Summer is one of my favorite seasons for entertaining. I created some beautiful mason jar lanterns to use for some of our summer parties and I’m in love!
I made four mason jar lanterns, two large and two medium, then added handles made from wire hangers to hang them.
I even made some candles that I molded inside toilet paper rolls! This made the perfect sized candles to fit inside the mason jar lanterns.
Today I’m sharing the easy instructions to make your own mason jar candle holders that are perfect for outdoor parties, bridal and baby showers, weddings, receptions, and more!
DIY Mason Jar Lanterns
Supplies:
- Mason jars
- Spray paint (in any color you like- optional)
- Stretch lace ribbon
- Jute ribbon
- Wire coat hanger
- Wire cutters
- Glue
- Foam brush
- Glue gun
How to Make Mason Jar Lanterns
Step 1. Decide if you would like your mason jar lantern to be clear or colored. I made two of each.
If you would like clear, then skip to step 2.
If you would like a colored glass lantern, then spray a light, even coat of spray paint inside of your jar. Make sure the inside is evenly coated, and let dry. Apply a second coat.
Step 2. Attach the wire handle following these steps-
a. Cut off the hook of the hanger with the wire cutters.
b. Wrap the wire around the lip of the jar once as tight as you can, so that one end is short, and the other is long.
c. Twist the two ends together, and wrap the short end around the long end.
d. Pull the long end up to form a handle, and bring the handle back down towards the short end. Place the wire underneath the wire loop that wraps around the jar, and then work the wire around to the other side to form a handle.
e. Wrap the wire up and around the bottom of the handle, and then cut off the excess with the wire cutters.
Cut a piece of lace stretch ribbon long enough to wrap around the jar once, with a slight overlap.
Using a foam brush, paint the liquid glue onto the glass, one section at a time. Push down the lace ribbon onto the glue as you go until the lace is wrapped all the way around the jar.
Step 4. Cut the bottom section of the jute ribbon off. Carefully apply a thin strip of glue to the lace on the jar that is the width of the jute ribbon.
Wrap the jute around the jar, make another strip of glue at the end of the jute, and press down with the end of the foam brush to secure. Let cool.
Now I’m going to show you how I made the perfect sized candles for these mason jars out of some old melted candles, wicks, a purple crayon, and some toilet paper rolls. This step is totally optional, but a whole lot of fun!
Curious?
Toilet Paper Roll Candles
Step 1. Make a cross out of blue tape like in the photo below. Center an empty toilet paper roll onto the blue tape, and wrap the tape up around the roll tightly.
Wrap one more piece of blue tape around the roll to secure it. Place on a level surface, with the blue tape end on the bottom.
Step 2. Melt the old candles down in an old pan that you will no longer want to make food with. (You can always buy one at a thrift store to use specifically for crafts).
Make a double boiler by placing this craft pan into a slightly bigger pan with water in it. Heat the water, which will melt the wax inside the smaller pot. Stir.
Step 3. If you would like your candles to have some color, then add a crayon to color the wax.
I used one purple crayon, and the candles were all a lovely light lavender color.
Once the wax is all melted, carefully pour the wax into the roll. Let cool slightly, and then add the wicks to the wax, making sure that the wick is centered. Let the candles cool and harden.
Now comes the fun part! Peel off the cardboard toilet paper roll, and you are left with your new beautiful candles.
To use your new diy mason jar lights with these candles, place a candle centered inside your mason jar lantern.
I carefully poured sand a quarter of the way up the jar to secure the candle. Then I added some crushed shells that my daughter collected at the beach to the top of the sand. Now your toilet paper candle is ready to be lit!
I hung my mason jar candle holders from a tree with lantern hooks and some jute twine.
These mason jar candle holders are the perfect look for a casual or elegant get together with friends or family. They’re also a wonderful way to light up your outdoor space and add some atmosphere to your next party!
Happy crafting!
Great use of the ribbon and mason jars in the collection!
Thanks Kathryn! This collection was so much fun to work with- so many possibilities and unique ways to use the materials. I loved playing with it all, and can’t wait to use my lanterns for an outdoor party!
I love how pretty the lavender jars turned out! I wish I had some trees so I could hang lanterns like that outside!
Thanks so much, Rachel! I love the way they lit up as it was getting dark… so pretty! You could also place them on a patio table if you don’t have big trees, and then you wouldn’t even have to make the handles 😉
Very pretty Laura!! Love that Lavender paint color you used!
Thanks so much Karen! My husband actually chose the paint color! He’s good like that, and loves to help me with my projects. He’s a keeper 😉
So pretty Laura! Prefect for a summer night.
Thanks Mary. These looked great lit at the park, and I can’t wait to try them out at home!
You had me at the hanging mason jar lanterns! Then when you decorated those pretty lavender candles I was completely over the moon! Awesome project!
Awww, thanks so much Christie!
Sweet lights for a patio, wedding, party! Pinned!! Stop by. I posted fabric flower refashions to Ginger Snap:)
Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the pin!
That looks like fun! What a cute way to decorate.
Thanks Ellen!
I don’t get it! Picturewise – what happens to the paper roll with the blue tape? There aren’t any tape on the paper rolls that you pour wax into..? Or?
Hi there, I actually tried a different method first (in the photo with all of the rolls that don’t have any tape), and the wax went right through and didn’t stay in the TP roll. So then I tried the second method with the tape, and that way worked great! That’s why the two sets of pictures- sorry for the the confusion! I wanted to show the wax being poured through a funnel into the TP rolls, but that was the only pic I had 🙂