Enchanting DIY Decor: 12 Magical Mason Jar Fairy Lanterns
Transform your recycled mason jars into glowing fairy-tale wonders with these 12 unique and totally Pinterest-worthy fairy lantern ideas. Each project brings its own charm, whether you’re drawn to woodland magic, celestial skies, or seaside dreams. With just a few simple materials—like lace, fairy lights, paint, and natural elements—you can craft mesmerizing lanterns that light up any space. Try the Forest-Inside-a-Jar Lantern filled with moss and mushrooms for a cozy, forest vibe, or go galactic with the Celestial Galaxy Lantern that captures a glowing slice of the universe. From the elegant Vintage Lace Lantern to the whimsical Floating Fairy Silhouette, there’s something here for every aesthetic and occasion.
Sustainable Style That Tells a Story
Each lantern idea not only recycles mason jars but invites creativity and personal expression. The Pressed Flower Lantern preserves nature’s beauty, while the Storybook Lantern speaks to book lovers and dreamers. For those who love a pop of color, the Rainbow Ombre Lantern is cheerful and easy to make. Craving beachy vibes? The Seashell Mermaid Lantern channels ocean energy, while the Crystal Garden and Moon Phase Lanterns bring mystical elements into your home. Whether you’re crafting for a wedding, holiday, or cozy nook, these lanterns add magic to every setting—and they’re perfect for sharing on Pinterest or Instagram. Light up your world sustainably, one jar at a time.
1. Forest Inside a Jar Lantern
Create a miniature enchanted forest with this Forest-Inside-a-Jar Lantern. Begin by layering moss, tiny faux mushrooms, pebbles, and twigs at the base of a recycled mason jar. Nest a warm LED tea light inside to bring the forest to life with a soft, magical glow. This whimsical DIY is perfect for nature lovers, fairy-tale fans, or anyone wanting to add a touch of woodland magic to their decor. Use it as a night light, a bookshelf feature, or a charming party centerpiece. Add a little fairy figurine or glitter to personalize the scene. With its cozy, earthy look and handmade charm, this project is a guaranteed hit on Pinterest and makes for a beautiful, eco-conscious decoration.
Supplies
- Recycled mason jar
- Dried moss
- Miniature faux mushrooms
- Small twigs and pebbles
- Warm LED tea light or fairy lights
- Hot glue gun (optional for fixing elements)
- Small fairy figurine (optional)
2. Celestial Galaxy Lantern
Transform a plain mason jar into a swirling galaxy with this stunning Celestial Galaxy Lantern. Use a sponge to paint the inside in layers of navy, purple, black, and gold, blending them to create a cosmic effect. Sprinkle in glitter for stars and place metallic or glow-in-the-dark decals on the outside. Insert a color-shifting LED light, and suddenly, you’re holding a glowing slice of the night sky. Perfect for bedrooms, meditation spaces, or astrology-themed decor, this DIY captures the awe of the cosmos in a jar. Whether you’re into stargazing or space aesthetics, this lantern looks incredible in the dark and photographs beautifully—ideal for viral Pinterest pins.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Acrylic paints (navy, purple, black, gold)
- Makeup sponge or paint sponge
- Fine glitter
- Star stickers or glow-in-the-dark decals
- Color-changing LED light
- Mod Podge or clear sealant (optional)
3. Vintage Lace Lantern
Elevate your space with old-world elegance using this Vintage Lace Lantern. Wrap antique lace or crochet pieces around a recycled mason jar using Mod Podge or clear glue. When lit from within with a soft fairy light or LED candle, it casts intricate shadows, creating a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Add ribbon, pearls, or old buttons for extra charm. This timeless piece is perfect for vintage weddings, shabby chic interiors, or relaxing reading nooks. It’s a wonderful way to reuse heirloom lace or thrifted finds, making it both sustainable and sentimental. This DIY is visually soft, incredibly Instagrammable, and totally Pinterest-worthy—especially when styled with books, tea, or florals.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Antique lace, doilies, or crochet pieces
