Easy DIY Mason Jar Lanterns for Kids

There is something about a glowing jar in a darkening room that makes kids go completely still with wonder. We made these painted mason jar lanterns for a backyard dinner last month, and my two are still dragging them out every single evening to light up the porch.

This is one of those crafts that looks impressive but is secretly simple. Paint a jar, add a twine handle, drop in a battery tea light, and suddenly you have magic. The kids get to be the artists, and you get free mood lighting. Everybody wins.

Why You'll Love Making This

First, it uses jars you already have. Old candle jars, pasta sauce jars, actual mason jars — anything glass works. It is the rare craft that declutters a cabinet instead of filling one.

Second, it is endlessly customizable. Each kid can paint their own design, and no two lanterns ever look alike. Ours are a cheerful mismatched set, and I would not trade them for a store-bought matching pair.

Materials You'll Need

Glass jars: mason jars or clean recycled jars, any size
Acrylic or glass paint: bright colors the kids pick themselves
Paintbrushes: a few sizes, plus sponge brushes for blending
Twine or wire: about 24 inches per jar for the handle
LED tea lights: battery-operated, one per jar (safer than real flames)
Ribbon or stickers: optional decorations
Scissors: for cutting twine
Newspaper: to protect the table while painting

Step-by-Step Directions

Wash your jars well and remove any labels so the paint has a clean surface.
Let the kids paint the outside of each jar — stripes, dots, swirls, or full scenes. There are no wrong answers.
Set the jars aside and let the paint dry completely, at least an hour.
Cut a length of twine or wire about 24 inches long for each jar.
Wrap the twine around the jar's neck and twist it secure, then loop the ends up and over to form a handle.
Add ribbon, stickers, or a bow around the neck for extra charm.
Drop an LED tea light into each jar.
Wait for dusk, switch them on, and enjoy the glow.

Tips for the Best Glow

Thin, even coats of paint glow better than thick gloppy ones — two light coats beat one heavy coat. If the paint looks streaky, a sponge brush fixes it fast. And always use LED tea lights around kids and pets; real candles and curious little hands do not mix.

Variations to Try

Paint snowflakes and stars on the jars for winter, or flowers and butterflies for spring. For a party, let each guest paint their own lantern as a take-home favor. You can also skip the paint entirely and glue tissue paper squares onto the jars for a stained-glass effect that glows beautifully.

FAQs

What kind of paint works on glass?

Acrylic paint works fine for a craft project, and glass paint adheres even better. Either way, make sure the jar is squeaky clean first so the paint sticks.

Can I use real tea light candles?

You can, but I strongly recommend battery-operated LED tea lights — especially with kids around. They flicker just like the real thing with none of the worry.

Will the paint peel off?

If the jar was clean and dry before painting, the paint holds well. A quick wipe with rubbing alcohol before painting helps it grip even better.

Can I hang these outside?

Yes! The twine handles are made for hanging. Just bring them in if it rains, since the paint is not waterproof unless you add a sealant.

What jars work best?

Mason jars are the classic, but any clean glass jar works — candle jars, jam jars, even pickle jars. Different sizes in a cluster look the prettiest.

How do I clean up paint mistakes?

While the paint is still wet, a damp cloth wipes it right off. Once dry, you can paint over it — that is the beauty of a second coat.