I’ve been on a canning jar kick lately. I love the novelty and diversity of using canning jars. I have a very large one gallon Mason jar as a vase in my kitchen. With the season and holidays I always like to decorate my front porch. I have been on a long hunt for just the right lanterns to sit on either side of my porch bench. I have used several lanterns previously, most only hold up a year or so. Most lanterns are metal; in outdoor settings rust sets in quickly. I have had a few lanterns leave unsightly rust stains on the concrete of my front porch…even pressure washing hasn’t removed them! Aluminum lanterns would be a good choice, but they are usually very pricey…which is not in my budget. While searching for canning jars on Amazon I came across 5 Liter canning jars. These jars are Bormioli Rocco Fido Glass Canning Jars. https://www.amazon.com/Bormioli-Rocco-Glass-Canning-Italian/dp/B001AFL9LI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466530775&sr=8-1&keywords=5+liter+canning+jar.
I knew immediately that I wanted to make these jars into lanterns. I purchased two plastic candles from Target. These are the Threshold brand. They are battery operated and have a timer. I did not want a wax candle. I have had battery operated wax candles in the past and in high temps they melt. Now, up close you can tell this candle is plastic, but honestly who looks so close? And it is inside the jar so you can’t really tell it is plastic. With the battery operated option you can leave the jar completely closed. So no bugs can get in! But, if you want to use a real candle just leave top open. You can buy the candles I used here: http://www.target.com/p/threshold-outdoor-candle/-/A-15081707.
I used pea gravel in the base of the jar. I liked how the color of the pea gravel matched the grout in the bricking of my home. You could easily use sand, seashells, or any other type of filler. I think these jars would be super cute displayed as a set in various sizes and filled with mini pumpkins, acorns, or Christmas bulbs.
I added a little patriotic flare with a patterned burlap ribbon. Simply measure and cut the ribbon. Make diameter very slightly smaller over the fold and pin in place. Then slid ribbon ring down the jar. You want it to be snug.
Now I have a lantern that can be changed up with the seasons and holidays! I can’t wait until the hinges get a little patina!
Sneak peak of the patriotic pillows coming up this week!
Enjoy! 
I love these types of project where you can take something that you usually wouldn’t consider using, and turn it into something great. My wife and I have been planning on trying to make some sort of lantern for years now, we just have never really gotten around to it. These were some really great ideas to get us started though, so thanks for sharing!