Glass jar luminaries are beautiful and so simple to make.
These mason jar lights won’t blow out in the wind the way traditional bag luminaries will. The ones I made use washi tape to create the designs simply and easily. Washi tape is non-permanent so you can change out the design in a new season.
You can watch the video and then read the directions below.
You’ll Need These Supplies For Your Glass Jar Light:
- 32 Oz. Legacy Canning Jar
- Glass Marbles
- Washi Tape (in a variety of designs)
- Candle
- Raffia or rustic twine
To Make a Glass Jar Luminary:
1. Gather all your supplies. I actually ran out of marbles and had to go back to the store. Not fun.
2. Apply the washi tape to your mason jar to give it a translucent look once lit.
3. You can use a variety of designs based on the season. I used coordinating colors but contrasting patterns.
4. Put enough marbles in the jar to form a steady base for your candle, and raise the candle high enough to light without making it too high so it’s easy to blow out.
5. Add your candle. You’ll need a long-stem match or fire starter to get it lit without burning your fingers.
I tied mine with some twine to give them a rustic look and feel. I also put the ring back onto the Legacy canning jar to give it a finished look, but took the lid out so the candle would get enough air. These will be perfect for Halloween luminaries to go on the steps of the porch, or a charming Thanksgiving centerpiece on table or mantle.
The legacy canning jars were sent to me to review and I love the way this craft turned out. See 25 More Ways to Use a Mason Jar for more craft ideas.
Vicky says
Love this craft! It looks so gorgeous when completed – and easy to put together. I think these’d make great (and easy) housewarming gifts – and would be fun to customize for different seasons!!
AngEngland says
Exactly. It didn’t take long to make at all . With a more sophisticated design you could use ribbon or garland instead of twine….there are so many ways to customize it!
ConnieFoggles says
I made a similar craft years ago, but tore up pieces of tape and painted it over with primer. This is much more attractive and can be used for every season and lots of holidays.
AngEngland says
Cute! Yes Washi tape is one of those crafty items that had its origins in the type of thing you are describing. Now you can buy the tape pre-printed with designs n a lot of different varieties.
Jen Healthy Life Deals says
WOW such a cool looking project. Looks so simple to do. Thanks for sharing
AngEngland says
My kids helped me with them too and the Washi tape makes it easy to redo as needed. I can take this design off and put new designs on for Christmas, birthday, etc.
Erica Mueller says
These are beautiful! I saw them at your house and wondered if you’d made them. 🙂
Candlelight is so relaxing. These would be great in the kitchen, bathroom, anywhere you want that soft glow!
Carrie says
very cute and clever!
Alaina Frederick says
What a great idea! We actually love the smaller jars for drinking glasses. I’ve never thought of using them as a candle holder and I was just trying to think of something for that purpose.
Another possible idea for the legacy jars (especially the short, wide ones) would be to fill with dried spices and baby pinecones with the lid on or off – of course with little hole drilled to let the scent out!
AngEngland says
Yes! The variety of the Legacy Jars available would lend themselves to many different crafts, homesteading purposes or DIY stuff. Totally agree with you there. 🙂
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
Love it! Where can I find Washi tape? Is that something available at JoAnn Fabrics or Michael’s or should I look online?
AngEngland says
I found some generic designs at Hobby Lobby and Christmas designs at both Hobby Lobby and Michael’s but ended up ordering the fall designs from eBay. I think once thanksgiving is over I will remake them with a Christmas design. The tape will make them easy to redo for any occasion.
Natalie says
I was just going to ask this same question! I looked at two stores today and nada. Forgot about Hobby Lobby! Thanks for the info!
Good Girl Gone Green says
Love this idea! Very pretty.
Audrey McClelland says
LOVE this!
xo
julieann r says
Never thought of something like this before, but I’ve pinned it because it’s a MUST-DO.
Carissa says
What the heck is Washi Tape?? Never heard of it? Like see through duct tape??
AngEngland says
It’s a little more like masking tape – it was first popular for scrapbookers and stuff. The stickiness is the same as low-grade painter’s tape or something like that. It will peel off really easily which means in December I can redo these same exact jars with Christmas tape (then glitter tape for New Year’s, flowers for Spring, etc, etc). VS painted jar luminaries where you only get one color per jar. 🙂
Chrystal @ Happy Mothering says
Very pretty! I’ll have to look into washi tape – I hadn’t heard of that before!
Sherry Carr-Smith says
Finally someone has combined my love of Washi tape and mason jars! Magic!
AngEngland says
Magic indeed! 🙂
Shana D says
Love this. I have always wondered what people use washi tape for, now I know one thing to use it with lol
tina vandeusen says
Awww… I love them. All of my favorite items! Mason jars, candles, washi tape and twine!
LOVE LOVE LOVE
(might have to steal this idea from ya, I haven’t made anything with the washi tape yet)
Angie Agerter says
Love it. It’s so pretty to look at & looked super easy to make too. Love those two combo’s!
Jamie T. says
What a great idea!!
Leah @ Crunchy Farm Baby says
How pretty! What a fabulous lighting idea for an outdoor party!
Melissa Angert says
Darling!! I love it!!
Natalie says
Love it! You know how I feel about a glass jar:) And clearly, I need to get my hands on this washi tape. I think I am the only person who hasn’t used it to craft.
maria @ close tohome says
these are so great and so glad to see the kids making them by themselves. Great mood maker!!
Nicole @ Some Call It Natural says
What a great craft. Looks like something my 4, 8 and 10 year old could ALL be a part of!
Jenn @therebelchick says
I love how these turned out! They are really rustic and down-home. 🙂
Gina B says
Beautiful! and the price for the jars is very reasonable. Neat- thanks for sharing!
Rose Powell says
I love this neat, creative and affordable craft idea. Something I think I can do! Thank you for sharing!
Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting says
These are GORGEOUS!
Pamela R says
so very cute -Will be making them =)
HAD to Pin it ;D
Brittany says
Those are super cute and look so easy to make! I have a bunch of Ball jars in my basement and I will definitely be trying this! Thank you!
Karen Terry/McDuffie says
You have been featured on the Daily Chatter….please share and enjoy! http://paper.li/f-1348196885#
Anonymous says
Thank you so much for spending some time to publish “Glass Jar Luminaries
for Outdoor Lighting or Indoor Decor”.
Thanks once again ,Milan
Joseph says
This is very conventional idea for outdoor lighting. Using Jar for lighting is something brilliant idea. I also like to see above video. I get some ideas here to use smartly.