Decor DIY: Clay Mason Jar Lantern

November 14, 2017

Decor DIY: Clay Mason Jar Lantern

Easy air-dry clay lanterns

Hi loves!

Christmas spirit is spreading all around us and must I say, it's the most wonderful time of the year! At this time I tend to spend more time at home with my friends and family and christmas decorations are only making holiday season even prettier, especially candles. This week I am bringing you easy lantern DIY using clay and empty mason jars. I got the inspiration from Ikea lantern with stars and thought how can I create my own version. This DIY will take you approximately two days because the clay is air-dried. So let's get started!

You will need:

▪ air-dry clay

▪ mason jars

▪ x-acto knife

▪ plastic wrap

▪ rolling pin

▪ acrylic paint

▪ brush

▪ star shaped cookie cutter

▪ candles

▪ additionaly you will need paper, pen and ruler to measure, mark and cut tamplate for mason jars.

Part 1: Preparing tamplate and mason jars

Using paper and pen, measure your pason jars - height and circumference. Draw the lines and cut template that you will use to cut clay. Wrap mason jars with plastic wrap so the clay is easier to take off when it's dry.

Part 2: Molding clay

Roll clay using rolling pin enough to cover template. Cut the template and all excess clay. Using cookie-cutters cut out star shapes.

Tip: Roll out clay on plastic wrap so it's easier to take it off surface.

P.S. Dry and keep clay star shapes for future DIY projects! :)

Part 3: Shaping lantern

Carefully place molded clay around mason jar and press both edges together. Let it dry for at least one day.

Tip: When outer clay seems dry, slowly try to take it off of mason jar and let the clay lantern dry completely from the inside, what will make drying process a bit faster.

When drying is completed, clay lanterns are ready to be painted.

Tip: The rolling pin I used was wooden and it left a pattern on clay. If you prefer solid surface use plastic rolling pin or when clay is completely dry use sanding paper to smooth the clay. I actually liked the pattern that was created so I left it as it is.

Part 4: Painting

Paint inner and outer side of clay with white paint. Using gold acrylic paint, paint edges of the stars to create subtle pop of color! Let the paint dry for approx. 30 minutes depending on the type of paint you use.