Make a Rustic Lantern out of a Mason Jar

If you aren't into canning or pickling, use Mason jars to make a rustic lantern to decorate a back porch, garden or yard. These easy-to-make candleholders are a beautiful addition to an outdoor wedding or wedding reception as well. Follow these instructions to turn a simple Mason or Ball jar into inexpensive and creative lighting.

Step 1 - Choosing Wire

To make handles that are approximately 4 inches high, use around 2½ feet of wire. If you use wire other than bailing wire, check to see that the wire is between 12 and 24 gauge. Bailing wire is a good, cheap choice, but it will eventually rust if left outdoors in the rain.

Step 2 - Wrap Wire Around Lid to Make a Handle

To make a handle for your lantern, measure 8 inches from one end of the wire. At this point, wrap the wire around a pencil 2 times to make a loop. Your wire will be slightly V-shaped now, with one end longer than the other.  Place the jar in side the V, the loop facing out on one side of the jar. Bend the 2 sides to wrap around the jar, keeping the wire under the lip of the jar. Cross the two wires on the opposite side of the jar from the loop; twist tightly with needle nose pliers so that the wire forms a tight ring under the lip of the jar. You may have to twist the other side where the loop is as while to secure.

Take the longer end of the wire and bend it over the jar towards the loop on the other side, making a u-shaped handle.  Run the end of the wire through the loop from the top to the bottom. Bend the bottom of the wire up so that it forms a hook and secures the handle. Use wire cutters to trim off any excess wire.

Step 3 - Decorate the Lantern

Your rustic lantern will look great with just a tea light candle and some pebbles, marbles and sand around it. However, if you want to decorate the lantern, you can by cutting out shapes from colored or patterned masking tape and sticking to the outside of your jar. Stained glass gloss paint can also be sprayed on the outside of the jar to add tinted color to the jar. Add color to the plain wire by glueing on small beads.

Step 4 - Light 'Em Up!

Secure tea light candles in the bottom of the jar by using sand, pebbles, marbles or beads. Hang or set on tables to light up a starry night!