Mason Jar Lanterns from Recycled Glass Jars
Empty jam and pasta sauce jars make excellent lanterns. With a wire handle, a little twine and a battery-operated tea light, you get a soft glow for a porch, a balcony or a dinner table, and one less jar in the recycling bin.
Published · 2 min read
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Crafting time
- 30 minutes
- Estimated cost
- $5–$15
Table of contents
Cleaning the jars
Soak jars in warm, soapy water for 30 minutes to loosen labels. Rub off leftover adhesive with a little cooking oil, then wash again and dry completely.
Frosted or clear?
Clear jars show off the flicker of the light. For a softer glow, brush the outside with a thin layer of decoupage glue and press on tissue paper.
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Materials and supplies
Tick items off as you gather them.
tools you'll need
- Wire cutters
- Round-nose or needle-nose pliers
- Scissors
let's make it!
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Wrap the neck
Cut a 12-inch piece of wire. Wrap it twice around the jar's neck just under the lip, twist the ends together tightly and trim the excess. Leave a small loop on each side.
Step 2: Add the handle
Cut an 18-inch piece of wire. Thread one end through each side loop, bend it back and twist it around itself three or four times so it can't slip out.
Step 3: Wrap with twine
Cover the wire collar with jute twine, wrapping tightly and tying off with a double knot. Add a few twists of twine to the handle for a softer grip.
Step 4: Decorate (optional)
Brush on decoupage glue and smooth on torn tissue paper for a frosted, colored glow. Let it dry for at least an hour.
Step 5: Add the light
Drop an LED tea light into the jar. Hang the lanterns from a sturdy hook or branch, or group them down the middle of a table.
pro tips!
Helpful craft tips
- Jars with a pronounced lip hold the wire collar most securely.
- Buy tea lights with a timer so they switch off on their own.
Variations to try
- Garden lanterns: add a layer of sand and a few small shells to the bottom.
- Fairy-light jars: fill with a string of battery fairy lights instead of a tea light.
Safety tips
Use LED tea lights rather than real candles: glass can get very hot and wire handles conduct heat. Wear gloves if a jar has chips or rough edges, and recycle any cracked jars.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use real candles in mason jar lanterns?
We recommend LED tea lights. Real flames heat the glass and the wire handle, and a hanging lantern is easy to bump or knock over.
How do I remove sticky label residue?
Rub the residue with cooking oil or a paste of baking soda and oil, leave it for 10 minutes, then wash with warm soapy water.
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