Use Glass Stones To Turn Old Mason Jars Into Stunning Lanterns For Your Patio

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When the season grows dark and gloomy, it's time to lean into hygge decor, inspired by the Danish notion of coziness and well-being. Picture chunky blankets, wool sweaters, leisurely meals, and simple, quiet pleasures. One of the easiest ways to incorporate hygge into your living space is with warm candlelight. Opt for bare candles placed around the home, or get creative by gluing glass stones to Mason jars to create dazzling lanterns.

This project is so simple that you don't need to be a crafter or DIYer to produce a stunning result. It's affordable and a handy way to use old Mason jars in your yard and garden or inside your home. Any size Mason jar — or glass container — will work for this project as long as the sides are smooth enough to place glass stones on. Before starting, clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. 

Next, glue the stones in rows onto the jar, from the bottom to the top. Make sure you don't squeeze too much glue onto the stones, or else excess adhesive will ooze over the edges. Although some DIYers recommend hot glue for this project, a stronger glue like Gorilla Clear Grip Adhesive, which is suitable for bonding glass, may keep the stones from popping off once the glue dries. Place the stones as close together as possible. With each row of stones you place, try to fit them close together so there are no blank spaces between the stones. 

As the rows of stones approach the top of the jar, make sure the final row doesn't interfere with the lid twisting on and off. While the lid isn't vital for this project, you can decorate the lid with the gems if you choose to keep it. You're essentially done once you've covered your jar with stones. However, if you want to transform the jar into a hanging lantern, use 22-gauge wire (typically used for jewelry making) to wrap tightly around the mouth of the jar and to form a handle. 

Tea lights — whether with a real flame or battery-powered — will fit nicely into the jars, but you can also illuminate the lanterns with fairy lights for a more whimsical look. Or, fill the jar with water to create a romantic holder for a floating candle. Another option is to turn the jars into solar lanterns. Find solar lights with removable tops, or use products like these Solar Mason Jar Lids, to fit within the outer ring of the Mason jar lid. If you still have Mason jars to spare, try these illuminating hacks to light up your home and garden.