- Mod Podge or clear-drying glue
- Soft fairy lights or LED candle
- Ribbon, vintage buttons, or embellishments (optional)
- Paintbrush (for glue application)
4. Pressed Flower Fairy Lantern
Capture the beauty of spring with a Pressed Flower Fairy Lantern that’s both delicate and enchanting. Carefully adhere pressed flowers and leaves to a clean mason jar using Mod Podge, creating natural patterns that glow when lit from within. A warm LED light enhances the translucent petals and veins, creating a botanical stained-glass effect. This lantern fits beautifully into a cottagecore aesthetic and makes a perfect gift for garden lovers or nature enthusiasts. Ideal for weddings, tea parties, or peaceful corners at home, it combines floral art and sustainable crafting in one stunning jar. Each one is one-of-a-kind, just like the flowers inside. It’s a surefire Pinterest sensation for plant and DIY fans alike.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Pressed dried flowers and leaves
- Mod Podge
- Soft LED tea light
- Paintbrush
- Tweezers (for flower placement)
- Clear acrylic sealer (optional)
5. Firefly Glow Jar
Relive the wonder of summer nights with this Firefly Glow Jar. Use glow-in-the-dark paint to dot the inside of the mason jar, mimicking fireflies dancing in the dark. Add a solar-powered or battery-operated LED for extra light, or leave it as-is for a subtle nighttime glow. It’s a magical craft perfect for kids and adults alike, bringing an outdoor spark into any room or backyard setting. Whether lining a garden path or decorating a campsite, these jars offer nostalgic charm with a sustainable twist. It’s a fun and simple project that instantly goes viral on Pinterest thanks to its whimsical look and universal appeal.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Glow-in-the-dark paint
- Toothpick or fine-tipped brush
- Solar-powered or battery-operated LED light
- Black construction paper or paint (optional for lid)
- Clear sealant spray (optional)
6. Floating Fairy Silhouette Lantern
Make a fairy float in midair with this stunning Floating Fairy Silhouette Lantern. Cut out a delicate fairy silhouette and suspend it from the inside lid using invisible thread. Surround it with fluffed cotton or faux fog for a dreamy cloud effect, then light it from below with a warm LED. The result is a magical scene where the fairy appears to hover inside the glowing jar. Add glitter, stars, or mini toadstools for even more enchantment. This whimsical piece is perfect for fantasy fans, children’s bedrooms, or fairy-themed events. Eye-catching and imaginative, this DIY is a guaranteed favorite on Pinterest for its blend of light, shadow, and wonder.
Supplies
- Mason jar with lid
- Fairy silhouette cutout (paper or vinyl)
- Clear fishing line or thread
- Cotton or polyester stuffing (for fog effect)
- Warm LED light or fairy lights
- Tape or glue
- Glitter or mini stars (optional)
7. Crystal Garden Lantern
Create a glowing sanctuary with a Crystal Garden Lantern made from a humble mason jar. Fill the bottom with Himalayan salt chunks, faux crystals, or polished stones, and wind warm fairy lights through them to make the crystals sparkle. It gives off soothing, ambient light and adds a spiritual or bohemian flair to your space. Ideal for meditation areas, altars, or bedrooms, this jar offers both beauty and tranquility. Add a drop of essential oil or a crystal charm for extra meaning. It’s the perfect combination of aesthetics and energy, making it incredibly shareable and likable on Pinterest for crystal lovers and home decor enthusiasts.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Faux crystals, salt rocks, or geodes
- Fairy lights or LED tea light
- Decorative sand or gravel (optional base)
- Small crystal charms (optional)
- Tweezers or chopsticks (for arranging stones)
8. Storybook Lantern Jar
