Turn empty food jars into DIY Halloween glass jar lanterns using paint, paper napkins, Mod Podge, and battery-operated candles.
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DIY Halloween Glass Jar Lanterns
It had been a minute since I upcycled a glass jar, so this project felt long overdue!
I started with two empty food jars, probably a spaghetti sauce jar and a salsa jar. Once they were cleaned, they became the perfect blank canvases for colorful Halloween napkins from the dollar store.
A little paint, napkin decoupage, and ribbon transformed them into festive Halloween lanterns. Add battery-operated candles, and they give off the prettiest glow without an actual flame.
Video Tutorial: Upcycled Halloween Glass Jar Lanterns
Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:
Upcycled Halloween Glass Jar Lanterns
Save those empty glass jars! This easy Halloween upcycle uses paint and napkin decoupage to create festive tabletop lanterns.
Materials
- 2 Empty glass food jars
- Goo Gone or label remover
- Rubbing alcohol
- Painter’s tape
- Scrap paper
- White matte spray paint
- Craft paint, in colors that coordinate with your paper napkins
- Halloween paper napkins
- Matte Mod Podge
- Plastic wrap
- Ribbon
- 2 Small battery-operated candles
Tools
- Scissors
- Paintbrushes
Instructions
- Watch the Video Tutorial. Before you begin, watch the full video tutorial to see exactly how the project comes together.
- Prepare the Jars. Remove the labels and adhesive, then clean each jar with rubbing alcohol.
- Tape and Prime. Tape off a band around the top and bottom of each jar. Cover the center with scrap paper, then spray the exposed glass with white matte paint.
- Paint the Jars. Paint the primed areas in colors that coordinate with your napkins. Add additional coats as needed, letting the paint dry between coats. Remove the tape while the paint is still slightly tacky. Pull it back at approximately a 45-degree angle to help create crisp edges.
- Prepare the Napkin Panels. Measure and cut two napkin panels to fit the unpainted center of each jar. Separate the layers and keep only the printed top layer.
- Decoupage the Jars. Brush Mod Podge over the jar and apply the first napkin panel. Gently smooth it with plastic wrap, then repeat with the second panel. Seal the entire jar with matte Mod Podge for one consistent finish.
- Finish the Lanterns. Once dry, tie ribbon around the top of each jar and add a battery-operated candle.
Easy Upcycled Halloween Decor
I finished each jar with a simple black-and-white checked ribbon bow, then popped a battery-operated candle inside.
I love how the light shines through the decoupaged napkins. These upcycled Halloween jar lanterns would look cute on a mantel, shelf, party table, or kitchen counter.
PIN this Upcycled Halloween Craft for Later:
