How To Make Lanterns Out Of Old Jars

Cut templates out of poster board in decorative shapes such as stars, half-moons, or hearts. Or buy ready-made templates from craft stores.

Use the templates to outline the shapes on the nonsticky side of removable adhesive paper, and then cut them out.

Stick your designs onto the outside of the jars.

Coat the outside of the jars evenly with glass-frosting spray. Let them dry completely. Then, remove the adhesive-paper designs.

Put a votive candle or tea light inside each jar.

To make hanging lanterns, take a piece of strong wire and measure how much you need for a handle by wrapping the wire around the mouth of the jar, looping it over the top of the jar, and bringing it back down to the mouth of the jar. Clip with wire cutters. Create a small, open-ended loop on each end of the wire with pliers.

Wrap one end of the wire around the jar’s mouth, securing it by slipping the loop around the wire and tightening it with pliers. Take the free end of wire, and bend it into an inverted U to make a handle. Secure the end by wrapping the other loop around the wire at the jar opening.

Enjoy the beautiful outdoor lighting your homemade lanterns provide.