Lanterns are a welcome way to light up the night. These upcycled glass candleholders are colorful, crafty and a cinch to make. The ones pictured here were created by 3- to 10-year-olds at a neighborhood harvest party. Thanks to the forgiving nature of decoupage, everyone produced a lantern they were proud to take home and call their own.
Materials
- scissors
- tissue paper and newspaper
- craft brush
- decoupage paste, such as Mod Podge
- empty glass jar with the label and lid removed
- medium-gauge metal wire (optional)
- tea lights
instructions
- Use scissors to cut tissue and newspaper into small pieces. We flipped through Kids VT to find fun patterns and seasonal pictures.
- With your craft brush, spread a thin layer of decoupage paste onto one side of a strip of tissue or newspaper.
- Stick the piece of paper to the glass jar.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3, layering paper over the jar until you're happy with how it looks.
- Using your craft brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage paste over the entire jar, covering every inch of paper. The paste is white when it's wet, but don't worry; it will dry clear.
- Set the jar in a safe place and let it dry completely.
- Optional: To create a hanger for the lantern, an adult can wrap a piece of metal wire once around the lip of the jar and twist the ends of the wire together into a hook.
- Place a tea light in the jar. Light it up when the sun goes down for instant, artsy fall décor.
Halloween tip: Line the sides of your driveway or porch with several glowing lanterns to attract trick-or-treaters.
Comments