Use Old Crayons To Transform Plain Glass Jars Into Bright, Cheery Lanterns

One of the best parts of DIY crafts is figuring out creative ways you can reuse old items from around your house. Among the many amazing ways to upcycle glass jars into unique home decor are fun lanterns that can be filled with tea lights or homemade candles, with decorating help from some old crayons. The best part is, you don't have to worry about the crayon wax melting with the heat of the candle or making a mess. All you need to do is seal the crayon with polyurethane.

YouTuber Our Upcycled Life shares this clever way to reuse old glass jars as a stunning craft, which they call crayon crackle. Start by using the old crayon to draw random lines layered over each other on the outside of the glass jar. Then, using polyurethane or polycrylic sealer mixed with very fine glitter, paint on a thin layer and wait for it to dry. Repeat the process until your crackle has a design you are happy with. Our Upcycled Life recommends three layers of white crayon and sealer mixed with silver glitter. 

Once the layers are applied and fully dried, spray on a finish of engine enamel to seal the jar so you can clean it without compromising the crackle. The entire project needs to dry fully before attempting to light a candle inside it.

If you plan to use your upcycled glass jar lantern as a candle holder with an open flame, you will need to select materials that will be heat-safe. Ultimately, you can use whatever colors of crayons or styles of glass jars you have on hand. Initially, you may think that adding crayons to the design of a candle holder would lead to a waxy mess, but with the right materials, the wax will stay intact use after use. The wrong choice of materials, on the other hand, can have consequences. Some sealers remain flammable, even after curing completely. Others will simply melt from the heat of the flame.

Select a water-based polyurethane over oil-based to ensure there is no risk of melting or ignition after the project has completely cured. Polycrylic sealers are also safe to use. There are some differences between polyurethane and polycrylic sealers, mainly in chemical composition, but the choice is generally based on personal preference. The biggest concern with either is ensuring the sealer is completely dry before lighting a candle, since wet sealers remain flammable. As for the final coating, you can use polycrylic spray or engine enamel. Both work fine to give that last durable layer, but they need to be completely cured before being placed near an open flame.