Creating DIY fairy lanterns is a magical craft that is perfect for a group of girls, such as a birthday party or Girl Guides. This activity not only fosters creativity, but also teaches the value of recycling and reusing materials. Whether using recycled jars or mason jars, the possibilities are endless, and the end result is a beautiful, glowing lantern that can light up any space with a touch of enchantment. Follow the easy step by step directions below to make your own fairy lantern.
Supplies for a DIY Fairy Lantern
- Cleaned glass jar (I used a small cheese whiz jar and the Guides used pint sides mason jars)
- Fairy cut out of vinyl (click HERE for the svg file I purchased from Etsy)
- Matte mod podge
- Paint brush
- Dried Moss
- Faux florals
- Thick wire jute
- Fairy lights + batteries
- Hot glue
We purchased most of our supplies from a local dollar store, but I’ve linked some more options to make shopping easier for you!
How to Make a DIY Fairy Lantern
1. Cut the fairy
Use a Cricut or similar cutting machine to cut and weed a black vinyl fairy. If you don’t have a Cricut you could print one out in black and trim around it. Attach the fairy to the outside of the cleaned jar.
2. Mod Podge
Brush mod podge all over the outside of the jar. Make sure to cover over top of the fairy. Set aside to dry.
3. Secure the lid
If using a mason jar, glue the lid insert to the metal ring the cover the top of the lid in hot glue. Place dried moss on top.
4. Add a handle
Use hot glue to attach a wire handle. Place a drop of hot glue on one side of the lid then hold the wire on top for a few seconds so it stays in place while it dries. Repeat for the other side.
5. Decorate your DIY fairy lantern
Use faux florals, fairy garden themed items and/or bits of nature to decorate the lid and handle to make your own unique fairy lantern. We did this craft with a group of Girl Guides and I love how they decorated theirs.
6. Personalize
If you’re making in a group, you can add names using letter beads and jute string. Tie it to one side of the handle and add the beads on (spelling your name backwards).
7. Add light
Add either a battery tea light or battery fairy lights. I prefer the look of the fairy lights with the string of lights loose on the inside of the jar. I glued a piece of burlap wrapped around the battery pack to hide it.
You could also add gems or rocks to the inside. My sister in law also made these (her idea), with a group of girls at a birthday party and I love them gems they added inside.
DIY Fairy Lantern Centre Pieces
Now you’ve got an adorable fairy lantern! We used the Girl Guides one’s to make centre pieces at a Northern BC Girl Guide event. We added flowers and mountain paintings on top of a wood round and I love how it turned out. This look would be perfect for an enchanted forest / tea party themed event. What do you think?
Any questions! Let me know in the comments!
We would love to hear about your DIY Fairy Lanterns! Share with us by tagging @sewbrightcreations on Instagram or any of our other social media channels.
This post is not sponsored however some links may be affiliate, which means I may earn a small commission if you shop using the links. There is NO extra cost to you. The opinions and photos are of Sew Bright Creations’.
