Hawaiian Beach Glass Party Lanterns
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I grew up in Hawai’i. It’s home and it’s paradise. Really. My daughters have both danced hula and if you know anything about hula, the hula seestahs are a close-knit bunch. Several months ago one of my daughter’s hula sisters had a sweet sixteen party (happy birthday, Kamalani!) and her mother asked if I could help with the center pieces. Since it was a Hawaiian beach themed party and for our hula family I said, “Of course!” I came up with these easy DIY Hawaiian beach glass party lanterns using recycled glass jars.
It all starts with a hoard of recycled glass jars. If you don’t have your own stash, just ask your hula family or friends to collect some for you and in a couple of weeks you’ll have plenty of jars. Sort through and find the shapes and heights that you like.
Remove the labels and wash well. I followed this tutorial at Mod Podge Rocks on making faux beach glass jars. It’s easy to do.
Hawaiian Beach Glass Party Lanterns
Supplies
Glass jars – I used recycled glass jars, but you could purchase Mason jars
Glass paint – I used Martha Stewart Translucent Glass Paint
Sponge Brush
Embellishments – I used raffia and sea shells
The hardest part is learning how to pounce the paint onto the jar. I used a sponge brush and found it best to pounce (bounce the brush up and down) to add a liberal amount of paint.
More is more in this case and produced a more beachy look.
Be sure to read the directions for your glass paint because they can have cure times of several weeks. Once the jars had cured, I added raffia on all the jars and a sea shell medallion on one jar for the birthday girl’s table.
We filled each Hawaiian beach glass jar with sand and added a battery operated votive candle.
For the party we added a raffia mat and more shells.
Here’s a party shot (thanks to Kamuela Photography!). The lanterns were a big hit with the birthday girl, her mama and the guests (several even asked if they could take a couple of jars home with them).
It cost less than $20 to make 30+ jars. And with the additional decorations the total cost was about $45.
Recycled jars – free
Paint – $7
Sponge brush – (I already had) free
Sand – free from Freecycle
Battery votive candles – $1 for 3 at the dollar store
Raffia – $3 (for a giant bag)
Shells – $10
Luau mats – $14 for 12
These Hawaiian beach glass party lanterns also make great home decor accents.
More Recycled Jar Projects:
- Upcycled Jar Party Lanterns
- Easy Repurposed Jar Vases
- Guest Welcome Gift
- Decorating Glass Jars for Fall
- DIY Wintery Epsom Salt Jars
- Hawaiian Beach Glass Vase
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.
I had pinned this tutorial because it looks awesome and my mom loves sea glass! You did a great job!!
Thanks, Dianna. I’m collecting other glass items to try it on. I think I’m addicted now.
I really love these jars. The color that you painted them is so calming and just perfect for the porch! Thanks for sharing the technique too!
I can’t tell you how many times I stop and just look at the jars and dream of the beach.
I really need to dig into painting mason jars. I have a, ahem, small collection thanks to canning tons of stuff up until recently.
Barb, you’ll find it become addictive!
Hi Susan – I can’t believe you made these beautiful decorations from ordinary jars. They are stunning! Hugs, Holly
Thanks, Holly. I really enjoy them and they’re fairly easy to make.
I love sea glass! These are gorgeous, thanks for sharing :). Small world, I grew up in Honolulu! What Area/Island are you from?
Have a beautiful 4th!
Thanks, Limeade Gal. Leeward side, and you?
Omgosh this post came just in time. I’m doing some beachy stuff for the house and was about to mod podge tint some jars, but I like the look of this better. Pinned. I hope you can come and share this post on Merry Monday on Sunday at 6pm PST.
Love the way you colored the jars to look like sea grass. What a great idea. Hmmmmm
Every year I look for sea glass on the beach in Virginia to no avail. Maybe its the wrong beach.
Have a great weekend Susan!
Thanks, Patti. I think it’s relaxing to look for sea glass on the beach, but your results are guaranteed if you make your own. 🙂
I LOVE this!! They look great! i can’t wait to try it! Thank you for sharing your link on MSB’s monthly link up! 🙂
The paint comes in a spray can. Do you spray the sponge and then pounce or do you spray the jar then pounce.
When I made these beach glass jars the paint came in a small bottle. You could try spraying one jar and spraying, then pouncing one to see which you like better, Monique. I have a sudden urge to get the spray version and make more jars. 🙂
I have searched and been to so many stores and I think it’s not available anymore. I will try some other paint and see. It sure is a great project.
I’ve always wanted to make these – now I think with your great tutorial, I can! Thank you. They all turned out beautifully!
Thank you, Jamie. We still use them for parties and get togethers even four years later.
Great idea to bring the beach home. Love the reuse of the jars.
Thanks, Jenny. Repurposed projects are my favorite kind.
Did the translucent paint you used come as a spray paint or as a liquid? I can only find the spray online.
I used a bottle of liquid paint, similar to craft paint. That was 8-ish years ago, so it may no longer be available. Let me know if you try the spray paint, Barbara and how it turns out.