How-To: Mason Jar Luminaries

Today, I’ll show you how to make these pretty luminaries to add a little extra sparkle to your holiday decor. You can create your own designs using your  favorite stencils – or making your own!

I originally tried to use a glass etching process, however the green tint on the glass prevents the etching cream from working properly, so instead, I’ll show you how to make an etched-look using Mod Podge and fine glitter. Let’s get started!

Supplies needed to make your own mason jar luminaries:

• Large Mason Jars (I used the vintage green jars – love them!)
• Outdoor Mod Podge (It’s a little thicker and weather resistant)
• Extra Fine Glitter (I used Darice “Snowfall”)
• Paint Brush
• Painter’s Tape or adhesive stencils
• 16 Gauge Wire and Pliers to make a handle (I used Gun Metal colored wire)

Step 1: If you would like to make your own stencils, layer painter’s tape onto wax or parchment paper, cut out your design and adhere it to the mason jar. You can also use your cutting machine to create a stencil by layering painter’s tape directly onto your cutting machine mat, cut out a design, peel off the tape and then place on the mason jar. I used a cutting blade to freehand cut the tree design, but used my cutting machine to make the snowflake design. Both stencils worked really well.

Step 2: Adhere your stencil on to the jar, make sure all the edges are firmly adhered to the glass.

Step 3: With your paint brush, generously apply a coat of Mod Podge.

Step 4: Quickly remove the tape stencil and sprinkle glitter on the design. Allow to dry.

Note: I suggest removing the stencil BEFORE you apply the glitter and allow to dry, so that the design does not pull or tear along with the tape.

Step 5: If you have areas of the design that appear to need extra glitter, use a small paint brush to carefully apply more Mod Podge and then apply more glitter.

There are a number of ways to make a wire handle for your luminary, this is what I have found to work the best for me.

Step 1: Wrap the wire around the neck of the jar, where you would like the handle to sit, note the measurement.

Step 2: Add a little notch in the wire on the opposite side of the loop opening.

Step 3: Holding the wire away from the jar, wrap one end around the wire to “tie off” the loop. Before you tighten the loop to the actual desired size, place the wire ring back on to your jar.

Step 4: Bend the wire at the tied off location and pull up wire to create a handle, wrapping the end and tie through the notch on the opposite side.

If you’d like to place your luminaries outside, make sure all your materials are weather resistant. I chose to use the Outdoor Mod Podge both as a base coat and a top coat for the glitter. You could use a spray sealer as well to ensure your luminaries are weather proof. I hung  these luminaries on my arbor, I think they’d look so pretty there!

Jen Goode

Jen Goode is the owner and “doodler in charge,” a Denver based art and design studio. She has been a creative professional since 1996, developing art for a variety of uses in an array of mediums from handmade crafts to Graphic design and illustration. Jen, a designer member of CHA, is a tech savvy, work-at-home mom of 3 who shares her creative inspirations with other moms through her site Projects for Preschoolers and as a featured contributor on various sites throughout the web. Jen’s motto is “Inspiring Smiles Every Day.”