Fast, Fun Glittering Halloween Lanterns

An article by author Laura Hill Timpanaro

15-Minute Halloween Lanterns

Lanterns have been a symbol of Harvest time and Halloween since embers were carried home in carved gourds plucked from bonfires lit to frighten away mischievous spirits.

I was experimenting with this lantern idea when my daughters came home from school.  Fifteen minutes later, we had three distinctive Glitter Lanterns and a Glowing Tissue Paper Pumpkin, perfect for adorning a holiday table or spooky walkway.

Glitter Lanterns, this was so easy.

You will need a glass jelly jar, some glitter, clear tacky glue, a small paint brush and a piece of felt for the bottom of the jar and a tea light candle.   First, wash any labels off the jar with soap and a scrubby sponge.  Once it is clean dip your paintbrush in the clear tacky glue.  Paint the glue onto the outside of the jar.  You can make a pattern or just cover the whole thing.  Then sprinkle on some different color glitter.  My daughter Ava and I chose to cover the whole jar, while Kayla used a craft sticks to push the glitter into patterns that made her name.  When your jar looks nice turn it over and glue a circle of felt to the bottom.  Put a candle inside and watch your lantern sparkle!

Tissue Paper Pumpkin Lantern.

I also made a tissue paper lantern out of an old jar candle I had laying around.  Its great to recycle!  I used my paintbrush to paint tacky glue on the outside of the jar.   Then I stuck strips of ripped tissue paper to cover the surface, cutting a darker paper to make the pumpkin eyes, nose and mouth.  The result, a glowing pumpkin lantern for Halloween.

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