mason jar lanterns

After being an elementary teacher for seven years and a mother for eighteen, I’ve seen quite a few Halloween crafts.  It seems harder and harder to come up with something new and creative every year, especially as the kids get older.  Last year, I was asked to plan a craft for G’s middle school (grades 6, 7, and 8) family Halloween party.  I wanted the craft to be something they had never done before and age-appropriate.  I thought these mason jar lanterns were just that!

To create these, you will need…mason jars, colored tissue paper, mod podge, black card stock, ribbon, scissors, a paintbrush, and glue.

First, you cut the tissue paper into 1-2 inch strips.

Begin applying a thin coat of the mod podge to the mason jar using the paintbrush.

Stick a piece of tissue paper on the jar.  Then apply more mod podge on top of the tissue paper, making sure that it seals to the jar.

Continue doing this one piece of tissue at a time until the jar is covered.  Also, make sure to really seal the edges around the top and bottom of the jar.

Follow the same procedure for all the mason jars you wish to create.

Place the jars upside down to dry.

While the jars are drying, begin working on the faces.  Use the black card stock to cut out eyes, noses, and mouths.

Place the facial pieces on each jar, in the position you wish.  Apply some mod podge under the black card stock pieces, as well as on top of them.

Let the jars dry completely.  Once dry, glue a strip of ribbon around the top of each jar.  I did this part for the kids using a hot glue gun.

I used the artificial tea lights inside the jars, but you can use candles or even a short string of white lights to illuminate them.

I like this craft for the older kids because it allows for individuality and creativity.  And it is something that you can use as a Halloween decoration in your home…

Just see how they look all lit up on the shelf in my foyer…so warm and welcoming, and ready to greet our guests!