Upcycled Jar Party Lanterns
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It’s June and that means outdoor party season. We have a big graduation party coming up this month and I wanted to make outdoor lanterns to decorate the tables and provide a little ambiance. I had made some adorable beach lanterns for a friend’s party a few months ago. I used repurposed glass jars to make the beach lanterns. I repurposed the repurposed beach jars to make upcycled jar party lanterns for our graduation party (I get double recycling points for this one!).
It all started with some jars from my recycled glass jar collection. Don’t have a collection of your own? Ask friends to help you recycle glass food jars and you’ll be surprised how many you can collect in a couple of weeks with just a little help.
I followed the tutorial at ModPodgeRocks on making faux beach glass jars.
The product I originally used has been discontinued, but this is a great alternative. And it’s even easier to use since it’s a spray.
I recommend only purchasing one of the colors of paint (you choose which one you prefer). There’s only a slight difference in color and not worth buying 2 bottles of paint. I just used a sponge brush to apply the paint. After the first 2-3 jars, you’ll have the paint application technique down (don’t give up after the first jar).
Originally, the jars were decorated with more of a beach look, but my daughter is going with red, white and blue colors for her graduation party, so I simply added a strip of red and white scrapbook paper. My friend, J., was over crafting with me and we decided we liked variation in the width of the paper strips, so we varied the sized from 1 inch to 2 1/2 inches in width. We used double-stick tape to hold the paper closed.
I added a battery operated tea light to each jar and voila!
I’ll put a couple of these recycled jar lanterns on each table and scattered around the deck the night of the party. It should look festive and even a little magical.
How about you, do you have a summer party planned that could use some upcyled jar party lanterns? If not, it’s time to plan a party!
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran, military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them. Learn more about Organized 31 and me.
These are just great! I love the color you chose! The jars really do look like sea glass.
Thanks, Cynthia. I can’t wait for the party next week.
Hi Susan – I think I counted three re-uses in this one??? What a beautiful DIY and your daughter will have a wonderful party to celebrate her successes and graduation. Blessings to your family. Hugs, Holly
Thanks, Holly. I’m so proud of my “baby”.
I love the jars! The color is great. It does look just like sea glass.
Thanks, Virginia. I’m very pleased with the way they turned out!
These are really beautiful and it’s very creative of you.
I honestly could use a few jars like these 🙂
Outdoors parties? – I wish, but the humidity here is unbearable
When I lived in humid state, one of the locals told me that it was the humidity that gave them beautiful skin (said with a strong Southern accent). So every time I was sweating like crazy, I’d just chant, “beautiful skin, beautiful skin.” 🙂
I love them! I need to make some of these! They do have the beach glass look!
I’m in love with them, too, DeDe.
Hi Susan! I just wanted to let you know that I adore your Upcycled Jar Party Lanterns, and I’m featuring you as one of my Rockstars this week from Creativity Unleashed!
As a Rockstar you’re in the running for this week’s MEGA Rockstar! Grab your friends and come vote at
The MEGA Rockstar gets loads of love including:
1. Shout outs on all my social media houses.
2. A bucket full of Pins to my biggest group boards
3. A big sidebar ad proclaiming them the MEGA Rockstar of the week
4. And a feature in my weekly newsletter!
Congratulations and Good Luck!!!
That is amazing!
Very easy and beautiful! Thanks!
Thanks, Michal. They’re really very easy to make once you get the hang of applying the paint.
I think I missed getting the type/name of paint to use.
The paint I originally used was discontinued. But I’ve updated the post with a great alternative product.