DIY Halloween Decorations - Mason Jar Luminaries

Glowing eyes peering through windows are no strange sight when Halloween season rolls around - for many, the holiday just isn't complete without the tradition of carving a jack-o-lantern.

Drawing inspiration from these spooky DIY Halloween decorations, we crafted a few holiday-themed DIY luminaries from mason jars. From pumpkins to mummies to a more elegant design, the below tutorials will add festive decor to your home both indoors and outdoors.

Consider using these DIY Halloween luminaries to dress up your Halloween mantle or to create a fun path for trick-or-treaters to follow up to your front door.

DIY Pumpkin Luminary Halloween Decorations

Create a less intimidating jack-o-lantern luminary that will last you longer than the traditional kind with this simple tutorial.

Supplies

Smooth Mason Jar 
Orange tissue paper
Mod Podge
Green Ribbon
Leaf floral pick
scissors
black paper or felt
strong adhesive
sponge applicator

Directions

Step 1: Cut the orange tissue into 1 to 1 1/2 inch widths.

Step 2: Apply Mod Podge to the glass jar in about a 2 inch width from the jar opening to the bottom. Gently press the tissue paper onto the glass beginning at the jar opening and pressing the strip in place to the jar bottom.

The strip should go from the lip of the jar to the middle of the jar bottom. Keep a straight edge at the lip of the jar. Brush Mod Podge over this layer with a small sponge applicator.

Step 3: Continue to apply each new strip, one at a time--beginning and ending with the Mod Podge. Overlap each new strip of tissue by about 1/2 inch over the tissue that is in place. This creates the effect of the ridges of a pumpkin. Cover the jar completely, turn upside down and allow it to dry completely.

Step 4: Cut eyes and a mouth from black paper or black felt and adhere to the jar with a strong adhesive.

Step 5: Tie a green ribbon around the jar opening. Tack it down in a couple of places with the adhesive and insert a leaf floral pick.

Step 6: Insert a candle and enjoy your mason jar pumpkin lantern. These would make festive luminaries to light the sidewalk to your house!

DIY Mummy Luminary Halloween Decorations

Mini mummy luminaries are cuter rather than creepier when you follow this tutorial. Dress up your jar with just a few basic supplies and then decorate!

Supplies

Smooth Mason Jar
Cheesecloth or gauze
Adhesive
1 pair of googly eyes
brown ink
scissors

Directions

Step 1: Cut the cheesecloth into strips about 2 inches wide. Apply a small amount of adhesive to the bottom of the jar and begin to wind the cheesecloth strips around the jar--overlapping each strip as you go. Add a bit of adhesive every so often to keep the cheesecloth in place.

Wrap the entire jar. Apply adhesive to the end of the cheesecloth and press tightly to the jar.

Step 2: With a strong adhesive, glue the googly eyes to the front of the wrapped jar. Tuck them into the cheesecloth a bit to make it look like the mummy is peeking out.

Step 3: With a q-tip, ink the edges of the strips of cheesecloth to make the mummy look old.

Your Mummy Jar will look great on the mantle during the day and at night you can slip a little candle inside and watch him glow!

Elegant DIY Halloween Luminary Decoration

You needn't take the path of making mini monster Halloween luminaries alone. You can also turn your mason jars into an elegant luminary decoration using the below how-to.

Supplies

Smooth Mason Jar
Spray Paint
Yarn or twine
Satin ribbon
Fall floral pick or embellishment
Glue adhesives

Directions

Step 1: Wrap a piece of yarn or twine around the center section of the jar. A few small glue adhesives will hold the twine in place.

Step 2: Spray the jar with 2 coats of spray paint; allowing the paint to dry thoroughly between sprayings.

Step 3: Gently pull the twine off of the jar.

Step 4: Tie a satin ribbon around the mouth of the jar and attach a sparkling elegant embellishment.

Step 5: Insert a small candle into the jar. When you light the candle, streams of soft light will peek out from the areas where the yarn was tied.