Are you looking for inexpensive ways to decorate this Summer? Transform an ordinary pickle jar into a charming coastal DIY lantern and bring a touch of the beach inside your home.
This simple DIY project upcycles a common household item and turns it into an attractive piece of home decor.
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
With just a few materials and minutes, you’ll have a beautiful lantern perfect for lighting up summer evenings, inside or out.
Ready to illuminate your space with this delightful coastal creation?
Let’s get started!
Steps to Make a DIY Lantern
Gather
Gather the following materials to complete this DIY project:
- Pickle Jar- Large
- Jute twine
- Yard stick or measuring tape
- Scissors
- Hot Glue gun
- Glue sticks
- Silicone finger protectors
Prepare the Jar
Remove the label from the jar.
If the label leaves a sticky residue on the jar spray it with GooGone.
Let it sit for a few minutes, and rub it with a paper towel until the residue comes off.
Wash the jar in warm soapy water and dry.
Cut the twine
- Cut one 16-inch piece of twine and set aside
- Cut six 4-foot-long pieces of twine.
Make the net
Tie the 16-inch piece of twine loosely around the top of the jar to create a collar.
Fold a 4-foot piece of twine in half, and push it up between the jar and the collar.
Bring the ends of the twine up through the loop and loosely pull.
Continue adding hanging pieces around the jar.
Tighten the base piece of twine.
Adjust each hanging piece so they are the same distance from each other.
My pieces of twine are approximately one and a half inches apart.
After you determine the placement of each piece of twine, pull the knot tight.
Take a piece of twine from two adjacent hanging strands.
Pull them together so they make a “v” shape.
Wrap both strands around your finger to make a loop.
Pull the bottom pieces through the loop to make a knot.
Continue tying knots around the jar.
*Important note- make sure the knots are at the same level.
Repeat the same steps to make a second row of knots.
Continue until you reach the bottom of the jar, keeping the knots the same size and distance from each other.
Adhere the net
Turn the jar upside down.
Pull a strand of twine tightly, towards the center of the jar.
Add a strip of hot glue under the twine to the center of the jar.
*Important note- Be very careful using hot glue as it can burn you. We recommend using silicone finger protectors to stay safe!
Use finger protectors to push the twine onto the glass.
Cut the excess twine.
Grab the twine strand directly across from the one you just glued down, and repeat the steps until each strand is attached to the bottom of the jar.
Don’t worry if it looks messy because we will be filling the jar with sand and it won’t show.
Turn the jar over and locate the ends of the string tied around the top of the jar.
Hot glue the ends to the jar.
And here is the finished netting!
Now you have to decide whether to add a handle to the jar.
If you don’t want to do the extra steps, you can finish by wrapping twine around the mouth of the jar and hot gluing it down.
I want to make a handle, so let’s continue!
Make a handle for the DIY lantern
Cut nine 16-inch pieces of jute twine and hot glue the ends together.
Place the glued end under the jar and braid the twine.
Hot glue the braid at the 11 and 1/2-inch mark and cut the excess off.
Attach the handle
Apply hot glue around the mouth of the jar and press the twine into it.
Continue wrapping and gluing the twine around the jar twice.
Adhere the handles to each side of the jar.
Continue wrapping and gluing the twine around the top and the handles to finish the lantern.
Fill the DIY lantern
You can put a pillar candle in the jar and be done, but I will add a few other items to give my lantern more of a coastal vibe.
Gather
- Sand or small pebbles
- Pillar candle or a battery-operated tea light or candle
- Shells or seaglass
Pour sand into the lantern and place your carefully place the candle.
Surround the candle with shells.
Display your DIY lantern
I’m displaying our lantern on a shelf in our eat-in kitchen.
I made the smaller jar last year when I upcycled several glass bottles to use as vases!
It looks fabulous across from this coastal-inspired table setting!
In Conclusion
Creating a coastal DIY lantern from a pickle jar is an easy and inexpensive way to decorate your home for Summer!
We hope you’ll try this and enjoy the thrill of upcycling everyday items into unique decor pieces.
Whether you use it to light up your summer evenings outdoors, enhance your coastal-themed decor, or add a cozy glow indoors, your handmade lantern will surely stand out.
So, gather your materials, unleash your imagination, and start crafting.
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Blessings, Donna and Rich
Pin It For Later
Don’t forget to pin this so you can remember it!
More DIY Inspiration
If you enjoy seeing creative DIY projects you’ll want to check out these posts:
- How to Create Beautiful Vases From Recycled Jars
- Simple Way to Decorate Candles With Napkins
- Tips to Upcycle an Old Basket
- Easy DIY Cordless Lamp
- Create a Lavender and Eucalyptus Basket Wreath
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
Great project Donna! Perfect coastal vibe!
Pinned!
Thank you Cindy! It’s been fun adding some coastal touches to our home this year! Take care!
This is a beautiful jar Donna! I always forget about GooGone, I need to get it out because I have been working harder, not smarter removing labels lately. Thanks for all of the detailed photos, I have always wanted to make something like this, but thought it looked pretty complicated. I also just so happen to have a pickle jar waiting on a shelf for a makeover! You always have such wonderful ideas to share.
Hey Cara! Yes, GooGone is the best and makes removing labels so easy!! I hope you’ll try this! Making the netting is so much easier than it looks! I think you’d enjoy it so grab that pickle jar!! Thanks so much my friend!!