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    Home » Christmas

    How to Make Mason Jar Luminaries for the Holidays

    November 25, 2019 by Patti Estep 2 Comments

    Jump to How-to Card

    Learn how to make these beautiful mason jar luminaries complete with a free printable woodland image that you can use for your own project.

    Mason jar luminaries in two sizes

    Do you create luminaries for your walk at Christmas? I remember doing this in one of the plans we lived in one year. It was really beautiful to see all the white bags light up the neighborhood.

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    These mason jar luminaries are a little too fragile to place on the walk but they might look great on a shelf next to the front door or in any darkened corner of your home.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Mason jar luminary supplies

    How to Make Mason Jar Luminaries

    Supplies

    • Quart Mason Jar (without markings)
    • Pint Mason Jar (without markings)
    • Mod Podge or white glue that dries clear
    • Transparency film for inkjets
    • Galvanized Lids (optional)
    • Kosher Salt or Glitter
    • Battery Operated Tea Lights

     

    Woodland transparency inside jar

    To start, print out a silhouette of any scene or shape that you like on some transparency film. Test it out on plain paper first to get the size you want for the jar you are using.

    Once you have it cut to size, simply set it into the jar. The stiffness of the film should make the image stick to the outer edge inside the jar. However, you could also add a piece of clear tape at the edges to hold it in place.

    Quart Jar
    Pint Jar

    Free Printables

    Feel free to use either or both of my images. Just click on the image and you should be able to print it from there. You can also right-click and save the image to your computer first.

    Painting glue on mason jar

    Next, apply Mod Podge or a white glue that dries clear with a sponge brush to the outside of the jar. I tried to brush it on as evenly as possible. Note that the thicker you apply the glue the heavier your frosted look will end up.

    Pouring salt on glue

    Next, pour kosher salt or glitter over the glue. I tried both. The pint-size jar has salt on it and the quart is covered in glitter. They both turned out great. The salt is a little finer and the glitter a little shinier but I can't really say that I like one better than the other.

    Mason jar luminary with trees showing through

    You can vary the amount of salt or glitter depending on how thick you brush on the glue. If you want you can add a thicker amount of glue at the bottom for a snowy floor look. 

    I noticed that you could also rub off some of the salt/glitter after it dried to show more of the woodland scene in places.

    Lighted mason jar luminaries

    Pop a battery operated led light inside and watch it glow. 

    Top with the traditional mason jar lid or buy some of these fancier galvanized lids.

    A little embellishment of faux evergreens, berries or simple twine completes the look.

     

    Patti signature

    P.S. You may also like these Mason Jar Oil Lamps or these Pressed Flower Mason Jar Candles. You can find them and much more on my DIY Projects Page.

     

    Click Here to Save to Pinterest!

    Mason jar lunminaries glowing in dark

    Mason jar luminaries in two sizes
    Print

    How to Make Mason Jar Luminaries for the Holidays

    Use the included free printable woodland image to make your own beautiful DIY mason jar luminaries. They have such a pretty glow that will add a warm and cozy touch to your home.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Active Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: DIY Projects
    Yield: 1 Mason Jar
    Author: Patti Estep
    Cost: $3-$5

    Equipment

    • AGPtek® 24 PCS LED Tealights Battery-Operated flameless Candles Lights For Wedding Birthday Party - White
    • Mod Podge CS11301 Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish, 8 oz, Matte
    • KAMOTA Mason Jars 16 oz With Regular Lids and Bands, Ideal for Jam, Honey, Wedding Favors, Shower Favors, Baby Foods, DIY Magnetic Spice Jars, 12 PACK, 20 Whiteboard Labels Included
    • Anchor Hocking AHG17 1 Quart Home Canning Jar with Metal lids and Rings, ( Pack of 12 ) Clear

    Materials

    • Quart Mason Jar
    • Pint Mason Jar
    • Mod Podge
    • Transparency film for inkjets
    • Galvanized Lids optional
    • Kosher Salt or Glitter
    • Battery Operated Tea Lights

    Instructions

    • Print out a silhouette of any scene or shape that you like on some transparency film.
    • Cut to size and simply set it into the jar. 
    • Apply Mod Podge with a sponge brush to the outside of the jar.
    • Pour kosher salt or glitter over the glue.  
    • Add a battery operated led light inside.
    • Top with the traditional mason jar lid.
    • Add embellishments of your choice.

     

    « How to Make Mushroom Soup with Gnocchi
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carole West

      November 25, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      These are cute and love the silhouette addition. I've got a few fun things to make later this week. Think they're good rainy day projects and one just happens to be jar lights. I got those fairy twinkle lights. Easy simple projects that's where I'm at...

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        November 25, 2019 at 3:05 pm

        Thanks Carole. Have fun crafting!

        Reply

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