Make a Mason Jar Bauble Lamp

This is a simple project, very inexpensive and easy to do.  The goal is to transform a Mason Jar (or any suitable glass or plastic jar) into a dazzling lamp.  The unlighted jar makes an outstanding light catcher if hung in the garden or displayed outdoors on a table or wall, for example.

Step 1: Gather Materials Needed

Glass baubles, or beads (Michael's label them ("decorative accents")
Mason Jar, or other jars made of either glass or plastic.
Christmas lights, 20 lights per string.  Other lights can be used as well, i.e., small lamp bulbs, leds, etc.
Lids to fit the jar.
Glue: I have shown two that I used and can vouch for.  Any epoxy glue would work as well.

Step 2: Start Gluing Glass Baubles Onto Jar

Glue baubles onto jar in a random manner as shown.  One dab of glue on several pieces at a time speeds the process up.  I acutally did this over a period of a few days, gravity will play a role so glue must be allowed to set to avoid pieces dropping off.  I wasn't in any hurry, so waiting was no problem.  I tried to fill up as much of the space as I could, while trying to balance the different colors so as not to be redundant in placement.  It would be cool to have jar(s) with one color only, or two, like green and red for christmas, etc.  Art is ALWAYS an experiment!

Step 3: Paint Inside of Jar

Using spray paint, it is an easy task to apply a coat of paint to the inside of the jar.  This paint coating diffuses the light, makes it more mellow, and generally adds to the appearance of the lamp... although, an unpainted jar is very compelling, as well.  You get to decide!  I also cut a piece of colored paper to use as a diffuser by simply cutting to size to fit the inside of the jar and inserting it into the jar before I added the lights.  Either way works fine.

Step 4: Install Lights in Jar, Assemble Parts

Follow the instructions in the pictures below to make a base/light retainer for the lamp.  I think it is pretty evident and very simple to do.  I used my power tools where I could, but most of the steps can be done with hand tools or lesser power tools.  The goal is to make a solid base for your lamp, and allow a cord of lights to be installed without having a cord in the way so that the lamp sits on the table or stand as shown.

Step 5: Light Up the Night!