I’ve never considered myself a crafty person. Heaven knows I’m not artistic – my stick figure people look remarkably like my 3-year-old’s. But I like to make things. There was never really a way to channel this before I started a blog. Everyone thought I had ADD because I jumped from hobby to hobby – learning how to do new things like make cheese or recover a chair and then moving on to the next bright & shiny idea.
Since starting this blog, I’ve been amazed to learn just how many things I actually can make on my own. Candles? Soap? Who knew? Though I’ll be honest, it’s not easy for me. I’m definitely not a natural when it comes to creativity. But I enjoy the process – without a project I’d be bored in 5 minutes.
When someone asked what it means to live a well-crafted life, I had to simmer on the question – over a glass of wine on the patio with my hubby now that weather is warm and breezy. I told him how much I loved the idea of celebrating makers. People who care about making beautiful lives. How I want that to be me, too.
I’m not sure how that translated into cutting hundreds of tissue paper triangles to make these giant pickle jar DIY lanterns. But now our evening wine conversations have a warm glow.
I realized that, for me, creating a well-crafted life has been the process of figuring out my passions and finding what inspires me. That’s why I’ve loved blogging so much. It’s an endless opportunity for learning.
How do you define a well-crafted life?
I love this project idea. However, I caution against using just any glass jar as some have mentioned. Actual Mason or Ball type canning jars are designed for high heat and stress. If you use jars other than real canning jars, be sure to supervise them closely in case they shatter from the heat. Or put votive candle inside a holder designed for candle use, then set that inside of a jar.
Hi, great idea, we are doing a school fair and I am thinking of these for the crafts table. Is the mod podge you used – did you also glue the triangles down first?
thanks. A
No, it’s just mod podge! You can coat the glass first, stick the triangle on, and then cover with more mod podge. Have fun!
does it matter what mod podge I use?
Nope! All types should work.
cute! and the matching candle is icing on the cake :)
What a pretty and neat idea!
These are so cute! I miss my balcony from my old apt, it would’ve been perfect!
I spent today cleaning out our porch (which I had been using as a make-shift greenhouse) and I could use something bright and fun in there now. These would be perfect! Or maybe I could take a few different sizes of jars, like a short one, a tall one, and a medium one and put those all on the coffee table out there. Hmm…
I don’t think I believe that you’re not that creative Stephanie these are just beautiful!
i think every day camp or bible school i ever went to we decoupaged something like this, but NEVER did we make these cute little lanterns
usually a sad flower pot or jar of dirt that was supposed to grow something and never did
will have to get out my modge podge and give this a try
brett
These are quite beautiful Steph! I don’t really have a well-crafted life so I enjoy living vicariously through you and your projects… I think I enjoy having my holidays get-togethers when I enjoy decorating, so I can be creative about once a year :)
Stephanie, these are the coolest! I am amazed at your diversity of projects. Encouraging for sure!
Have a beautiful weekend:)
Needing to eat more pickles now.
Stephanie!!! You’re a genius!!! I’ve been wondering what I could do with all. those. baby. food. jars. Seriously! We go through SOO many of those things and I’ve been thinking about various things to do with them to lighten and brighten up our patio area. I’ve thought glass-etching, wrapping in burlap and twine, hanging with wire from trees, and all sorts of other things and now I’m going to add this to the list! I love the colors and yes, I’m totally with you on triangles. Done and done. Baby food jars and pickle jars beware! I’m coming for you!
That is such a fun idea! I’ve been using those pouch things for baby food and kinda miss the jars – now I want to buy some! :)
can you use elmer’s glue?
Very pretty. I have been saving wine bottles and jars for lanterns in the back yard for just this thing. Thanks for the idea.