Recycled Jar Luminaries

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I love to save recycled glass jars. They come in handy for so many things, and they’re often just the right container for a DIY mixture I’m making. But sometimes clean recycled glass jars are great for craft projects too. These cute homemade jar luminaries are a perfect example!

The rest of the supplies for this project can be just as frugal as the recycled glass jars. For example, I cleaned my jars with my money-saving homemade goo gone that works great to remove any remaining sticky residue from your jars.

The other two ingredients needed for this project are Mod Podge and Epsom salt. I used my thrifty homemade Mod Podge that worked wonderfully, and the Epsom salt was purchased at the dollar store. You don’t have to spend much at all to make these luminaries!

How To Make Recycled Jar Luminaries

Begin by pouring some of the epsom salt on a dinner plate. Give yourself a pretty good layer of epsom salt on the plate.

Next cover the outside of your jar with a coat of Mod Podge. I like to use a foam brush for this step but a regular paint brush will work too.

Then roll your jar in the layer of Epsom salt (the salt will stick to the Mod Podge). It works best to put your fingers inside the jar for this step so that your hands aren’t touching the outside surface that’s covered with Mod Podge. If you need to touch up any blank areas, just sprinkle a little Epsom salt over them. Then let the jar(s) set for several hours to dry.

Then place a small votive candle in each jar (or other size candle appropriate for the size jar you used). When you light the candle you will get a soft glow through the sparkly Epsom salt layer on the outside of the jar.

Need another frugal craft idea for your recycled jars? You can make homemade colored sand art jars by just coloring salt and layering it in your jars. It’s a fun craft for the kids too!