Glowing DIY Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns

Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns are charming DIY crafts that combine the rustic beauty of autumn leaves with the cozy glow of candlelight. These lanterns are made by decorating clear mason jars with real or faux fall leaves, then placing a tea light inside to create a warm, flickering effect. Perfect for fall or nature-inspired decor, they bring a touch of the outdoors inside your home. With just a few simple materials, anyone can create these beautiful lanterns, making them a fun and easy project for all ages.

Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns

Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns are simple DIY decorations made by covering mason jars with autumn leaves and adding a soft candle glow inside. They’re perfect for cozy fall or nature-inspired decor.

Classic Fall Leaf Lanterns

Create a timeless look with red, orange, and yellow leaves on clear mason jars. This traditional style captures the essence of autumn and brings a warm glow to any room or outdoor space.

• Use Mod Podge to apply real or faux leaves to the jar’s outer surface

• Press leaves flat beforehand to avoid bubbling

• Use tea light candles or battery-operated LED lights inside

• Wrap twine or jute rope around the lid for a rustic finish

• Add a small tag or charm for a personalized touch

Maple Leaf Glow Jars

Celebrate the beauty of maple trees by using only vibrant maple leaves for your lanterns. Their rich reds and oranges make these jars ideal for fall table centerpieces.

• Collect fresh or fabric maple leaves for bold color

• Stick to one color tone for a more modern look

• Apply leaves at different angles for natural texture

• Seal with a second coat of Mod Podge for durability

• Place in clusters for a cozy, campfire-like glow

Golden Glitter Leaf Lanterns

Add sparkle to your lanterns by brushing glitter over the leaf edges or mixing glitter into your glue. This gives the jars a magical, festive appearance.

• Use gold, copper, or bronze glitter to match fall themes

• Apply glue around the leaf edges before sprinkling glitter

• Let glitter dry before sealing with Mod Podge

• Use LED lights to keep glitter from melting or burning

• Pair with pinecones and mini pumpkins for decor

Painted Leaf Silhouette Lanterns

Create an artistic twist by painting over leaves to leave behind a silhouette design. Once dry, remove the leaf to reveal a beautiful, glowing shape.

• Use acrylic paint over flat leaves on the jar

• Let the paint dry completely before removing the leaves

• Choose contrasting colors for better definition

• Lightly sponge around the leaf for a soft border

• Add a topcoat to protect the paint from chipping

Twine-Wrapped Leaf Lanterns

Combine texture and nature by wrapping the top of the jar in rustic twine and attaching leaves below. This farmhouse-inspired look suits porches and country-style homes.

• Start wrapping the twine tightly around the neck of the jar

• Tie in faux leaves or tuck real ones underneath

• Add a small burlap bow or tag for detail

• Use frosted glass jars for extra charm

• Group with wooden decor or dried wheat stalks

Leaf and Lace Lanterns

Blend delicate lace with colorful leaves for an elegant, vintage feel. These jars work beautifully for autumn weddings or indoor centerpieces.

• Cut lace ribbon to fit around the jar

• Apply leaves first, then glue lace as a border

• Use white or cream lace for soft contrast

• Add pearls or tiny charms for extra elegance

• Use flameless candles for added safety indoors

Nature Walk Lanterns

Make your lanterns a memory craft by using leaves collected during a walk in the woods. It’s a lovely activity for families or kids.

• Collect a variety of leaf shapes and colors

• Dry the leaves between books to flatten them

• Write the date or location of the walk on the jar’s bottom

• Let kids help glue and arrange the leaves

• Use the lantern as a seasonal keepsake

Stained Glass Effect Leaf Lanterns

Give your lanterns a stained-glass look by layering colorful leaves and tissue paper. The glow through the mix of textures is truly unique.

• Cut tissue paper into small squares and layer with leaves

• Overlap slightly for a mosaic look

• Use a foam brush to press layers down evenly

• Add a top layer of Mod Podge to seal

• Best lit with LED lights for even diffusion

Mini Jar Leaf Lanterns

Use small mason jars to make individual lanterns for party favors or place settings. These bite-sized beauties are just as eye-catching.

