DIY Mason Jar Lanterns

Today I am going to show you how to make lanterns out of mason jars! This is a super quick project and they look great when lit!

Items Needed:

• Mason Jars (found at any craft store and sometimes at grocery stores)
• 18 gauge wire (I bought 4 yards worth because I made 3)
• Wire cutters
• Sand (optional)
• Tea light candles
• Pen or pencil

Steps:

• Take the two lids off of your mason jar. Set them aside.
• Take your wire (I cut mine at about 2 feet) and wrap it underneath where the lid would be when placed on the jar (underneath the grooves). When the wire overlaps, at the place directly across from it, you will want to make a loop by wrapping your wire around a pen.

• On the other side of the jar, where the wire was overlapped, twist the wires together.

• The wire around the jar will more than likely feel loose. To correct this, take your pen and place it in the loop, twist the pen about halfway, and your wire should tighten.
• Take the wire and curve it overtop of the jar, place it through the loop and twist the wire together to make the handle.

• By twisting the wires together at the loop, this will enable you to later be able to undo the wires and hang it on a tree and close them again.
• Next, I chose to add sand to my lanterns (you could fill them up with candy if you want and give it as a gift.)

•  Take your tea light candle and place it inside the jar. If giving a this as a gift, you could always place a candle at the bottom of the jar and then fill it with candy; that way when the person  finishes the candy, they will then have a lantern!
• Lastly, I put the lid back on my jar (minus the flat lid) to give it more of a rustic feel, but you could leave it off if you prefer to!