Collecting jars

Over the holiday weekend, I was thinking about how when I was a kid, the 4th of July signaled the beginning of summer.  In New England, we didn't get out of school until late June and returned in the fall several days after Labor Day weekend.  Here in the heartland, however, the kids start summer vacation around Memorial Day, so the 4th of July is technically the beginning of the end.  I've been meaning to post about this fabulous summer project, so this is for all of you who spend time with children this summer or are just young-at-heart yourselves!

A small disclaimer.  I didn't actually make this butterfly lantern, an art teacher friend did.  At night, candle lit and hanging from a tree, it positively glows and is hands-down the most charming, functional little project I've come across in years.  My instructions will be somewhat general, but I'm posting numerous photos, all of which you can click for a closer view.

   
Nice assortment of shapes and sizes

First, you'll need to gather some jars.  This will give you a great excuse to try some exotic delicacies as you hunt down an assortment of smallish and multi-shaped jars.  The optimum size jar is  between 3"- 5" tall (you don't want it too heavy) and the top opening needs to be large enough to accommodate a tealight candle.

 

Supplies you'll need are:

• Colored tissue paper
• Any brand matte medium (at your craft store) or watered down Elmer's glue works fine, too.
• Wire, two weights.  A heavy gauge, for the hanger (should not pull out of shape when supporting the weight of the jar) and a lighter gauge, which will be easy to manipulate to attach wings, make antennae & candle dipper.
• Rinsed soda cans for wings.  (Almost typed *tonic* there, whoops. My Maine roots are showing!)
• Cheap brushes to apply medium/glue (1/2" width or so)
• Helpful (but not necessary) tools: Needle nosed pliers for wire work, novelty edged craft scissors & paper punch for wing cutting/decoration
• Optional: Assortment of cheap little beads & sequins to use as danglies and antenna adornment.

Most of the assembly is probably apparent from the photos, with the exception of the tissue paper part, which is what makes this project a winner.  What looks like a dullish green coating in my daytime photos is a layer of tissue paper applied to the jar.  When the candle is lit, this color will glow! 

Start by cutting or tearing tissue paper into small pieces or strips, 2"- 3".  Apply by dabbing some medium onto the jar, lay down a piece of tissue, lightly stroke on more medium over the tissue piece and continue to add tissue paper until the jar surface is covered.  Once you start, you'll see how easy this is.  You can overlap the edges of the pieces but you'll want to keep the tissue to one or two layers to allow the light to glow through.  Once the jar is covered, set it upside down on some waxed paper or broom handle to let it dry.  You'll notice that my butterfly has little sequin polka dots, added with dabs of medium before the tissue layer was applied.

Another view

While the jar(s) dry, have fun designing wings (try different shapes!) & antennae and string some beads for adorning.  Note that you'll need to cut tabs on the wings for attaching*.  These newer, lightweight cans don't seem that sharp, but with young children, you might want to have them draw some wings shapes on paper for the adult to cut.  As always, all of my photos can be clicked for a larger view.  After assembling, the supervising adult will want to make the candle dippers, which have a little swirly top which hooks on the lip of the jar for easy removal.  Each will have to be made for the specific height of the jar.

It's almost impossible to capture the charm of this little piece in a photo.  After many tries, I finally got the top shot this morning, out on the deck in my pajamas, balancing on a bench, holding the lantern aloft against darkish greenery with one hand and focusing with the other. These look so pretty in different shapes, sizes and rainbow colors, lit and hanging from tree branches or shepherd's hooks on a summer's night.  For now, you'll have to use your imagination.  Or go make some! 

*There's been some confusion on how to attach the wings.  In photo #2, the side view, note the two tabs cut on the inner edge of the wing.  Punch a hole in each tab, fold forward and attach to jar by threading wire through holes and around the jar body.

Comments

[Cindra]

You were out on your deck in your jammies in the rain? You are a dedicated bloggist! Cute project... too bad the girls are gone... maybe I can invite them back!

[Carole]

So adorable! I need to make one. Or two or five.

[Amelie]

great idea, Jan, thanks for sharing it! I'll certainly make one (sooner or later, at least... I might have to find kids as an "excuse" first ;-)

[joanne S]

Marden's had jars for 10 cents each and I wanted to buy them all and do just this kind of thing to them. BUT. No trees to hang them in.

So I guess I've got to plant trees where I want to hang jar lights in future times. And build a deck and/or patio.

[Snowbear]

My kind of project! Are you talking metal soda pop cans? Can you cut those with regular scissors? The wings aren't too sharp then?

[molly!]

I knew I was saving all those "nice jars" for something.

[Kathie]

Thanks for the project idea! I have 3 girls, 14, 9 and 5 and lots of trees in the back with a newly refurbished patio that is begging for twinkling lighting. Maybe a project for the weekend.

[Kay]

Ooooh! I have leftover tissue paper from an Eric Carle Klutz book that is all painty looking! I have many mason jars saved from salsa (too good to throw away). I have Mod Podge that may still be in liquid form! I have small crafty people in my house! Joseph is having a friend over and this will make me appear all Super Mom. (Oh yes we always try to do something expressive and creative......when not committing poetry to memory....)

The only thing I don't quite get is how you attach the wings. Glue? Wire? And did paper punches really work on soda cans?

No need to reply as I can always just forge ahead and unvent something! Thanks for the great tutorial. xox Kay

[Monica]

How fantastic!

My boys will love making these...

[Chris]

I love it! There's gift potential here...

[Elizabeth]

Thanks Jan, just the remedy for a bored 11 year old!
These are wonderful.

[Lily]

What a great idea Jan!!

[Bonney]

That's a good question; how DO you attach the wings?

[Kathy]

So cute, Jan.

[Sid]

Thanks - what a fabulous reminder that not all glass jars go into the recycling.. lol.. I´ll have to hide this tutorial from my daughter or we´ll be making one every day this summer - although - on second thought there´s room in the back of the house!

[Lisa]

Will the heat from the candles melt/dryout/ruin the tissue coveR?

[ginger]

Jan this is a wonderful craft for kids and adults.
It a keeper~ Firebugs jars and slugs beads and wire.
All in the night sky
jans crafts we hang high.
Something to pass down by and by.
hugs lovestodream