Turn old jam jars into colourful lanterns for your garden! This is a lovely, simple activity that can be enjoyed by children of all ages. I made these lanterns with my children aged three, seven and eight.
Making a lantern out of a glass jar is an easy, fun DIY project With just a few basic supplies, you can upcycle jars from your recycling bin into gorgeous illuminated lanterns. These homemade jar lanterns make excellent decor for both indoor and outdoor spaces
Supplies You’ll Need
To make a jar lantern, you’ll need:
-
Glass jars – canning jars, spaghetti sauce jars, or any glass jar will work. Collect jars in different sizes and shapes for variety.
-
Wire – florist wire or aluminum wire You’ll need about 1-2 yards of wire per jar.
-
Wire cutters
-
Tea lights or fairy lights
-
Decorative supplies like paint, glitter, decoupage scraps, etc. (optional)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make stunning lanterns out of jars:
1. Clean the Jars
Start by washing your jars thoroughly and removing any food residue, dirt, or labels. This gives you a clean surface for decorating later.
2. Add Wire Handles
Cut a long piece of wire and bend it into a loop shape. Wrap the ends several times around the jar’s rim to secure it. This will become the handle.
Cut another piece of wire, wrap it around the jar’s neck and twist together. This will allow you to hang the finished lantern.
3. Decorate the Jars (Optional)
At this point, embellish the jars however you’d like. Some fun options:
-
Spray paint with metallic paint for a galactic or rustic look
-
Brush glitter around the rims for a magical twinkle
-
Decoupage with scrapbook paper, fabric, photos, etc. for a collage effect
-
Add stickers, stencils, or painter’s tape to create patterns
4. Add Lights
Lights transform the jar into a lantern. Add battery-operated fairy string lights or an LED tealight inside each jar. The lights create a beautiful glow!
5. Display Your Lanterns
Finally, find creative ways to display your homemade jar lanterns:
- On shelves or tables
- Lining walkways
- Hanging from trees
- On patios or decks
- Along staircases
- On mantels
Group lanterns together for an eclectic look. Mix up sizes and colors. Change them out by season or holiday. Endless possibilities!
Tips for Customizing Your Jar Lanterns
The great thing about DIY lanterns is you can customize them to match your style. Get creative with these extra tips:
-
Tint the inside of clear jars with acrylic paint or tissue paper before adding lights. This creates colored light effects.
-
Glue shells, stones, flowers or other embellishments to plain jars for lots of texture.
-
Write names, inspirational words or quotes on the jars using vinyl letters or paint pens.
-
For wintery lanterns, hot glue white pompoms around the jars.
-
Nest a smaller jar inside a larger one to make double lanterns.
-
Incorporate natural elements like twigs, feathers or sand inside.
-
Suspend the lanterns at varying heights for dimension.
-
Display different themed lanterns together – nautical, boho, rustic, elegant, whimsical.
More Creative Uses for Jar Lanterns
Mason jar lanterns aren’t just for porch decor! Here are more ways to use these charming lights:
-
Line the buffet at a wedding reception or event.
-
Light a pathway for an outdoor party or wedding ceremony.
-
Use as creative table centerpieces.
-
Decorate kids’ bedrooms and playrooms.
-
Brighten dark hallways or accent staircases.
-
Set the mood for romantic date nights.
-
Add ambiance to outdoor living spaces like patios.
-
Illuminate gardens or landscaping at night.
-
Provide a soft glow on campouts.
-
Accent dorm rooms and apartments.
Make Stunning Lanterns From Recycled Jars
Turning recycled jars into beautiful lanterns is simple, inexpensive and eco-friendly. With just basic craft supplies and your creativity, you can make these DIY lanterns to add charm anywhere. Customize them to match your style or the season. Show off your gorgeous illuminated jars indoors and out for a handmade look.
What you need to do:
1. Find some old jam jars.
2. Lay your tissue paper on a table and cut it into different shapes and patterns. Or, instead of cutting, you may prefer to rip the paper into small pieces. Think about how you want your jar to look when it’s finished with light shining through it.
3. Take your glue stick and smear glue all over the outside of your jar. Then take your pieces of tissue paper and stick them over the jar. When you make your tissue paper overlap, it will create new, darker colours.
4. Once you’ve covered your jar in colourful tissue paper, leave it to dry.
5. You could add a handle to your jar with some wire, or leave it as it is.
6. Enjoy your lantern!
What you will need:
· Some old jam jars
· Colourful tissue paper
How to make a mason jar lantern
FAQ
How to make lanterns out of jars?
- Find some old jam jars.
- Lay your tissue paper on a table and cut it into different shapes and patterns. …
- Take your glue stick and smear glue all over the outside of your jar. …
- Once you’ve covered your jar in colourful tissue paper, leave it to dry.
How to make a lantern out of card?
- Step 1: Draw Out the Lines (Go to the STEP 2 If You Have the Template)
- Step 2: Cut the Strips
- Step 3: Score the Lines
- Step 4: Cut Strips From the Other Card
- Step 5: Stick on the Strips of Card
- Step 6: Cut Out and Glue the Tissue Paper
- Step 7: Glue the Bottom Edge of the Lantern
How to make a jar into a lamp?
- Place birch sticks into a half-gallon-sized mason jar.
- Remove jar lamp adapter from the packaging and screw onto the mason jar.
- Add on burlap shade.
- Add in the light bulb.
- Your mason jar table lamp is ready for display in your home.