DIY Mason Jar Lanterns: A Magical Lighting Guide

Updated at: 16/05/2025

Transform ordinary mason jars into enchanting, personalized lanterns with this comprehensive guide. Imagine the warm, inviting glow of candlelight filtering through intricately designed glass, casting whimsical shadows across your patio or adding a touch of rustic charm to your indoor spaces. Mason jar lanterns are incredibly versatile, perfect for weddings, garden parties, holiday celebrations, or simply adding a cozy ambiance to your everyday life. From simple and elegant designs to more elaborate, creative projects, the possibilities are truly endless. The beauty of these DIY projects lies in their adaptability – let your imagination run wild and create lanterns that reflect your unique style.

This magical lighting guide will walk you through various techniques and designs, empowering you to craft stunning mason jar lanterns with minimal effort and cost. Ready to illuminate your world with the rustic charm of DIY? Let's delve into the step-by-step process, starting with the essential materials and techniques you'll need.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Mason jars
  • Newspaper or tissue paper
  • Mod Podge
  • Disposable cup
  • Electric tealight
  • Hole punch (or hammer and nail)
  • 12-gauge wire
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use battery-operated LED lights or flameless candles inside the mason jars. Never use open flames; this is a serious fire hazard.
  • Ensure the jar lid is securely fastened to prevent accidental spills or breakage. Handle with care, especially if using glass jars.
  • Place the lanterns on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials. Never leave unattended.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Paper

    • Cut newspaper or tissue paper into strips (about 1.5 inches wide). Remove any colored images; use only black and white.
    Cut newspaper or tissue paper into strips (about 1.5 inches wide). Remove any colored images; use only black and white.
    Prepare the Paper

  2. Apply Mod Podge and Newspaper

    • Pour Mod Podge into a disposable cup. Apply Mod Podge directly to the glass jar.
    • Press newspaper strips onto the jar, molding them to its shape. Overlap strips slightly and cover the bottom.
    • Add a sealing coat of Mod Podge over the newspaper, smoothing down any uneven areas. Set aside to dry.
    Add a sealing coat of Mod Podge over the newspaper, smoothing down any uneven areas. Set aside to dry.Add a sealing coat of Mod Podge over the newspaper, smoothing down any uneven areas. Set aside to dry.Add a sealing coat of Mod Podge over the newspaper, smoothing down any uneven areas. Set aside to dry.
    Apply Mod Podge and Newspaper

  3. Prepare the Jar Lid for Hanging

    • Remove the disc from the jar lid. Create two holes on top using a hole punch (or hammer and nail).
    Remove the disc from the jar lid. Create two holes on top using a hole punch (or hammer and nail).
    Prepare the Jar Lid for Hanging

  4. Attach the Hanging Wire

    • Cut about 2 feet of 12-gauge wire for hanging. Thread the wire through the holes, pulling it so both lengths are even.
    • Optionally, curl the wire by coiling it around a pen. Twist the two ends together to secure, making the loop narrow enough to fit through the jar ring.
    Optionally, curl the wire by coiling it around a pen. Twist the two ends together to secure, making the loop narrow enough to fit through the jar ring.Optionally, curl the wire by coiling it around a pen. Twist the two ends together to secure, making the loop narrow enough to fit through the jar ring.
    Attach the Hanging Wire

  5. Assemble and Hang the Lantern

    • Add an electric tealight and screw on the lid. Hang the lanterns.
    Add an electric tealight and screw on the lid. Hang the lanterns.
    Assemble and Hang the Lantern

Read more: Build a Sag-Proof Wood Fence Gate: The Ultimate DIY Guide

Tips

  • Wire is usually cheaper from the floral section of a store.
  • Use an electric tealight for safety; do not use a real candle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Improper Sealing

Reason: Leaving gaps between the jar and the candle/light source allows heat to escape and potentially cause fire hazards.
Solution: Ensure a tight seal around the candle or light source using glue, sealant, or a secure lid with appropriate holes for ventilation.

2. Using the Wrong Candle Type

Reason: Candles that are too tall or have a wide flame can melt the jar or cause a fire hazard.
Solution: Use small, battery-operated LED tea lights or short, wide candles specifically designed for use in glass containers.

3. Inadequate Ventilation

Reason: Insufficient ventilation can lead to overheating, cracking the jar, or even causing a fire.
Solution: Always ensure adequate ventilation by creating holes in the lid or using a jar with existing openings.

FAQs

What kind of candles are best to use in mason jar lanterns?
LED tea lights or battery-operated candles are the safest and most recommended options. Real candles pose a fire hazard if not used with extreme caution and proper ventilation. If using real candles, choose smaller ones to avoid overheating the jar and always supervise them.