We made these “Stained Glass” Lanterns earlier this summer, and everyone on Instagram went wild over them — so I decided to add this easy kids’ craft to the blog! This is my favorite kind of craft because it is easy for kids to do all by themselves. Here’s what you need:

• Mason Jars (or any type of clear glass jar will do — check your recycling bin!)
• Tissue Paper (cut into squares or torn free-form style)
• Mod Podge (if you don’t have any, Elmer’s Glue should work)
• Paint Brushes
• Electric Tea Lights

That’s it!

We do all of our art on trays to keep the mess contained (these ones are the lids to storage containers from Ikea). I poured a bit of Mod Podge into a ramiken for each child so it was easier for them to use and put the tissue paper squares in a bowl between them. To apply the “stained glass” effect, just paint a bit of Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar, then press a tissue paper square onto it. Repeat until the entire outside of the jar is covered.

We made so many lanterns! When the girls had finished applying the tissue paper, I went over the outside of the jars with one final layer of Mod Podge to seal it. Then we let it dry.

The Mod Podge dries clear, so you are left with a colorful “stained glass” lantern! You don’t need to add the lids, but my girls wanted to.

We put electric tea lights inside our “stained glass” lanterns and headed to the darkest room of the house to check them out. The girls added yarn handles through small holes in the lids.

These make beautiful decorations or gifts with a special homemade touch!