How to Make Luminary Candle Jars

Recycle canning jars by using them as luminaries. Luminaries make good holiday and party decorations. You can light a votive in the jar and let it burn out over an hour or so for party lighting. A basic version of a glass jar luminary takes only minutes to make. As an added bonus, a glass jar luminary is more safe than a paper bag alternative, which is more likely to catch on fire.

Step 1

Remove the thin top from a canning jar and set aside for later use. Screw the top ring off and then the ring will simply lift up. Use canning jars of whatever size you'd like.

Step 2

Make 10 holes in the lid using a hammer and nail. Place the nail on the lid and hammer gently until a hole the size of the nail head is made. These air holes are crucial to the candle burning, so make the holes all over the top of the lid.

Step 3

Put a votive candle in the center of the bottom of the glass jar. Light it to use the luminary right away or leave unlit for later. The best way to light the candles is with a long lighter or match. Insert the lighter into the jar and put the tip near the wick. Turn off the children's safety guard following the instructions on the lighter and press down on the trigger mechanism to light. Sometimes lighting on a tilt is easier to reach the wick.

Step 4

Put the lid and ring back on each jar as added protection in case the luminary tips over. Place the luminaries on an even surface with the smallest risk of being tipped over possible.

Step 5

Decorate with ribbon, garland or paint if you don't want to leave the luminaries plain. Cut a ribbon with scissors so it's just slightly longer than the area of the jar you plan on placing it. Use the jar to measure the ribbon. Glue the ribbon around the top or bottom of the luminary with craft glue.

Things you will need:

Pineanning jar with lid and screw top ring, pint or quart size Hammer Nails Lighter Ribbon Candle Paint Garland Scissors

Reference Money Crashers: 7 Creative Uses for Mason Canning Jars [http://www.moneycrashers.com/mason-canning-jars-uses/]

My Frugal Life: Snowlake Luminary (Candle) Jar [http://www.myfrugallife.com/post40130548_sharonlacouture.html]