Creating Beautiful Jar Lanterns in 5 Easy Steps
Looking for a fun DIY project? Turning glass jars into stunning lanterns is easy, inexpensive, and makes a gorgeous decoration indoors or out. With just a few basic materials and following these simple steps, you can upcycle jars from your recycling bin into beautiful illuminated lanterns.
Supplies Needed
- Glass jars (canning jars, spaghetti sauce jars, etc.)
- Wire cutters
- Wire (florist wire or aluminum wire)
- Fairy lights or tea lights
- Spray paint, glitter paint, or decoupage (optional)
Step 1: Clean the Jars
Start by thoroughly washing and drying any jars you plan to use. Make sure all food residue, dirt, and old label adhesive is removed so the jars have a clear surface for decorating in later steps.
Step 2: Add Wire Handles
For the handle, cut a long piece of wire and bend it into the shape you want. Simple loop or spiral shapes work well. Wrap the ends securely around the rim of the jar a few times.
For the top hanging wire, cut another piece and wrap it around the jar neck. Twist the ends together to close the loop. This will allow you to hang the finished lantern.
Step 3: Decorate the Jars
At this point, you can leave the plain glass jars as is or decorate them for extra flair. Some fun options include:
-
Spray painting the jars with metallic paint for a galactic or steampunk look
-
Brushing glitter paint around the rim for a magical twinkle effect
-
Decoupaging with scrapbook paper, fabric, or photos for a collage effect
Use stencils, painter’s tape, or stickers to create patterns and designs. Let your creativity shine!
Step 4: Add Lights
The lighting entirely transforms these from regular jars to lanterns. For the traditional candle look, place a flameless LED tea light inside each jar.
For extra twinkle, use a strand of battery-operated fairy lights wrapped around the inside. This creates a magical glow!
Step 5: Display Your Lanterns
Now it’s time to enjoy your homemade jar lanterns! Display indoors on shelves, tables, or windowsills. Use outdoors by hanging in trees or lining garden pathways.
Group different shaped jars together for visual interest. Mix and match colors for an eclectic look. Change them out by season or holiday. The options are endless with these versatile lanterns made from upcycled jars!
Extra Tips and Inspiration
-
Tint the inside of clear jars with colored tissue paper or acrylic paint before adding lights for custom hues.
-
Glue seashells, stones, or faux flowers around plain jars for natural charm.
-
Write names or inspirational words on jars using vinyl letter stickers or paint pens.
-
Keep wintertime lanterns snowy by hot gluing white pom poms around plain jars.
-
Suspend lanterns at varying heights on posts in the garden for dimension.
-
Nestle small votive or tea light jars inside larger jars to create a double lantern.
With the right jars, a bit of wire, and a strand of lights, you can create wonderful lanterns perfect for any space or season. Let your creativity shine by designing unique jars that fit your personal style. Making these jar lanterns is an easy DIY project anyone can do. Display them proudly and enjoy the beautiful ambiance they create.
How to make a mason jar lantern
How to make a hanging Lantern?
To make hanging lanterns, take a piece of strong wire and measure how much you need for a handle by wrapping the wire around the mouth of the jar, looping it over the top of the jar, and bringing it back down to the mouth of the jar. Clip with wire cutters.
How to make Halloween lanterns using Mason jars?
To make Halloween lanterns using Mason jars, start by adding the lights to the inside of the jars. It’s a good idea to add the lights first because it will be difficult to reach inside the jars once the decorations are added. While I used Mason jars for this craft, you can use any type of jar to make your lanterns.
How do you make a fairy lantern using a jar?
To make a fairy lantern using a jar, first decorate the lid with extra glitter and glue. You could also use flower accessories. Once decorated, place the lantern under a glow stick or insert LED lights into the jar to illuminate it.
How to make a Japanese lantern?
To make a traditional Japanese lantern using paper, take a sheet of construction paper and fold it in half lengthwise. Draw a line (about 1-inch) down the open edge. Help the children make a row of parallel cuts with safety scissors, from the folded edge up to the line. Make these cuts every 1 to 1 1/2 inches apart.