Simple DIY Mason Jar Lantern for Kids

Looking for a delightful craft items to add a touch of summer magic to your evenings? Look no further! This enchanting mason jar lantern idea, inspired by the book 1,000 Hours Outside Activity Book, by Ginny Yurick, is sure to become a family favorite if you’re an outdoor lover. This book is a hit in our household and is jam packed with an endless amount of outdoor activities for kids of all ages. Ginny’s book is surely a treasure trove of inspiration. You can find her on Instagram @1000hoursoutside, where she shares insightful podcasts, open-ended nature activities, as well as free printables to track outdoor hours.

Let’s bring some magic to life with these simple steps.

Steps:

1. Begin by removing the lid from the Mason jar, setting it aside for now.
2. Cut or tear pieces from the colorful tissue paper. You can experiment with different shapes and sizes to create a unique design.
3. Using a foam brush, generously apply Mod Podge to the outside of the jar. This will serve as the adhesive for the tissue paper.
4. Gently place the tissue paper pieces onto the Mod Podge, one by one, until they are laying flat on the jar. Feel free to overlap them or create a pattern of your choice.
5. Allow the jar to dry completely. This will ensure that the tissue paper adheres securely to the surface.
6. Once the jar is dry, apply another thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire tissue paper design. This will give it a glossy finish and help protect it.

Directions for Adding a Charming Handle:

1. Take the twine and tie a knot around the mouth of the glass jar, just below the lid line. Make sure it is secure.
2. Using the same twine, create a loop and place a portion of it across the circumference of the jar opening. Screw the lid on tightly to hold the loop in place.
3. In the bottom of the lantern, place a battery-powered tealight to create a mesmerizing glow.

Crafter’s Tips:

• If you do not have Mod Podge you can create a similar effect by diluting Elmer’s glue with water (50/50 ratio). 
• Add a sprinkle of glitter to the Mod Podge for an extra touch of sparkle and shine.
• Enhance the handle by incorporating wooden beads. Not only will they add style, but they will also make the lantern more comfortable to carry.
• For a beautiful illumination from the top, remove the flat, silver circle from the lid of the mason jar so that the light can shine above.
• Consider adding a ribbon around the circumference of the lid for an additional pop of color and visual appeal.
• Next time you find yourself with leftover tissue paper after a celebration, remember this craft and transform that paper into something beautiful instead of throwing it away.

Glass Jar Alternative for Unbreakable Adventures?!

Not a fan of using glass jars?! Try these small plastic “jars” instead. We used these pastic jars to craft lanterns during a family renuion in the mountains. The kiddos loved making them and we later hiked up the mountain with our lanterns that night! Making these homemade lanterns is a fantastic way to add something extra special illuminating an evening walk with friends and family.

Extension Activities:

• Shadow Play: Use your lanterns to create shadows. Experiment with different distances and angles to observe how the size and shape of shadows change. Discuss the relationship between light sources, objects, and the resulting shadows. You can connect this theme to the shadows sunlight makes on a large tree throughout the day.
• Cultural Connections: Research how lanterns are used in different cultures and celebrations around the world. Learn about lantern festivals such as the Mid-Autumn Festival in China or Diwali in India. Explore the cultural significance and symbolism of lanterns in these traditions.
• Nighttime Reading: Allow your older children (because it’s glass) to take their lantern to bed with them and allow them to read a book next to the flickering glow of the lantern. Add a few extra battery powered tealights for a brighter light that will be easier on the eyes.
• Historical Perspectives: Explore the history of lanterns and their significance throughout different time periods. Learn about the evolution of lantern designs, from traditional oil lamps to modern electric lanterns. Discuss how lanterns were used in the past for illumination and how they have transformed over time.
• Light Measurement: Incorporate some math skills by measuring and comparing the brightness of different light sources. Use a light meter or light sensor app on a smartphone to measure the intensity of the lantern’s light. Compare it to other light sources in your home or outdoors, and discuss the units of measurement for light.
• DIY Science Experiments: Extend the learning by conducting science experiments related to light. For example, explore how different materials affect the transparency of light by creating shadow puppets.

Alter and adapt these ideas to best suit the age and interests of your children. Encouraging hands-on exploration and inquiry-based learning will make the educational experience more engaging and enjoyable for you and your children.

🫙Memory Enhancer:

Now, let’s create some unforgettable memories with our magical lanterns. As dusk falls, take a family walk with your glowing lanterns. The soft glow will create a captivating atmosphere and add an element of wonder to your surroundings. Our family walked a trail in the woods because I was worried about glass jars dropping on the sidewalk with toddlers. With younger kids, even a quick walk on the grass around the house would be memorable. We also hung our lanterns on the branches of a tree we were climbing at night for a glowing touch of fun.

Capture these special moments by taking photos or simply bask in the warmth and glow of your lanterns. The combination of nature’s beauty and the gentle flicker of light will create precious family memories that could be passed down to future generations.

So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and let the magic of Mason jar lanterns illuminate your nights with joy!

🫙If you’re looking for another Mason Jar themed activity, try our Scavenger Hunt in Nature Using FREE Printables!🫙

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