Use Pistachio Shells To Transform Old Glass Jars Into Dazzling Lanterns

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It may be said that all upcyclers are artists at heart. Whether it's roses made from egg cartons or stunning wall art made from toilet paper rolls, some people are so talented they can turn old junk into works of art that stop you in your tracks. One material that's often used in eco-chic DIYs is pistachio shells, which can be made to look like flower petals, carved wood, or seed pods depending on how they're used. To transform old jars into stylish lanterns, pick a theme and decorate them with pistachio shells glued into the shape of small flowers.

Pistachio shells double as petals when you glue them into four- or five-petal flower shapes with the hollow side facing out. They can even be flipped hollow-side-in for a different look, or stacked to create a fuller flower. Tulips are another beautiful DIY flower you can make with pistachio shells. Just glue a few upright with the hollow side facing in, and paint them your favorite tulip color.

Like wood, pistachio shells are mostly cellulose, which is why they can be treated in a lot of the same ways as many wood products. The thick walls of pistachio shells hold up over time (which is why they are slow to compost), and they can be glued, painted, or stained. They offer a rustic boho look when combined with twine, or you could paint them cream or white to make them look like porcelain or bisqueware for a coastal aesthetic.

Before making lanterns out of old jars and pistachio shells, the jars need to be cleaned and prepared. Wash all the jars and peel the labels. If you're going to decorate the jars with anything else, do that before you add the pistachio flowers, since they are the most delicate. You can glue twine, cord, lace, or ribbon directly to the glass with your glue gun. With twine, a loose basket weave or swirl design looks nice with pistachio flowers. You can also add lace, ribbon, or braided jute as bands at the top and bottom of the jar.

The pistachio shells also need to be washed, then dried thoroughly to remove residues. If you want them colorful, paint them before gluing them together. Attach the pistachio shell petals to a piece of wax paper, forming them into a flower shape with the petals connected at the center, then let them dry before transferring and gluing them to the jars. Add a bead or pebble for the center, if you like.

Indoors or out, these chic lanterns make excellent home decor and centerpieces for parties. Since candle-safety guidelines call for keeping open flames at least 12 inches from anything combustible, these lanterns work best with LED tea lights. If you want to use them outside, give them a water-resistant finish by spraying them with Krylon COLORmaxx Acrylic Clear Finish, which is available from Amazon for $4.48 at the time of writing.