Ready to dive into a new DIY craft project? This blog is all about making your very own lanterns, which can be created using the old jars you probably have stockpiled under your sink. Put them to good use by creating lantern masterpieces you can showcase around your house or give as meaningful gifts to your friends and family.
Before we get started, lets touch on why DIY-ing is a worthy venture and great use of your time. Not only is crafting a fun hobby that results in unique pieces that will spruce up your home or workspace (minus the odd DIY fail), it’s also linked to improving your mental health, anxiety and depression. The repetitive nature of crafting can be almost meditation-like, therefore reducing stress and calming the mind. Who knew letting your creative juices flow could be so rewarding?
Whether you’re a crafting master, or enjoy sticking to simpler creations, these recycled jar lanterns are an easy and fun way to dip into the world of DIY and express yourself artistically.
Let’s get crafting!
Recycled Jar Lanterns
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup water
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- Tbsp bicarb soda
Equipment
- Saucepan, stirring spoon and stove
- Scissors
- Coloured markers
- Pastry or large application brush (optional)
- Spare clean jar to store your glue
Making the glue
- Add all ingredients, except bicarb soda into a pan on medium heat and stir until well mixed.
- Add more water if the mixture becomes too soggy.
Tip: Add more sugar for a glazier paste. - Add the bicarb, and stir mixture for another 3 mins until smooth.
- Decant into jar and wash up pan straight away for easier cleaning.
Tip: This glue goes a long way and is non-toxic and child safe. Not much is needed for the lanterns, though the glue keeps for 3 weeks, and can be used for paper maché and other projects.
Making the jars
- Fold or cut paper towel down to shape to fit around the jar.
Tip: It’s possible to use more than one sheet if there is a gap. - Colour in the outside of the paper with coloured markers.
Tip: Some sort of repeating pattern usually looks good. - Apply the glue to the inside of the paper towel and outside of the jar.
- Carefully roll the glass onto the paper, glue side up, picking up almost half.
- On the outside of the paper, apply more glue to saturate the towel and work around the jar, while continuing to roll the jar.
- Let the jar dry for a day or two.
- Place a tea light candle inside.
