If I can bring new life into something that normally goes into the landfill or recycle bin then that’s what I will do, like this Primitive Lantern made from a pasta jar.
This is just one of many of my Repurposed jar projects. You can find the material list for this project at the bottom of this post.
Primitive Lantern
1. To make a primitive lantern first start with a clean jar, then tape off one side of the jar with the painters tape placing the tape edges together and making it just a little larger then you want your star.
2. Draw your star onto the tape.
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3. Using your X-acto knife cut the star out, and peel the excess tape off leaving the star in tack.
4. Pour about 1/4 cup of mod podge in a disposable container and add about 1 teaspoon of instant coffee grandules, and mix.
5. Paint your jar completely with the coffee and mod podge mixture.
6. Let dry throughly, then gently peel the painters tape off.
7. Use your X-acto knife to straighten up any rough edges.
8. Add your wire for hanging, and a battery operated LED tealight to your Primitive Lantern and that’s it!
I am sorry that I forgot to get a picture with the tealight inside. If it’s still at my booth next time I go I will try to remember to get a picture.
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Material List For Primitive Lantern
(includes affiliate links for your convenience)
* glass jar
* mod podge
* instant coffee granules
* painters tape
* x-acto knife
* annealed wire
* wire cutters
* needle nose pliers
* small disposable cup
* battery operated LED tealight
Have you repurposed any jars into lanterns lately? I would love to see them. Leave a comment below with a link so that I can go check it out.
More Fun Mason Jar Projects
Mason jar tissue holder
Rustic mason jar storage rack
Loose change jar
This lantern sounds like a fun and easy craft. Thanks for including the step by photos.
Thanks! It is so easy, anyone could make it. Thanks for stopping by!
I love how you use the instant coffee to get the aged color! Coolest tip ever. I love the way this turned out, so much simpler to cut the star on the jar then try to add a star cutout and get it centered! I never would have thought of that! The wire looks so cool too, it really makes this look like something from decades ago. Mason jars have ended up being so much more than a canning vessel! Our grandmother’s would be amazed! LOL
Thank you Nikki! Instant coffee is great for aging paper or fabric too. At first I didn’t have the wire on it but glad that I added it. I know, right. They would be amazed, or say why you messing up a perfectly good canning jar. LOL
Linda I love this idea. Your lantern is full of rustic goodness. I am definitely going to have to try the mod podge idea with coffee. Pinning!
Thanks Mary! I love my mod podge, I just can’t believe it took so long to discover it. You can add a little bit of coffee or a lot to get it the desired shade your looking for.
Wow, I would never have thought of using coffee and mod podge. It gives it such a lovely old world look. Beautiful!!
Thank you Michelle! I use coffee to age paper and fabric so I thought why not try it in mod podge and see if it will give the same aged look.
You are absolutely the queen of repurposed Mason Jars! Love this lantern…I can imagine how pretty it will look with a lit votive in it during the evening hours. And I love how you made your own stain with coffee and modge podge…not surprised though. It seems your creativity knows no bounds.
Happy Fourth of July!
Hugs, Lynn
Thank you Lynn! I just got lucky when trying this, because I wasn’t sure how it would work. I can say the same about your creativity Lynn! Hope you have a Happy Fourth of July!
I love the look of this! I never would have guessed the ingredients though
Thanks Jessica! I was sure how it was going to turn out when I decided to give it a try. But was very happy how it turned out.
I have used coffee to age paper before, but never tried mixing it with glue – great idea and lovely results 🙂
Thanks Sarah! I have used it for aging fabric as well as paper. And mixing with mod podge works well too!