Guys, you know that I love upcycled lanterns. It’s become somewhat of an obsession.
There’s something about taking a jar or a tin can or something that would ordinarily be in the recycling bin… and then sticking a candle in it.
It’s sheer genius.
And it’s cheap.
This Saturday between 1pm and 2:30pm, I’m going to be at Milner Gardens in Langley, BC, doing a demonstration on upcycled garden lighting ideas. I’ll be joined by two other lovely bloggers: Crystal of Sew Creative, and Jamie of So Much Better With Age. We’re going to be sharing some of our garden crafts in a big open house at the nursery.
If you’re in the neighbourhood, stop by! Not only is Milner Gardens a lovely and inspiring garden centre, but it’s also home to the fabulous Shelley of Sow and Dipity. It’s going to be a great afternoon!
These lanterns are so very simple. I started with pint sized mason jars, but I switched out the lids for the daisy-style lid. Not only is this more visually appealing, but traditional candles need oxygen, so these lids let the air in.
I cut out adhesive vinyl shapes using my Silhouette cutting machine.
I can’t help myself…. I love nautical shapes so much right now. Lila said that the whale was her favourite, and I have to agree.
Even though real whales are covered in barnacles and eat all the things that I wouldn’t touch, this one just say, “Love me. I’m too adorable to not be on your lantern.”
You’re right, Willy. Your giant forehead truly becomes you.
A purist might say that battery-operated tea lights are a travesty to lanterns.
But I think that they’re fabulous.
My children cannot burn themselves on battery operated tealights. Nobody can tip these lanterns over and start a fire. (Unless there are some serious MacGuyver skils happening). The light is warm and flickers just like a real candle.
I’m completely sold on these babies.
But I’m also sold on these fancy little nautical lanterns. As the day slips away and the night creeps in, the silhouettes of the anchor, wheel, and whale all become more prominent against the light. It’s the perfect little grouping of lanterns for drinks and laughs on the patio.
And it was quick, cheap and easy.
Seriously….do those three words not give you a thrill?
23 comments
Jamie
Looking fabulous girl! Can’t wait to hang out with this Saturday! EEK!
Hugs,
Jamie
Tara
It’s going to be fantastic, Jamie! Your flower pots are sooo lovely, too. The crowd is going to love them!
Shawna
Love this! Where did you find the lids?
Tara
Thank you, Shawna! I actually got the daisy lids at my local Michaels; they come in a two-pack.
Lauren @ The Thinking Closet
Gasp! I have no words. Just drool. All over my keyboard. 🙂
Tara
That’s quite the compliment, Ms. Lauren! I have a feeling that you might be making your own version… I’d love to see them! 🙂
Mel
Oh they’re really cute, great job!
Tara
Thank you, Mel! They’re quick and easy – my kind of craft!
Crystal @ Sew Creative
I LOVE these. I’ve been wanting to grab some of those lids on Pick Your Plum but I always seem to miss them. Fabulous project.
Betty819
These are so cute; I love ’em. I’ve read back over your spill and are you saying that the lids are sold at Michale’s already punched out in that design? I’ve got a Michael’s one mile from me. Whoohoo! When I saw this on Pinterest, I wondered how you punched the lids so perfect..Never knew about the ready-made lids. I’m sure there are a lot of things down at Michael’s or ACMoore that I don’t know about..Guess that means I should go there more often, huh?
Kelly @ DeBoopShop
What a cute project, and so perfect for summer!
I’m also a sucker for giving new life to old things, which is why I used some of our old mason jars to make some pretty button storage for my mom as a Mother’s Day gift. I still have a few jars left, and some extra vinyl for my Cricut. I might have to make a few of these for our patio!
Krista
Quick, cheap, and easy are def my three favourite words. Love these Tara!
Natasha in Oz
That is such a great idea. I love any project using mason jars!
Visiting via Snickerdoodle Sunday. Have a fabulous week.
Best wishes,
Natasha in Oz
Debbie
I love you nautical mason jars. Where did you get the nautical template?
Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse
Such a great project! Thank you for sharing. You are one of the features at the Make it Pretty Monday party at the Dedicated House. Here is the link to this week’s party. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/06/make-it-pretty-monday-week-141.html Hope to see you again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Lou Lou Girls
This looks so amazing! Pinned and tweeted! Thanks for being a part of our party. I hope to see you, tonight at 7 pm. Lou Lou Girls
Cathy
Love these – so cute and the easy, quick and cheap is right up my alley. Thank you for sharing at Share It One More Time. Cathy
Kristen from The Road to Domestication
These are just SO cute!!! Thanks so much for taking the time to link up with us over at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again tomorrow!
Kathryn Griffin @TheDedicatedHouse
The Weekly Feature Series is live which you are a part of! Here is the link to the Series. http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2015/07/weekly-feature-series.html Thank you for joining The Dedicated House. Have a great weekend! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Theresa @DearCreatives
Love how your nautical lights turned out. I recently have done two nautical projects myself. I’d love to add this to my list. Thanks for sharing at the party.
Michael Ulrich
These are sewtainly clevah! Haven’t seen them before anywhere. Great idea 🙂 Love any new ways you can re-purpose a Mason jar!
Michael
For those interested, here are a few additional ways you can re-purpose Mason jars around the house. Enjoy! https://masonjarcandles.org/7-ways-to-repurpose-a-mason-jar-for-your-bathroom/
Nancy Tyrrell
I can’t find anything Nautical for Cuttlebug cutters and I can’t find much of anything Nautical anywhere. Do you know of somewhere I can get your designs for the Lanterns? I am having a Nautical themed party at the end of September and I came across your craft idea that I thought would be a fun addition to my party. My husband came up with the idea of adding sand at the bottom of the mason jar to stabelize the candle. Since I have a sandbox for my grand kids that just moved to Ohio from Colorado, I can make good use of the sand!