How To Make Your Own Fabulous DIY Glow Stick Lanterns

These Glow Stick Lanterns are the perfect DIY project for an evening event or party. I made them a few years ago to line the sidewalk for Halloween. The fun challenge is figuring out how to get the most glow in your jar as possible. I have three different versions with varying results for you to try out today. I had so much fun doing this glow stick lantern craft again. 

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Glow Stick Lantern Craft

Glow sticks make me feel like a kid again. In one snap and crackle of a stick I’m taken to a carefree place. I love the simple things that bring us childlike joy. I cannot help feeling this way about giant bubbles, butterflies fluttering by and, of course, glow sticks.

I also have a mason jar obsession. What better combination than glow sticks and mason jars can there be? This project won’t break the bank either. Collect a bunch of jars and pick up glow sticks from the dollar store and you are good to go.  

Before making your own glow stick lanterns please take proper precautions. Do not allow children to do this craft on their own! Glow sticks contain chemicals and should be handled carefully. I recommend wearing gloves and keeping away from small children and animals. (See additional disclaimer information at the end of this post).

How To Make Your Own Fabulous DIY Glow Stick Lanterns

Materials Needed: Glow sticks, mason jars scissors, and water.

I spent $8 at the dollar store and bought 6 big glow sticks and 2 packs (of 4) of necklace glow sticks.

For the blue glow stick lantern, I used three big glow sticks. To completely fill a jar it would take about ten glow sticks! If you want to fill the jar up with water you can, but you need to use enough glow sticks so it doesn’t dilute them too much. What I haven’t really figured out yet is how to get the liquid to stick to the sides of the jar well. Even when you add water the glow stick liquid doesn’t mix well with the water because it’s too oily.

Glow Stick Lanterns with Glitter

For my second DIY glow stick lantern adding glitter to the sides of the jar seemed to really help diffuse the glow. I used four pink necklaces for this one. I did not add water to this jar.

First, add the liquid from the 4 necklace glow stick. Carefully turn the jar on its side, without pouring any of the liquid out. Roll the jar slowly to coat the inside with the liquid. Sprinkle glitter into the jar until all sides are covered.

I’ve made glow stick lanterns with glow stick bracelets, but the glow isn’t very strong. I also found that with the thin bracelet glow sticks adding water to the jar diluted the glow too much. Glitter seems to be a better option than water.

Glow Stick Jar with Water

For the third glow stick lantern, I used three big purple glow sticks and added water. I wanted to try adding water to see if I could get a full jar without having to use a ton of glow sticks. Because this is a smaller jar than the blue lantern adding water worked pretty well. However, I had to keep shaking it because if it wasn’t shaken the glow stick liquid separated to the bottom of the jar. This method reminded me of creating your own lava lamp!

Shop this post to make your own DIY Glow Stick Lanterns!

Any great glow stick lantern success stories out there? Disasters? Share your experiences in the comment section!

Happy DIYing!

xoxo Naomi

p.s. Share my love for mason jars? Here’s a mason jar round up!

Disclaimer: Glow sticks contain chemicals and should be handled with care. Create this craft at your own discretion. HappilyDwell.com is not responsible for any accidents or injuries caused from opening or using the contents of glow sticks. These chemicals can sting and burn eyes, irritate and sting skin and can burn the mouth and throat if ingested. Learn more here.