Garden Candle Lanterns

I refuse to pay $15 - $30 for fancy lanterns to hang from the trees in my yard. In this instructable, I'll show you how to make your own lanterns using glass jars, wire, and a few other items.

During the day, people will wonder why the heck you have pickle jars hanging from the trees but at night the look is amazing.

Please keep in mind that this instructable involves open flames and trees. If you are in the midst of a drought, you may want to skip thisproject.

Step 1: Materials & Tools

Material list:

- One glass jar for each lantern. Wide mouth jars work best.
- One candle for each lantern.
- One 2" galvanized roofing nail for each lantern
- 3' to 6' of heavy wire for each lantern
- Masking tape
- Vinyl concrete patcher

Tool list:
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Work gloves
- Safety Glasses

Comments

[alishahzadmughal]

wao its sooooooooo good

[Sophanny]

this is actually sucha cool idea, i think i may try it when we have garden summer parties :D can i ask why tea lights can't be used?

[Valster]

Thanks for your comment.  Tea lights can be used but they don't burn as long.

[dixiedazzle]

Those are so pretty, thanks for sharing.

[lemonie]

These things are good I like 'em, nice instruction.

L

[Valster]

Thanks!  What is the story behind this photo?

[lemonie]

They're pretty much the same type of candles, but serving a real purpose later on as it got very dark out there (until we got the fire lit anyway). However, most just had wire wrapped around the necks of the jars.

L

[Valster]

LOL, we're on the same page.  Since I ran out of the heavy wire, I've been using thinner copper wire (also free) wrapped around the neck.  It's my next instructable - took photos earlier today.

[saffronwoman]

(removed by author or community request)

[Valster]

I don't think they would be as bright but you're right - they're drought safe! 

[l8nite]

During the day, people will wonder why the heck you have pickle jars hanging from the trees but at night the look is amazing.
 LOL.. my neighbors have given up wondering! I hang jars as small flower pots, candles, oil lights, Ive even used 3liter clear soda bottles as goldfish tanks (that was a real converstaion starter) The cement and nail is a good idea though. I generally buy thick holiday candles after the holidays, they fit in most jars and dont need a stake and if they melt in the heat the wick usually stays pretty much in the center. Thanks for the idea and LOVE your yard....

[Valster]

I think my neighbors gave up wondering about me the day before my son's wedding. I didn't have time to dig up two dead junipers so I spray painted them.  They looked so good I left them for several years! 
I saw the oil light ible the other day and it gave me the push I needed to finally publish this one.  I've since experimented with the oil lanterns and like them.
Also like your idea of the pillar candles but I'm too cheap, even when they're on sale!