Laundry Jug Christmas Lanterns
Transform laundry pod containers into glowing Christmas lanterns with this easy upcycled holiday craft!
Christmas Lanterns from Laundry Pod Containers
It all started with a Tide Pod container…
Last Halloween we had some extra containers that I saved, thinking I could make a Jack-O-Lantern. I loved how my Tide Pod Jack-O-Lantern turned out so much that I made a ghost lantern with a white container and a Frankenstein lantern with a green container too!
This year I decided to make Christmas versions:
- Snowman Lantern, using a white “free and clear” laundry pod container
- “Grinch” Lantern, using a green Gain pods container
They turned out just as cute as the Halloween lanterns! And they’re pretty easy to make, so start saving those laundry pod containers now!
Supplies Needed
Note: Iโve included affiliate links for your convenience in finding supplies used to make ourย snow globe ornament craft; disclosure policy availableย here.
- Laundry pod containers (We used a green Gain Flings container for the Grinch and a Tide Pods Free & Gentle container for the snowman)
- Permanent Markers
- Santa hats, scarves, etc. for dressing up your lanterns
Instructions
For both designs, the first step is to remove the label. There are a few ways to do this:
- Soak the empty containers in a sink filled with soapy water. Use a scraper (or an old credit card) to scrape away the damp label.
- Use a label remover such as Goo Gone. If you do this, you may want to wipe down with acetone nail polish remover afterwards, to remove any oils from the Goo Gone or any last bits of adhesive.
- A few readers suggested using a hair dryer to loosen up the labels so they will peel away. I haven’t personally tried this method, but if you do, be sure to handle carefully, as the label and container may become hot. You’ll also want to make sure not to melt the container!
To Make the Grinch Lantern:
This lantern was inspired by the Grinch, one of my favorite Christmas stories! For copyright purposes, I can’t provide a template or pattern for this one, but it was pretty easy to freehand with a marker.
I recommend tracing with pencil on the front of the container before you commit to drawing with a permanent marker.
We dressed up our Grinch luminary with a classic red Santa hat. Perfection!
To Make the Snowman Lantern:
The snowman face can be freehanded pretty easily as well, with black and orange permanent markers. However, I made a quick Cricut pattern and cut out the shapes with vinyl, so the shapes would be precise. You’re welcome to use my pattern too!
TIP: This link will open my snowman face pattern in Cricut Design Space.
We dressed up our snowman with a winter hat and scarf, but you can totally have fun with it! Try a top hat and a corncob pipe, just like Frosty the Snowman!
Here are the finished lanterns:
Tips and Tricks
- To save time, I didn’t remove the label on the back of my container, since no one will see it anyway!
- Do NOT put a real candle inside the lanterns; use a battery powered tea light. You may need 2-3 to get the lanterns as bright as what is pictured here.
- If you don’t want to draw the faces, you can use craft paper or craft foam to cut out shapes and glue the to the lantern. So many different ways to create!
…and now with the lights off:
More DIY Christmas Craft Ideas:
- Craft Stick Christmas Ornaments
- Cardboard Tube Christmas Trees
- Paper Straw Christmas Ornaments
- Baby Bottle Ornament for Baby’s First Christmas
- Ugly Sweater Christmas Card
- Christmas Present Pop-Up Card
- Christmas Lights Mason Jar Snow Globe
- Christmas Candy Sleigh
- Cupcake Liner Christmas Ornaments Wrapping Paper
- Clothespin Reindeer
- Salt Shaker Snow Globe Ornaments
Christmas Luminaries (Printable Directions)
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox.ย Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Soccer Mom Blog
Christmas Lanterns with Laundry Pod Containers
Equipment
- Permanent Markers
Ingredients
- Laundry Pod Containers white and green
- Santa Hats, Scarves, etc.
Instructions
- Remove the labels from the front of your containers. To do so, we soaked the containers in soapy water and scraped off the label. You could also try using a label remover such as Goo Gone.
- Use black and orange permanent marker to draw a snowman face. You can also use the pattern linked in the blog post to cut out vinyl snowman face with a Cricut machine. Dress up with winter hat and scarf.
- Use a black permanent marker to draw a Grinch face on the green container. Top with a Santa hat.
- Place a battery operated tea light inside the lanterns to illuminate them in the dark.
Video
Pin our DIY Christmas Luminaries on Pinterest:
You might also like:
- “Mistletoe Margaritas” Christmas Margarita Recipe - December 1, 2024
- 25 Easy Christmas Crafts for Kids of All Ages - December 1, 2024
- Candy Cane Cookies - November 26, 2024
Hi. The lanterns are adorable. Where did you get the trapper hat. Been looking for them for a year. Thanks
It is a friend’s hat, so I’m not sure exactly! Wish I could be more help on that one!