Turn your favorite stories into glowing decor with a Storybook Lantern Jar. Line the inside of a mason jar with vintage book pages, poems, or fairy tales. Cut out a small “window” and create a tiny diorama inside—like a fairy under a tree or a forest scene. Add a soft LED light to bring the pages and scene to life. This DIY is perfect for book lovers, writers, and anyone who enjoys fantasy and storytelling. It makes a gorgeous gift, night light, or bookshelf feature. With its literary charm and unique design, this idea has huge Pinterest potential and will enchant anyone who sees it.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Old book pages or printed quotes
- Mod Podge
- Small fairy or tree miniatures (optional)
- Craft knife or scissors (to cut window)
- LED tea light or mini string lights
- Hot glue gun (optional)
9. Rainbow Ombre Lantern
Brighten up your decor with a Rainbow Ombre Lantern that glows like a watercolor painting. Use a sponge or brush to layer pastel or vivid rainbow paints on the outside of a mason jar, blending one color into the next. Once dry, add string lights or a soft LED to light it from within, transforming the colors into a stained-glass effect. This cheerful DIY is ideal for kids’ rooms, creative corners, or Pride celebrations. It’s easy to personalize and irresistibly colorful, making it perfect for Pinterest boards focused on happiness, color, and creativity. Add a message or glitter for even more flair.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Acrylic paints (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet)
- Sponge or soft brush
- LED tea light or string lights
- Clear sealant spray (optional for protection)
- Glitter or decals (optional)
10. Seashell Mermaid Lantern
Bring the ocean home with a Seashell Mermaid Lantern. Start by filling the bottom of a mason jar with sand, shells, and ocean-colored beads. Add a mermaid figurine or a silhouette of a mermaid tail, then finish with cool-toned fairy lights to mimic moonlight over water. For extra sparkle, line the inside with iridescent cellophane or spray the outside with shimmer paint. This lantern is perfect for beach lovers, bathroom decor, or under-the-sea themed parties. Its coastal charm and fantasy vibes make it highly clickable and shareable on Pinterest, especially during summer. A beautiful way to recycle jars and relive the magic of the sea.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Beach sand
- Mini seashells and ocean beads
- Mermaid figurine or silhouette
- Cool-toned fairy lights
- Iridescent cellophane or shimmer spray (optional)
- Hot glue gun (optional)
11. Steampunk Fairy Lantern
Fuse fantasy with industrial design in this Steampunk Fairy Lantern. Decorate a mason jar with mini gears, watch parts, copper wire, and brass findings to create a gritty, mechanical look. Place a fairy silhouette or clockwork insect inside and light it with an Edison-style LED bulb for an old-timey glow. It’s a unique twist on traditional fairy decor that appeals to both fantasy and steampunk fans. Great for cosplay, bookish displays, or moody home accents, this upcycled project is perfect for creative makers and storytellers. With its rich details and dramatic look, it’s bound to go viral among Pinterest’s alt-style and DIY crowd.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Mini gears, watch parts, copper wire
- Fairy or insect silhouette
- Antique brass embellishments
- Edison-style LED bulb or amber LED light
- Superglue or E6000
- Small pliers (for wire and gear placement)
12. Moon Phase Mason Lantern
Celebrate the lunar cycle with this mystical Moon Phase Mason Lantern. Use frosted glass paint or moon decals to create a full set of moon phases around the jar. Add a dimmable LED light inside for a soft, moonlike glow. It’s a subtle, magical accent perfect for astrology lovers, spiritual practices, or celestial-themed rooms. Add crystals, herbs, or a crescent charm to customize it further. This lantern brings a peaceful, ritualistic vibe and fits beautifully on altars, nightstands, or bookshelves. It’s highly shareable on Pinterest, where moon, witchy, and boho aesthetics are always in style.
Supplies
- Mason jar
- Frosted glass paint or moon phase decals
- Dimmable LED light
- Small crystals or herbs (optional for inside)
- Mod Podge or adhesive for decals
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Crescent moon charm (optional)