Empty glass jars are one of the easiest things to upcycle, and a few of them wrapped in twine and lace make a warm, rustic set of candle holders for a mantel, dining table or porch. This tutorial shows you how to clean the jars, remove stubborn labels and decorate them in under an hour, using only a handful of inexpensive supplies.
The project suits complete beginners, and it works with any jar you have on hand: pasta sauce jars, jam jars or mason jars all look good grouped together in different heights.
What you'll need
- 3 clean glass jars in different heights
- Jute twine (about 10 yards / 9 m)
- Cotton or polyester lace ribbon, 1–2 in (2.5–5 cm) wide
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks, or clear craft glue
- Scissors
- Warm soapy water and a sponge
- Baking soda and cooking oil (for label residue)
- LED tea lights or flameless pillar candles
Before you start
Soak the jars in hot, soapy water for 20–30 minutes so the paper labels lift away. If sticky glue remains, mix equal parts baking soda and cooking oil into a paste, rub it over the residue, leave it for 10 minutes, then scrub and wash again. Dry the jars completely before you add any glue.
Twine and lace are flammable. Use LED tea lights in decorated jars, or keep any real flame well below the decorated area and never leave it unattended.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Plan the design for each jar
Decide where each band of decoration will sit. A simple, balanced look is twine around the neck of one jar, a lace band around the middle of another, and both combined on the tallest jar. Varying the placement keeps the group from looking repetitive.
Step 2: Wrap the twine
Put a small dot of glue where you want the twine to start and press the end into it. Wrap the twine around the jar, keeping each row tight against the one before. Add a dot of glue every few turns so the coils do not slip. Wrap 10–20 rows, then trim and glue the end on the back of the jar.
Keep the cut end of the twine on the same side of every jar. That side becomes the back, so all the seams stay hidden when you arrange the group.
Step 3: Add the lace band
Measure the lace around the jar and add half an inch (1 cm) for overlap. Glue one end to the back of the jar, wrap the lace snugly and glue the overlap in place. A thin line of glue along the edge stops the lace from lifting.
Step 4: Finish with a bow or tag
Tie a short piece of twine into a bow over the lace, or thread a small kraft paper tag onto the twine. Peel off any glue strings once the glue has cooled, then add an LED tea light to each jar.
Tips and troubleshooting
- Twine gaps showing? Push each new row down firmly with your thumbnail before the glue sets.
- Glue strings everywhere? Hold the hot glue gun still for a second after each dot, then pull away with a small circular motion.
- Lace looks crooked? Draw a faint guide line around the jar with a dry-erase marker, then wipe it off afterwards.
- Want a softer glow? Add a handful of Epsom salt or coarse sea salt to the bottom of each jar before adding the light.
The finished project
Frequently asked questions
Can I use real candles in these jars?
Only if the decoration sits well away from the flame and the jar is wide enough for heat to escape. LED candles are the safer choice for twine and lace.
How do I clean the jars later?
Wipe the inside with a damp cloth. Do not soak decorated jars, because water will loosen the glue and stain the twine.
Choosing your materials
Straight-sided jars are the easiest to wrap, because twine and lace sit flat without sliding. Jars with a strong shoulder or a ridged neck look attractive but need more glue dots to stop the coils from slipping down the curve.
Natural jute twine gives the most rustic look, while cotton twine is softer, paler and less hairy. For lace, cotton or a cotton-blend trim looks more vintage than shiny polyester, and a width of 1–1.5 in (2.5–4 cm) suits most jam and sauce jars.
Ways to make it your own
- Wrap a band of burlap ribbon under the lace for a farmhouse look.
- Swap the lace for a strip of eucalyptus-print fabric or a sprig of dried lavender tied with twine.
- Use small jars as wedding table decor, with a kraft tag for each guest's name.
- Paint the inside of the jar with a thin coat of frosted glass spray before decorating for a softer, diffused glow.
- Group five or seven jars of different heights on a tray for a mantel or porch display.
Approximate cost
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| Glass jars | Free (reused) |
| Jute twine, 1 roll | $3–5 |
| Lace ribbon, 2–3 yd | $2–4 |
| Hot glue sticks | $2–3 |
| LED tea lights, pack of 6 | $5–8 |
Prices are approximate US retail ranges and vary by store and region. Using materials you already have can bring the cost close to zero.
Care and storage
Dust the jars with a dry cloth or a soft makeup brush, as water and cleaning sprays will darken twine and loosen the glue. Replace the LED batteries before a long display, and store the jars upright in a box lined with tissue so the lace does not crush.
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