• Use mini jars (4 oz or 8 oz) for compact designs

• Trim leaves to size or use smaller ones like birch

• Personalize with name tags or initials

• Add a bit of raffia or string for detail

• Arrange on a tray for a stunning display

Frosted Leaf Lanterns

Create a frosted effect on your jars before applying the leaves for a muted, dreamy glow. This style works well for indoor fall decor.

• Use frosted glass spray or a thin white paint layer

• Let the frosted layer dry completely before adding leaves

• Choose high-contrast leaves like dark red or yellow

• Apply a gentle topcoat to preserve the look

• Great for cozy mantel displays

Halloween-Themed Leaf Lanterns

Make your leaf lanterns spooky by combining black, orange, and deep purple leaves. Add fun cutouts like bats or ghosts for Halloween charm.

• Mix spooky colors or even glow-in-the-dark leaves

• Use themed ribbon like spiderwebs or pumpkins

• Add small Halloween stickers or silhouettes

• Include cinnamon sticks for a fall scent

• Place them on your porch during trick-or-treating

Thanksgiving Gratitude Lanterns

Turn your lanterns into meaningful decorations by writing things you’re thankful for on each leaf. It’s a great interactive craft for the whole family.

• Use faux leaves and a metallic marker

• Write one thing you’re thankful for on each leaf

• Let each family member contribute to the jar

• Display on your Thanksgiving dinner table

• Light during dinner for a warm and symbolic glow

Cinnamon Stick Leaf Lanterns

Combine scent and beauty by attaching cinnamon sticks around the jar with twine. The warm spice scent pairs perfectly with glowing leaves.

• Glue cinnamon sticks vertically around the jar’s lower half

• Add leaves in between or above the sticks

• Use strong adhesive like hot glue for best hold

• Tie with twine and a small wooden tag

• Works best with LED candles to preserve scent

Metallic Leaf Lanterns

Spray paint your leaves in metallic gold, silver, or copper before adding them to the jars. This look adds a touch of glam to your autumn decor.

• Use faux leaves for better spray paint hold

• Let paint dry fully before handling

• Arrange in a flowing pattern or layered design

• Add metallic ribbon or wire around the rim

• Pair with glitter or mirrored trays for full effect

Glow-in-the-Dark Leaf Lanterns

For a fun and kid-friendly twist, use glow-in-the-dark paint on your leaves. These lanterns come alive after the lights go out!

• Use glow paint to outline or cover the leaves

• Charge under bright light before turning off the lights

• Use plastic mason jars for kids’ safety

• Add glow stars or dots for extra magic

• Great for fall sleepovers or outdoor night parties

Tips for Best Results

To make your Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns look beautiful and last longer, it’s important to follow a few helpful tips during the crafting process. Whether you’re using real or faux leaves, the right technique will give your lanterns a smooth finish and a lovely glow.

• Use thinner leaves for easier adhesion: Thin, flexible leaves stick better to the curved surface of jars and reduce wrinkling or peeling.

• Faux leaves won’t decay and last longer: Artificial leaves keep their color and shape over time, making them perfect for reusable or long-term decor.

• Avoid over-gluing to keep the lantern clear and bright: Too much Mod Podge or glue can cloud the jar or dim the light inside. Use a light, even coat.

• Layer leaves for a fuller, more natural look: Overlap different shapes and colors to mimic how leaves naturally fall and pile together.

• Let each layer dry before adding more: This helps prevent smudging and keeps the leaves in place while you build up your design.

FAQ

Can I use real leaves for Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns?

Yes, you can use real leaves, but make sure they’re clean, dry, and slightly flattened. Real leaves may fade or curl over time, so faux leaves are better for long-term use.

What kind of glue should I use to stick the leaves on the jar?

Mod Podge or clear-drying craft glue works best. It helps stick the leaves to the jar and also acts as a sealer when applied on top.

Do I need to use a specific type of mason jar?

No, any clear glass mason jar will work. Wide-mouth jars are easier to work with and let in more light, but you can use any size or shape you prefer.

Are these lanterns safe to use with real candles?

It’s safer to use LED tea lights, especially with real leaves or indoor displays. If you use real candles, never leave them unattended and make sure the leaves are securely attached away from the flame.