Making your own mason jar garden lanterns is hands down one of the easiest and most effective ways to upgrade your outdoor space on a tight budget. When the sun goes down, harsh overhead balcony lights can ruin the cozy vibe you’re trying to create. Instead of spending fifty dollars on a fancy solar lighting set, you can achieve a far more magical, fairy-tale aesthetic using empty glass jars straight from your recycling bin. In this quick guide, we’ll talk about the best fillings to use so your glass doesn’t crack from the heat. But the real trick is the wire-wrapping technique that creates a safe and sturdy handle-a simple twist that you really have to see in the video to replicate correctly.
Imagine sipping wine on your patio, surrounded by the soft, flickering light of custom-made lanterns. If you want to see exactly how to secure the wire so your jar doesn’t slip out and shatter, the video demonstration is a must-watch.
Cheap DIY
Watch the Lantern Assembly
Why do upcycled glass jars make the best lanterns?
Using upcycled glass jars for diy outdoor lighting is brilliant because thick canning jars or pasta sauce jars are designed to withstand high temperatures during the sterilization process, making them naturally heat-resistant.
This means they won't crack easily when a candle is burning inside them. Plus, as a piece of cheap garden decor, they cost absolutely nothing. The slightly textured or embossed glass found on many commercial jars scatters the light in unpredictable, beautiful patterns. It gives a rustic, shabby-chic look that is incredibly trendy right now, blending perfectly with wooden outdoor furniture and green plants.
What you need for this project
- Empty, clean mason jars or pasta sauce jars (free)
- Thin, pliable craft wire or aluminum wire ($3)
- Tealights or small battery-operated fairy lights ($2)
- Sand, small pebbles, or glass beads for the base
How to prep your jar for lighting
The first step is always removing the sticky labels. Soak the jars in hot, soapy water and use a little bit of cooking oil to rub off any remaining glue. Dry the jar completely inside and out. If the inside is damp, the candle smoke will stick to the moisture and quickly turn your beautiful lantern into a soot-covered mess. Pour an inch of sand or pebbles into the bottom of the jar. This elevates the candle slightly and absorbs the heat, protecting the glass. How you bend the wire around the neck of the jar is the fun part, which the video covers in great detail.
- Use battery-operated LED tealights if you live in a very windy area.
- If you prefer real candles, trim the wick to 1/4 inch to prevent a high, smoky flame.
- Hang the lanterns at different heights to create a more dynamic lighting effect.
The secret to a secure wire handle
You can't just wrap wire around the top and hope for the best; the glass is slippery, and the jar will eventually fall. You need to create two small loops on opposite sides of the jar's neck before twisting the wire tight. The handle then hooks into these loops. It’s a simple mechanical trick that ensures the jar is locked in place, and it's much easier to understand when you watch it being done on screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave my mason jar lanterns outside in the rain?
Yes, the glass and wire will survive the rain perfectly fine. However, you should bring the candles or LED lights inside, or dump out any accumulated water before using them again.
What type of wire is best for the handle?
Aluminum or copper craft wire is best because it's pliable enough to bend with your bare hands, but strong enough to hold the weight of a small glass jar.
Is it safe to hang them from tree branches?
Yes, provided you use LED candles. If using real flames, make sure the lantern hangs well below any leaves or twigs to avoid a fire hazard.
Ready to light up your balcony for just a few dollars? Hit play and see exactly how to twist and secure your new lantern handles!
Balcony Upgrade
See the Full Lantern Build
