These Mason Jar Lanterns are an inexpensive way of personalizing and styling your home or dinner party, and can also be given to friends as gifts. Hang them from tree branches or set them on tables for a romantic evening light. They are rustic and whimsical at the same time and chances are you have most of what you need already in your house.
Things you will need include:
- A mason jar of any size (the wide-mouth variety are easiest)
- 22-gauge (or thicker) nontarnish silver wire
- Wire cutters
- Fine pea pebbles, available at garden supply stores
- Votive candles
- Long lighter or long matches
To start, wrap the wire around the neck of the jar, leaving an inch of slack. Cut the wire and twist the ends together.
Cut another piece of wire to make the wire handle, about 8 inches, or a piece that’s long enough to attach to both ends of the wire around the neck in a loop.
Tuck the second wire under the first one and twist together. Repeat this on the other side, combining the wire twist from the first wire so that they connect.
Trim off any ends with the wire cutters so nothing sharp is sticking out.
Then pour in the pebbles, dried beans, or rice into the bottom of the mason jar.
Secure a votive candle inside like so.
Light it with a long lighter and hang the lantern wherever you please, or simply set a whole bunch of them on your dinner table!
It is an inexpensive and magical way to tap into your pioneer spirit.
