Add a gorgeous glow to your Memorial Day or 4th of July celebrations with these fun and easy patriotic kid-made mason jar lanterns!
Red White & Blue Mason Jar Lanterns
We had a blast creating these patriotic mason jar lanterns!
This is a great craft for tweens and teens, though younger kids can also make them with adult assistance. You need only a few basic supplies and there are so many ways to customize this project and make it your own.
Both my girls love night lights and luminaries, so they use these red white and blue lanterns year round. They’re also perfect for Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any USA-themed holiday.
Mason Jar Luminaries Supply List
For your convenience, I’ve provided shop-able ad links to supplies used to create our mason jar lanterns; disclosure policy available here.
- Mason jars (any size) with lids
- Small red, white, & blue string lights
- Rubber cement
- Silver spray paint
How to Make Patriotic Mason Jar Lanterns
Watch a quick video demo below, then keep reading for full step-by-step instructions to make our red white and blue mason jar lights:
Paint designs using rubber cement on the sides of your mason jars. We did stars because they would provide a large enough space for the colored lights to shine through.
Allow rubber cement to dry completely. Spray the entire mason jar with an even coat of silver spray paint (remove mason jar lid first). If needed, apply a second coat of paint.
Once paint is completely dry, remove rubber cement to reveal clear glass below in the designs you made.
TIP: Trace the outline of your designs with a ballpoint pin to free up the rubber cement for easier peeling.
Use red or blue nail polish to trace around the outline of your designs for a smoother look. Allow to dry completely.
Place a strand of red, white, and blue string lights inside the jar, turn them on, and put the lid back in the jar.
Enjoy the beautiful festive glowing mason jar lights you created!
Safety Tips
- Always supervise children and assist depending on the age and skill level.
- The craft uses materials that produce fumes, so do this in a well-ventilated area.
- We did the spray painting step outside over scrap paper to avoid making a mess.
More of our favorite Memorial Day & 4th of July crafts:
Wooden American Flag Kids Paint Stick Craft
More Idea Starters for 4th of July & Memorial Day
4th of July Craft Ideas for Kids
- 20 Thrifty Kitchen Hacks - March 21, 2023
- Easter Fudge - March 20, 2023
- 40 April Fools Day Jokes for Kids - March 19, 2023
DNN says
You just reminded me of the good ol days when I used to save quarters in a blue tube connected to a slim piece of cardboard with a drawing of a gas pump on it. If you’re planning on using a mason jar for your daughter to raise money, have you thought of using a PayPal.me link to raise money online or use GoFundMe.com to inspire strangers to donate to your profile? it’s free to join. Just thought I’d share a helpful hint with you, Soccer Mommy! (smile) 🙂