DIY Hanging Mason Jar Lights

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Everyone loves the magical vibe of hanging mason jar lights. I decided to make my own since I needed a ton of them. 

How to Make Wire Handles for Mason Jar Lanterns

You can make these adorable mason jar lights for almost free using items on hand. I had a ton of jars in my recycle bin that would be perfect for jar lanterns. So I cleaned the recycle jars and then removed the labels.

 

 

This post contains affiliate links. In other words, if you purchase from one of these links, I will make a small commission.

I found this product worked like magic to remove the glue left behind from the label. 

Supplies to Make Jar Lights

• Jars
• Wire
• Measuring tape (this is the one I use)
• Wire cutters
• Round nose pliers or needle-nose pliers
• 2 Nails (these are the ones I used)
• Citronella tea lights
• Tea lights 
• Shepherds hook
• Solar candles (these are the ones I used)

 

What types of Jars can Be Used for Mason Jar Lights?

I recommend using smaller jars since they are lighter and easier to use. Jam jars to salsa jars, and everything in between will work for hanging jar lanterns.

 

The First Step Making Hanging Jars Holder

To determine the length of wire needed, you need to measure the area where you want to add the wire hanger using a measuring tape (which I used). 

Then add three inches to that measurement for the exact length to cut your wire. 

 

Form your cut wire into a large circle.

Curl under both of the wire ends. Be careful to curl one away and one towards the circle.

Once I placed the wire circle on the jar, I used pliers and squeezed the two end wires together.

Next, I centered the wire around the jar using the wire ends as my center point.

Then I started to bend the wire into even loops on both sides of the jar, carefully distributing the extra wire. 

I used a nail (these are the ones I used) in both loops. 

Holding both nails, I turned them in opposite directions keeping equal pressure on both sides. 

Once you wrap the wire into small loops, your jar hanger is ready for its handle. 

The Second Step is Making the Mason Jar Handle

I cut the handle wire 10″ long.

I used the side of the jar to form the curve in the handle wire. 

Next, I made loops on each end of the wire handle. Then I curled the end loops towards the center. 

The last step is to attach the handle loops to the jar wire loops. 

Lighting Options

Finding the suitable lighting options for your outdoor mason jar lights is easy with many choices. 

My favorite candle is a solar tea light (this is the one I used).

You can see these solar tea lights in this video I took in my garden.

Lighting the candle is easy when you move the wire hanger to the side. 

The hanging mason jar lantern below I made a few years ago, but this style is difficult to use since the handle does not move. 

 

Hanging Mason Jar Lights

I made long wire hooks that I attached to branches of a big tree. You can see that look in the photo above. 

Using a shepherd’s hook gives you more options for where you can place the lights. 

I recommend hanging the lights in a tree if you use a wax candle to prevent burns.

The best option is to use solar tea lights. 

 

More Jar Lighting Options 

These jars look gorgeous with decoupage designs too. You can see how I made this garden light with a mason jar (HERE). 

 

Want more crafting inspiration?

Please join me (HERE) as we craft up some fun. You can look forward to receiving new weekly inspiration, special online crafting events, and seasonal and holiday crafting. 

See you soon,

Kippi