How to Make Glass Jar Luminaries

Makd luminaries using glass canning jars.

You can make sweet, simple luminaries to celebrate any occasion using glass jars. These luminaries are far safer than traditional luminaries, which are often made of paper bags filled with sand, because their flames are entirely contained and they are far sturdier than the traditional models. Use these luminaries to light the way to your door for a fancy entrance during a party or just to set the mood on your porch on fall and winter evenings.

Things You'll Need

• Glass canning jars with lids and rings
• Hammer
• Nail
• Votive candles
• Colored ribbon (optional)
• Long lighter

Instructions

1. Remove all the thin lids from the tops of the glass jars. You will need them later so do not throw them away.

2. Using the hammer and nail, pound at least 10 holes into each thin metal lid. These holes need to go all the way through the lid so that you candles will get enough air to burn. You can make the holes randomly if you wish, but they will be particularly pretty if you make simple patterns such as stars, trees or circles.

3. Place a votive candle in each glass jar. If you are about to use the luminaries, then go ahead and light the candle.

4. Replace the lids and screw on the rings. This will protect your lawn or other areas from the flame should the luminary accidentally be knocked over. You can safely set these glass jar luminaries anywhere and they will gleam like crystals in the darkness.

5. Tie a small bow around the top of the luminary. This makes them a little easier to see during the day when they are not lit if you leave them out for the entire holiday season.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people like to place a small amount of sand in the bottom of the jars to weight them down and make them even more sturdy.

• Anytime you are dealing with fire, make sure that you have the means to halt the spread of flames quickly and that everyone understands proper fire safety behavior.