Sap Bucket Luminaries
For rustic charm, transform vintage sap buckets into colorful, lighted garden accents. With a drill and metal bit, stencil a pattern on paper, tape it to the bucket and drill holes to outline the design. Fast, easy, and charming. From 52 Weekend Decorating Projects.
52 Weekend Decorating Projects
Mason Jar Lanterns
Votive Lanterns
Transform votive candleholders into decorative hanging luminaries with nothing more than a length of sturdy wire and a pair of pliers. Simply bend the wire to fit underneath the lip of the glass holder, create curlicues and suspend with S-hooks. For a how-to guide, visit bcliving.
Candles in Garden Pots
Using recycled terracotta pots, plug the water drainage holes at the bottom with modeling clay and secure a wick long enough to rise 2" above the rim. Heat up candle wax in a double boiler and pour into pots, making sure to keep the wick centered. Wait for the wax to set, cut the end of the wick with a scissor, and strike a match.
Nadia Knows Gardening
Ice Lanterns
Upcycled Tin Can Luminaries
No drill—no worries. Fill cans with a sand and water mixture and place in the freezer until frozen. Stencil your design onto a piece of vellum paper and wrap around the can. With a hammer, outline the design with nail holes. Discard the frozen solution, spray paint, and hang or use free-standing. For how-to, visit Fine Gardening.
Fine Gardening
Copper Hung Votives
Frosted Glass Luminaries
Firefly Lantern
Of course, the easiest luminary—and the one most magical for kids—is to catch fireflies and place them in a mason jar. For a more eco-friendly alternative, consider this Electronic Firefly in a Jar. A tap on the glass activates movement and batteries offer considerably longer life, without the need for punching holes in the lid.
Think Geek
Don't Miss!
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