How to Make Mason Jar Glow Stick Lanterns

Last Updated: May 7, 2018

Want to light up the night with color and glow without having to worry about fire and danger? Use the liquid from a glow stick to splatter inside a mason jar, put the jar inside a paper lantern, and create a sensation at your next event.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Gather Supplies

1
Pick up enough mason jars to light up your party. Preferably new jars so that all you will need to do is wipe out the inside and outside with a damp rag. If you are removing food from the jars, rinse well and either put them in the dishwasher or scrub with hot water and soap. Allow jars to dry before beginning your project.
- Make sure each jar has a well-fitting lid. You will need to top the jar with the lid and shake to create the illumination. If the lid doesn’t fit properly, the glow stick material could spill.
2
Obtain your lighting element. Purchase several glow sticks--approximately one per jar.

Advertisement
3
Grab a pair of sharp scissors. You’ll want to make a clean cut along the top of the glow stick in order to extract the liquid.

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Create Your Illuminated Mason Jars

1
Wipe jars clean and then dry. If you are working with new mason jars, all you’ll need to do is use a microfiber cloth to wipe the inside and outside.
2
Cover your work area with newspaper or a drop cloth. Even though you may not spill glow stick material, you don’t want to take any chances. Take precautions before you break open the sticks.
3
Hold the glow stick directly over the mason jar and snip the top with the scissors. Make sure you don't end up having to make several rough cuts as it could create a mess. A sharp pair of scissors should produce a clean cut along the top of the stick.
4
Pour the glow stick liquid directly into the mason jar. Hold a paper towel in the opposite hand so when you are done pouring you can grasp the open end with the paper towel and swiftly (and cleanly) discard the empty glow stick.
5
Replace the mason jar lid and screw on tightly. A tight fit is very important in order to avoid a huge mess.
6
Shake the mason jar to activate the glow stick material and cover the mason jar with liquid. The coverage will provide for more of a glow and remain illuminated for several hours.

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use another container, like a plastic bottle?

Garett Knight

Community Answer

You should not use anything plastic because many glow sticks are very acidic and will melt the plastic. I tried just emptying it into a red solo cup and the parts it got on melted and now there are holes in the cup.
Question

What liquid should I cover the mason jar with?

Community Answer

The liquid specified is the liquid in the glow stick. It just means that shaking it will cover the inside of the jar.
Question

Can you add water? What will happen if you do?

Community Answer

You shouldn't. It would get very watery and could lessen the glow time and dim it.
Question

What should I do when I want to dump it out?

Community Answer

Rinse it out in your sink and recycle the jar. If you plan on using the jar away, make sure that you use lots of soap. Be very careful when rinsing the jar out, however, as the glow stick fluid can cause skin irritations.
Question

Why do I put liquid in the Mason Jar and approximately how long do they last?

Community Answer

You put it in there for an even distribution of glow stick fluid within the jar. The longevity depends on the brand, since each has different ratios of chemicals. The approximate time is around 3-6 hours, sometimes more.
Question

Can I reuse the mason jars to do the process all over again?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Just clean the jars well.
Question

How long does a glow stick last?

Community Answer

They last longer if you freeze them, but about an hour or two. If frozen, probably around three.
Question

How do I recharge my glow stick lantern?

Emily J

Community Answer

You can recharge your glowstick lantern by cleaning the old jar out, then doing the process again with the glowstick.
Question

Can the jar be used after cleaning the glue stick goo out of the jar?

Community Answer

If you clean it thoroughly with dish soap and water, it should be safe to use. The contents of a glow stick aren't toxic.
Question

Where can I get the glow sticks?

Community Answer

Any craft store usually has glow sticks. If you can't find glow sticks there, sometimes you can find them in your local supermarket.