There’s something especially cozy about a soft candle glow outside at dusk, and these burlap-wrapped pickle jar lanterns are one of my favorite ways to make a backyard feel warm and welcoming without spending much at all. If you’ve got a few empty glass jars tucked away after sandwiches, pickles, or pasta sauce, this project turns them into rustic lanterns that look charming on a patio table, lined along a walkway, or hanging from a shepherd’s hook.
I love this kind of project because it’s simple enough to finish in an afternoon, but the result feels thoughtful and special when the sun goes down. If you enjoy easy upcycling, farmhouse-style décor, or making outdoor spaces feel a little prettier for family dinners and summer evenings, this is a lovely one to try.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the pickle jars thoroughly with warm soapy water, then remove any labels and sticky residue so the glass is smooth and clean. Dry the jars completely before decorating.
2. Measure the height of one jar’s straight middle section and cut burlap ribbon strips to wrap around that area without covering the top rim or bottom curve. Trim each strip so the ends overlap by about 1/2 inch.
3. Run a thin line of hot glue down one end of the burlap, press it onto the jar, and wrap the ribbon snugly around the middle. Add a little more glue under the overlapping end and hold it in place until secure.
4. Tie one 12-inch piece of jute twine around the top edge of the burlap and another around the bottom edge, knotting each tightly in front or off to the side. Trim the ends short or leave them slightly longer for a more rustic look.
5. Cut one 48-inch piece of wire and wrap it tightly around the jar just below the threaded neck, twisting the ends together firmly to make a secure collar. Keep the twist centered at the back or side of the jar.
6. Bend the remaining wire ends upward into a handle and twist them together at the top, leaving enough height to carry or hang the lantern comfortably. Use your fingers to round the handle into a smooth arch.
7. Repeat the wrapping, twine, and wire-handle steps for the remaining jars so the set looks coordinated. If needed, adjust each handle so the jars hang evenly.
8. Place one battery-operated LED tea light inside each jar and test them in a dim spot to check the glow. Set them on a table, steps, or patio ledge, or hang them where they can sway gently without bumping into anything.
Variations & Tips
For a softer glow: Use frosted glass spray on the inside of the jars before adding the lights if you want the lanterns to cast a more muted, gentle light.
For picky style preferences: If someone in your family doesn’t love the rough burlap look, swap in lace ribbon, cotton ticking, or a strip of neutral fabric for a cleaner finish while keeping the same jar-and-wire design.
For outdoor safety: I strongly recommend battery-operated LED tea lights instead of real candles, especially if you’re hanging these near kids, pets, or dry summer planters.
For extra sturdiness: Twist the wire collar with pliers if your jars are heavier than average, and make sure the collar sits right beneath the jar lip so it can’t slide upward.
For a prettier grouped display: Make the lanterns in two or three jar sizes and cluster them together down the center of an outdoor table. I like mixing heights when we have friends over for burgers because it makes even a simple meal feel a little more special.
For weather resistance: Bring the lanterns inside after use, since burlap can hold moisture and start to look worn if left out in rain or heavy dew night after night.