How to Make Fall Mason Jar Lanterns
Crafts for Warm, Handmade Autumn Decor
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Cozy Autumn Decor Ideas for Your Home
Fall has always been my favorite season. As soon as the leaves start to turn and that first chill rolls in, I’m already pulling out the craft bin.
One of my go-to projects this time of year? Mason jar fall lanterns. They’re simple, charming, and give off the perfect glow when the sun starts setting earlier. I’ve made them solo while sipping apple cider, and I’ve made them with my nieces during our fall crafting afternoons. There’s nothing better than the sound of laughter, some good music in the background, and hands covered in glue and glitter.
The best part? There’s no right or wrong way to do them. You can make them rustic with twine and pressed leaves, or go whimsical with pumpkins, gold paint, and little fairy lights. Every year, mine turn out a little different, and that’s part of the fun. They’re not just decorations. They’re little reminders of how much I love this season, how much joy there is in creating something with your hands, and how special it is to make memories around a table covered in craft supplies and love.
So, if you're like me and fall gives you that warm, cozy feeling, grab a few jars, light a candle, and make something beautiful.
Could This Be Your Next Favorite Thing?
Mason jar fall lanterns are a versatile craft that can appeal to a wide range of people:
DIY Enthusiasts: This project is perfect for you if you love crafting and creating home decor. It allows for a lot of creativity and personalization.
Families: This is a great activity to do with kids. They can help decorate the jars and choose the fall-themed elements, making it a fun family bonding experience.
Home Decor Lovers: If you enjoy updating your home decor to match the seasons, these lanterns will be a beautiful addition to your fall decorations.
Teachers and Educators: This craft can be a great classroom project to teach kids about the seasons and allow them to create something they can take home.
Event Planners: These lanterns can serve as lovely, handcrafted centerpieces for those planning fall-themed events or weddings.
Craft Your Own Autumn Glow: Mason Jar Lantern Tutorial
Materials Needed:
Fall-themed decorations (e.g., faux or real leaves, mini pumpkins, acorns, pinecones)
Ribbon or twine (optional)
Paint (optional, for extra decoration) - updated for 2025
Paintbrush (if using paint)
Clear acrylic sealer (optional if using paint)
You can find fall-themed decorations at craft stores like Michaels and Joann Fabrics, which offer various seasonal items. Dollar stores are also great for affordable faux leaves, mini pumpkins, and other autumnal decorations.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mason Jars
Clean Jars: Wash and thoroughly dry the Mason jars.
Paint (Optional): If you want to paint your jars, apply a coat of acrylic paint in fall colors or frosted white. Let it dry completely. For added detail, you can use stencils or freehand designs.
2. Add Fall Decorations
Decorate: Apply faux leaves, mini pumpkins, acorns, pinecones, or other fall-themed decorations to the outside of the jar. Use hot glue to secure them in place. Be sure to leave the top rim of the jar free so you can add a lid later.
Layering: For a more intricate design, layer different decorations or create a small fall scene inside the jar.
3. Prepare the Lids
Optional Decoration: If you’d like, you can decorate the Mason jar lids with paint, glitter, or additional fall embellishments.
Add Ribbon/Twine: Wrap ribbon or twine around the rim of the jar for a finishing touch. You can tie it into a bow or simply let it drape.
4. Insert the Candle
LED Tealight Candles: Place an LED tealight candle or battery-operated candle inside the jar. These are safe and long-lasting, making them ideal for use in decorations.
Placement: If the jar has a lot of decorations inside, you might need to adjust the placement of the candle to ensure it sits securely and provides adequate light.
5. Seal and Display
Secure the Lid: If you used paint or decorations on the lid, let it dry before securing it. Ensure the lid is firmly in place to avoid any accidental spills or decorations falling off.
Positioning: Place the completed lanterns on tables, mantels, or window sills. You can also use them as centerpieces for fall gatherings or as part of a fall-themed display.
6. Additional Tips
Layered Look: If you want to create a layered look, you can add some faux fall foliage or decorative filler to the bottom of the jar before inserting the candle.
Safety Note: If you decide to use real candles, make sure to never leave them unattended and keep them away from flammable materials.
Enjoy Your Mason Jar Fall Lanterns
And just like that, your Mason jar fall lanterns are ready to shine. Whether they’re glowing on your mantel, lining your porch steps, or lighting up your kitchen table, you’ve just added a cozy, handmade touch that brings fall right into your home.
But here’s the thing I love most: these little lanterns aren’t just about the final look. They’re about the process. The joy of making something with your own hands, the mess of craft supplies spread across the table, and that quiet pride when you step back and see what you’ve created. Each one holds a little piece of your style, your creativity, and your love for the season.
If this project sparked that fall feeling for you, too, I hope it’s just the beginning. There’s so much more to explore: pumpkin centerpieces, leaf garlands, and all those small, meaningful ways we make our homes feel warm and welcoming this time of year.
I’d love to hear from you. What did you add to your lanterns to make them your own? Drop a comment below and share how you’re bringing the magic of fall into your space this season.
Looking to keep the autumn creativity flowing? Check out these fun and festive fall crafts, from leaf rubbings to balloon arches and cozy mantel decor!
