Each jar is like a whisper from winter nights, soft words lit from within. Faith flickers, Hope glows, Joy shines, and Love radiates through frosted glass.
Plus, the pinecones and berries give them a woodland charm, as though you plucked them straight from a snowy forest.
These little lanterns are more than handmade crafts; they’re keepsakes that make the holidays feel heartfelt and whole.
Materials Needed
- 10-12 yogurt jars, washed and cleaned
- Frosted glass spray paint or etching cream
- Letter stencils (“Faith,” “Hope,” “Love,” “Joy”) or vinyl cutouts
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Mini pinecones, faux berries, and holly leaves
- Small twigs of artificial evergreen
- Tea light or LED candles
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean jars thoroughly, removing any labels. Then dry them well before adding any paint.
Step 2: Apply stencils or vinyl cutouts of words and symbols (stars, trees, snowflakes) to each jar.
Step 3: Spray with frosted glass paint (or use etching cream) evenly over the surface.
Let them dry completely before removing stencils. This leaves the words and shapes clear against the frosted background.
Step 4: Hot glue a small bundle of pine, holly leaves, and berries around the rim of each jar. Then add a pinecone for a rustic holiday touch.
Step 5: Place a tea light or LED candle inside each jar, allowing the words to glow softly.
Step 6: Arrange them as a set on a table, mantel, or windowsill. They look especially stunning when grouped together, creating a warm message-filled glow.
Tips:
I’ve seen these used not only for Christmas but also for winter weddings. Swap the red berries for silver accents, and suddenly you have a piece that feels elegant and romantic year-round.