Discover how to convert standard mason jars into luminous imitation sea glass lanterns using straightforward glass paint, spouncers, and cost-effective methods to achieve a coastal essence.
Skills Needed: Novice. You’ll be applying paint to the jar with a spouncer – I’ll demonstrate the simple way to accomplish it.
I don’t know about you, but there’s something about the gentle radiance of candlelight, coupled with that whimsical, frosted appearance of beach glass! It instantly transports me to my joyful spot by the shoreline.
As soon as the pleasant weather arrived, I sorted through my craft supplies to challenge myself to capture that coastal magic at home. Introducing: imitation sea‑glass mason jar lanterns that appear as if they were washed ashore and polished by the sands.
This project couldn’t be more novice‑friendly. All you require is some frosted glass paint and a spouncer, or even a makeshift sponge if you’re thinking on your feet.
In just a few straightforward steps, you’ll change typical jars into flickering lanterns that shine with that gentle, ethereal appearance of aged glass.
And the greatest aspect? You can customize the hues, dimensions – even stash-friendly alternatives – so these can last beyond just summer décor.
Let’s immerse ourselves (pun intended!) and infuse that beachy bliss into your living area, patio, or wherever you enjoy relaxing.
It’s essential that, in this project, you “spounce” the paint instead of applying it with a brush. This means utilizing foam spouncers (small brushes designed for this method) or a small sponge piece. This gives you the coastal texture.
Retrieve the printed how-to card below!
Imitation Sea Glass Jars
Find out how to make glass resemble sea glass in this simple undertaking.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Active Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Dry Time6 hours hrs
Total Time7 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Yield:
2 lanterns
Expense: $12
-
Clean the jars using gentle soap and water or utilize rubbing alcohol; allow to dry.
-
Apply glass paint directly onto the mason jars with a sponge or pouncer. Place a small amount of paint on the sponge tip, press it against the glass, and lift.Repeat this action vertically. Continue around the jars until fully covered. Allow to dry.
-
Coat the wooden circles with complementary shades of acrylic paint. Apply several layers and permit to dry.
-
Affix doilies or other decorations to the tops using Mod Podge and let dry.
-
Select ribbon to encircle the middle of the jars and cut to the appropriate length.
-
Adhere the ribbon to the jar’s center, then place the wooden circles on top where the ribbon intersects. Allow to dry.Insert LED lights if you intend to keep the lids on. Real tea lights can be used with the lids off.
You have various choices for paint – blending Mod Podge and paint is NOT recommended. A frosted paint is required to achieve the beach glass appearance. Jars coated with paint and Mod Podge or food coloring and Mod Podge will not appear frosted.
Your options for paint include:
- Locate a frosted glass paint in your desired color (which can be challenging to find)
- Add paint or food coloring to frosted top coat glass paint
- Add paint or food coloring to frosted Gallery Glass
- Frosted glass spray paint (note that you cannot color it!)
When combining paint or food coloring with the frosted paint, use about 4 – 6 drops. Conduct a small test on a piece of glass (you can remove it before it fully cures). You can always add more color but you cannot remove it.
I hope you found these straightforward summer projects enjoyable! I’d love for you to explore these additional suggestions:
