How to Make Mason Jar Lanterns
Learn how to make these easy DIY mason jar lanterns with pebbles. They’re perfect for outdoor patios or even a beach-themed wedding.
It is my favorite time of the month. Yes it is the International Bloggers Club Challenge where I join with some of my fellow bloggin friends for crafting goodness! This month we’re making projects with household items. In my case I have chosen jars and will show you how easy it is to make beach-themed mason jar lanters!
For those of you who are here for the first time, the International Bloggers Club Challenge is a monthly one that I join with my blogger friends who live all over the world. We meet up each month to compare notes and see how we do things in our corner of the world. Last month we did projects with tin cans and the month before we created outdoor projects.
What you’ll learn
How to turn household recyclables (glass jars) into pretty indoor or outdoor decor (lanterns).
DIY Mason Jar Lanterns
Here in Greece almost everything comes in jars. I have lots left over from the tons of honey I buy and from marmalade and jams. I mostly use them for storage but I wanted to do something a little different for this month’s challenge. Since we spend so much time outdoors, these beach-inspired mason jar lanters seemed to be the perfect accent for our patio.
Materials Needed for this Glass Jar Lantern Idea:
- 2 jars
- 2 pieces of wire about a yard/meter each
- pliers
- pebbles
- tea lights
- craft paint (optional)
How to Make Mason Jar Lanterns
With the pliers, take one end of the wire and make a loop. This should be about half an inch.
It should look like a small hook. Kindly ignore my paint splattered hands. I had been doing a little painting beforehand and in my excitement to finish this project… well, a little paint wasn’t gonna stop me.
Form a circle with the wire and passed it through the hook. The hook should then be closed up with the pliers.
The wire circle will then be snuggly placed on the outer rim of the jar like this.
Once you have pulled the wire so that the wire circle is tightly fitted on the outer rim, take your pliers and pull the free end of the wire in the opposite direction. You can then form another circle around the outer rim.
From above we can see the second circle of the wire going in the opposite direction from the first.
Once you have completed the second circle, pass the free end of the wire through the loop. Pull it upwards to create a handle that will come back down on the other side of the jar rim.
The free wire end will be looped downwards and secured on the opposite end of the jar rim. Make a final hook to secure it onto the wires and you are done.
And these are my two lanterns. I did not worry so much about the wire looking perfect. Because as you all know by now “Perfection is Overrated!”
The final step was to add a layer of pebbles and then top off my new mason jar lantern with a tea light candle.
These easy mason jar candles can be hung…
… or they can be placed on a surface. The choice is yours!
I had also made another lantern with tea lights which had quite a different look.
I think these soft pebbles look great next to the driftwood. Another option for the beachy mason jar lanterns would be to use sand for the bottom layer.
I painted my tea lights in a color to coordinate with the stones. It is a simple and pretty detail that literally takes 5 seconds to do but it gives a nice overall look.
Head over here to see where I have placed these mason jar lanterns on my balcony. And why my fingers were colored blue.
I hope you have enjoyed this simple how-to of repurposing mason jars into tea light lanterns. They make a great addition to any outdoor space. Do you repurpose old jars?
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These lovelies are perfect for those long summer nights on the patio or balcony Mary! I can’t have enough little lanterns around the garden, so I will definitely have to go find some pebbles to make my own, since I have tons of jars stored as well!
Katrin I really want to add some light to that great big balcony and make it feel cozy and warm and I think this is one of the easiest ways to do it. You can also use sand if you prefer.
I my humble opinion you can never have enough lanterns, EVER 😉 They always looks so lovely, especially in the garden. It always makes me think that the fairies are having a big party when I see them. I love how simple yours were to put together and how lovely they look with the addition of the pebbles at the bottom.
I absolutely agree Michelle. I am probably going to make more and add them all to the balcony to create a nice warm atmosphere.
What a cute way to make lanterns and repurpose those glass jars, too! You come up with the best repurposing ideas, Mary!
