelf Liner (Self-adhesive)
Silver Metallic Placemat (Floral/Mesh design)
Mini Mirror Tile Sheets (Self-adhesive)
Silver Rhinestone Trim
Silver Chrome Car Trim
Vase Filler & White Glitter
Large Popsicle Sticks
Rechargeable LED Puck Lights (Motion-sensored)
Metal Hooks (from picture frame backing)
Tools
Mod Podge (Gloss or Matte)
Hot Glue Gun & glue sticks
Fix-All Adhesive
Scissors
Paintbrush
💡Sandy’s Crafting Tips & Hacks
The Mess-Free Method: When applying vase filler or glitter, hold your sconce inside a deep box or large bowl. This catches the “bounce” of the filler pieces and keeps your workspace clean.
Structural Adhesion: Plastic chopping mats don’t always bond well to glitter paper. Glue large popsicle sticks to the board first to provide a solid, porous surface for the mat to grip onto.
Dabbing, Not Brushing: When filling in gaps with a second layer of Mod Podge, gently “dab” the glue on with your brush. If you use a brushing motion, you might accidentally strip off the first layer of vase filler.
The Pilot Crease: Use the edge of your wood panel as a guide to fold the chopping mat. Applying firm pressure against the wood ensures a perfectly straight, crisp crease for the sides of your sconce.
Instructions
Wall Sconce Design #1: Frosted “Crystal” Vase Filler Sconce
Prep the Backdrop: Wrap the wood shelf panel in silver glitter shelf liner like a gift. Secure the ends with clear tape.
Add Support: Glue two large popsicle sticks vertically onto the back of the panel, parallel to each other and flush with the long edges.
Shape the Mat: Fold down a 3/4-inch flap on the two shorter ends of the chopping mat.
Assemble the Frame: Apply a mix of Fix-All and hot glue to the popsicle sticks. Press the folded flaps of the mat onto the sticks so the mat arches forward to create the sconce shape.
Apply Texture: Coat the front of the mat in Mod Podge. Sprinkle a thick layer of vase filler into the glue. Once dry, fill any gaps with more Mod Podge and a dusting of white glitter.
Add the Border: Apply self-adhesive rhinestone trim along the left and right edges of the wood panel for a finished look.
Install Hardware: Glue a metal picture hook to the center of the back popsicle stick.
Light It Up: Magnetically attach a rechargeable Puck Light to the interior of the wood panel.
Wall Sconce Design #2: Mirror & Metallic Floral Sconce
Mount the Mat: Using a longer, thinner wood panel, fold the long sides of the chopping mat and glue them to the board with Fix-All and hot glue.
Add Interior Bling: Peel and stick mini mirror tiles onto the exposed wood panel inside the arched mat. (Tip: Doing this before gluing the mat is easier, but you can fit your hand inside if the mat is already attached).
Layer the Mesh: Trim a silver metallic placemat to size and hot glue it over the front of the chopping mat.
Refine the Edges: Use silver chrome car trim to frame the top and bottom edges of the chopping mat. Reinforce the ends with a tiny dab of hot glue.
Final Details: Add a strip of rhinestone trim to cover any remaining wood on the sides and glue a single large silver gem to the center of the floral mesh.
Mounting: Attach two hooks to the back so the sconce can be hung either vertically or horizontally.
Related Content & Resources
▶️ Watch Next: More DIY Glam Wall Sconces Playlist
▶️ Browse the Collection: See all my Wall Sconce DIY’s here.
💎 Join the Community
Don’t miss a single transformation! Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for weekly step-by-step video tutorials.
Disclaimer: I’m not a professional. All my DIY’s are for entertainment purposes.