DIY Mason Jar Lanterns With Pressed Leaves Easy Fall Decor Ideas

If you want to add a warm, cozy touch to your home this fall, DIY mason jar lanterns with pressed leaves are a perfect craft to try. These lanterns are easy to make by decorating jars with real pressed leaves and adding a small light inside to create a soft glow.

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You don’t need any special skills or expensive materials. Just gather some leaves, press them, and use glue or Mod Podge to stick them on the jar. It’s a fun way to bring the beauty of autumn into your space without much effort.

Plus, these lanterns make great decorations for your porch, dining table, or even as gifts. Making them can be a relaxing way to enjoy the season and get creative with what nature offers.

How to Make DIY Mason Jar Lanterns With Pressed Leaves

Creating mason jar lanterns with pressed leaves is a fun and simple way to bring a cozy, autumn feel into your space. You’ll gather a few supplies, prepare your leaves, and add some personal touches to make each lantern unique. The process focuses on easy steps and small details that make a big difference.

Materials and Tools Needed

You’ll need a clean mason jar, some pressed leaves, and Mod Podge or clear-drying glue to attach the leaves. A small paintbrush helps spread the glue evenly. For light, use either a battery-powered tealight or a small candle for safety.

Optional tools: scissors to trim leaves neatly and wax paper to protect your workspace. If you want to press your leaves yourself, you’ll also need some heavy books or a flower press.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by cleaning your mason jar really well to remove dust and oil.

Next, paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on one side of the jar. Press your leaves gently onto the glue. Don’t worry if they overlap a little; this adds a nice look.

Once the leaves are placed, paint another layer of Mod Podge right on top. This seals the leaves and helps them stick well.

Let the jar dry completely—usually 1 to 2 hours.

Finally, put your tealight inside the jar. When lit, the leaves will glow softly, creating a warm effect.

Tips for Preparing and Pressing Leaves

Pick fresh leaves that aren’t too thick or wet; thin leaves press better.

To press your leaves, place them between two sheets of paper towel inside a heavy book. Leave them for about one to two weeks.

Change the paper towels if they get damp to prevent mold.

If you’re short on time, you can use a microwave leaf press. Place leaves between two pieces of wax paper, then microwave in short bursts (10-15 seconds). Be careful not to burn the leaves.

Flat, dry leaves will stick better and create a smoother lantern surface.

Decorating and Adding Personal Touches

To make your lanterns truly yours, try adding small details like twine or ribbon around the jar mouth.

You can also use glitter glue or paint pens to outline the leaves for extra sparkle.

Try grouping different types of leaves for a colorful effect.

If you want a rustic look, glue on some small pinecones or acorns around the jar base.

For a softer light, use frosted glass spray or tissue paper inside the jar under the leaves. This helps diffuse the glow.

Experiment with shapes, patterns, and even add pressed flowers for variety.

Creative Display and Usage Ideas

You can use your mason jar lanterns in lots of creative ways. They work great as decorations for different seasons, fun craft projects with kids, or special events. Each use adds charm and a cozy glow to your space.

Seasonal Decor for Home

Mason jar lanterns with pressed leaves fit perfectly in your seasonal home decor. In fall, use real or faux autumn leaves on the jars to bring warm colors to your mantle or dining table. They add a gentle flicker of candlelight that brightens up any room.

For spring or summer, try lighter leaves and flowers to keep your space fresh. You can place battery-operated tea lights inside for safety. Group a few lanterns together to make an eye-catching centerpiece or line them up along a windowsill.

Changing the leaves on your mason jars makes it easy to swap decor as the seasons change. This keeps your home looking stylish with very little effort.

Kid-Friendly and Group Crafting

Making mason jar lanterns is a fun and simple craft that kids can help with. You can gather pressed leaves outside or use craft store supplies. Using Mod Podge or clear glue, children can stick leaves on the jars.

Safety is easy to manage by choosing battery tealights instead of real candles. This way, young crafters can enjoy their creations without worry.

This craft is great for groups, like school projects or family gatherings. Each person can decorate their own jar, making it a personal little lantern. You get a bunch of unique lanterns to light up your home, plus memories from the fun craft time.

Using Lanterns for Special Events

Mason jar lanterns make great decorations for weddings, parties, or outdoor gatherings. Pressed leaves add a natural, elegant touch that fits rustic or cottage-style events.

Place the lanterns along walkways, tables, or hang them from trees. Using LED tealights ensures safety while keeping the cozy glow.

You can customize the colors of pressed leaves to match your event’s theme. For weddings, softer hues like pale greens and browns work well. For Halloween or Thanksgiving, richer fall tones bring in seasonal spirit.

These lanterns also make thoughtful handmade gifts or favors for guests to take home.