Stained glass tissue paper lanterns

I remember making lanterns like this as a child with my Mum; I think we used PVA glue to stick the tissue paper onto the glass. For this version, I have used Mod Podge, which give a more durable finish.

I love making lanterns to hang in our house and garden. They make a lovely seasonal craft activity in the lead up to Christmas to have in your home on cold winter nights (for those of you in the Northern hemisphere). For us here in Australia, I love hanging lanterns, with candles, from the tree outside in our garden on long summer nights.

MATERIALS:

Old glass jam jars
Tissue paper
Mod podge or PVA glue (Mod Podge gives a more durable finish)
Paint brush
Scissors
Wire
Wire cutters

HOW TO:

Cut up your coloured tissue paper into small shapes. We tried using crape paper but found that it gets soft quickly with the glue and begins to tear easily, so I recommend sticking with tissue paper.

Apply Mod Podge to the glass jar using a brush and begin to stick on your tissue paper shapes. Paint a layer of glue over the top of the tissue to seal the surface.

Once you have covered your whole jar with coloured paper, leave to dry for several hours or overnight. Once the glue is dry, you can apply a second layer of Mod Podge to seal any areas that haven't glue fully.

If you want to make a handle for your lantern, twist wire around the lip of the jar and then create a long handle. Make sure you create a long loop of wire for your handle so you don't burn your hand when picking up the lantern (if you use a real candle). Place a candle or electric tea light inside and enjoy the pretty colours of your 'stain glass' lantern.