Upcycled Mason Jar Lanterns for Warm Summer Evenings
Old jars are one of the best free craft supplies going. With a little frosted spray and some twine, they become the kind of lanterns that sell for £12 each at garden centres.
What You'll Need
- 6 clean glass jars with the labels removed
- Frosted glass spray paint
- Rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth
- Jute twine or thin rope
- LED tea lights (never real candles near twine)
- Painter's tape and a paper punch for stencils
Step 1: Degrease the Glass
Wipe every jar with rubbing alcohol. Any fingerprint left on the glass will show up as a bald patch in the frost. Let them dry fully.
Step 2: Mask Your Pattern
Tape off stripes, or punch a simple shape from paper and stick it on. Keep designs bold — fine detail gets lost through frosted glass.
Step 3: Spray in Thin Coats
- Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.
- Hold the can 25 cm away and mist lightly.
- Apply 3–4 thin coats, waiting 10 minutes between each.
- Peel the tape while the paint is still slightly tacky for clean edges.
- Cure for 24 hours.
Step 4: Wrap and Light
Wrap the neck of each jar with jute twine, securing it with a dab of hot glue and finishing with a small bow. Drop in an LED tea light and group them in threes on a table or along a path.
Pro tip
A thin smear of petroleum jelly on the glass before spraying makes any overspray wipe away instantly.
