How to Make Luminary Jars
Transform glass jars into homemade glowing luminaries. You or your children can make the luminaries by recycling canning, pasta sauce, baby food or any other type of glass jar. Simply wash and dry the jar before using it and use basic craft items to create one-of-a-kind crafts. Handmade luminaries make charming birthday and holiday gifts when presented with a candle inside. Holiday-specific luminaries featuring Halloween, Christmas or other festive designs make ideal home decor.
Things You'll Need
- Glass jar
- Soap
- Dry cloth
- Stencils
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Anchoring material, such as sand, glitter or small stones
- Candle
- Ribbon
Instructions
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1
Wash any type of glass jar thoroughly using soap and warm water. Allow the jar to air dry or wipe it with a soft cloth.
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Personalize the outside of the glass jar with craft paints and stencils. Choose stencils to reflect a specific holiday or interest, such as pumpkins, hearts or birds. Place a stencil against the jar and fill it in using colorful acrylic paint and a small brush. Decorate the jar with one or more painted designs, depending on your preference. Paint a free-hand design on the jar without the use of stencils, if you desire. Allow the paint to dry before continuing the project.
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3
Fill 1-inch of the bottom of the luminary with decorative materials, such as sand, glitter or small stones, that will help anchor the candle into place.
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Nestle the candle into the anchoring material. Choose a candle that is appropriate for the type of jar you are using, such as a tea light for a baby food jar or a small pillar candle for a canning jar. Tie a thin ribbon around the mouth of the jar to finish the craft.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