Thank you Gail. I love taking ordinary things and instead of having to recycle them I get to use them again. Less for the landfill too!
You know how I love jar crafts Mary! These are super cute and easy. These would be super cute to hang around the patio for some lighting. Love the way you added a pop of color by painting the tea lights.
Sometimes things can be so simple, we don’t even think of them. Like that little bit of paint on the tea lights. Thanks so much Linda.
As you said you can never have too many lanterns, especially now in summer when we spend a lot of time outdoors. I tried it once and it ended up a bit wobbly so I will try again using your picture tutorial, it can’t fail this time. I like how the painted tea lights look with the pebbles
The reason I used the pebbles on the bottom was to be able to steady the tea lights. Because if you put them in all by themselves they will slide around. Ha!
I just love this idea. Lately I have gotten insterested in collecting jars with character so this is a great way to showcase them.
I also have used them and filled them up with pebbles to just stand on their own as decor. I know you must live near a beach Debra, so you have access to pretty sand and whatever else. Driftwood also looks great in them.
Mary, Those turned out super cute. And I love that you painted the tea lights. I’ve been using the plastic ones because I didn’t like the look of the metal. I never thought of painting them!
It only took a few seconds Pam and it dries in a flash.
Love that this idea for incorporating outdoor lighting costs nothing!
My kinda project! Cheap and I get to use up some of the endless supply of jars that I have.
Love these simple DIY lanterns. Thanks for the detailed tutorial about attaching the wire hangers.
The wire is very sturdy and strong Carol. I want to be able to hang them and not worry that the metal will get soft. Thanks for visiting.
How cute! I love those jars. Love the shape of them. Look at you go to work with that wire! Love it! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
I wanted to use those jars for a long time Cindy. I love the shape and that old fashioned feel they have.
These lanterns look really great. Well done!
Thank you Mary, the simpler the better!
Hi Mary: Every week you continue to amaze me. The wire hanger portion is a simple brilliant idea. It makes all the difference. Love this. Pinning to remind myself that crafts don’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be beautiful and well worth it. Great job girl.
Thank you so much Leanna! Sometimes the simpler the better, especially in the summertime when I have no energy whatsoever!
I like this idea and I really need to do some of these, but realistically, I am too busy right now. 🙂 Someday. Thank you for the idea.
The nice thing about these is they only took about five minutes. I hope you find the time. 🙂
Mary, the lanterns look so nice paired with your previous driftwood project. I love the weathered beachy look, and you’ve achieved that. Looking forward to the other thing on your deck that you’ve been up to.
It’s coming next week Florence. I have really been working on that balcony.
They are so easy to make! I have a bunch of Mason Jars and I think I will make some too! The wire part is important so Ill have to study your directions.
Maria
It turned out to be much easier than I thought. I just went with it and all it took was about five minutes Maria.
You already know me and my wire thing so you can be sure I ‘m trying this! Thanks for the tutorial!
I am so happy to hear that Katerina. It really is very simple, five minutes tops.
Hey Mary, what a brilliant idea…I think I could even do that…and probably will. And I love that your fingers have paint all over them…story of my life. And my camera has paint all over it too…does yours?
Lynn, my poor camera was on vacation so it is being pampered. My girl had it. I most definitely want to see your version of these easy lanterns.
What a lovely sweet simple idea for a summer table. Thank you!
The simpler the better Claire, Summer is for relaxing not overdoing it on projects.
Oh Mary, these would be great fun to make for the cottage and hang them from the tree outside our porch — lots of them, on a branch! They don’t look terribly difficult but they sure do look terrific!
Thanks for coming by the Marmelade Gypsy and leaving such lovely comments! Your visits always make me smile — big!
Jeanie I like them so much I want to make more. Just need to finish the marmalade so I can take the jars. They are very easy to make, just a few minutes tops.
I love the rustic look, Mary! Perfection sometimes looks too sterile! This is a great idea!
I agree and those pebbles are far from perfect.