leaf lantern : a super quick and easy project

This seriously easy project was inspired by the candle light leaf play that was happening during our thanksgiving feast and by the most amazing little overgrown bush in our front yard. So sorry I don't know the name of it but it has little pink berries on it at this time of year that open like bittersweet and that are a delicacy for the cardinals.

 

All you need for this little project are some glass jars, clear packing tape, scissors and leaves.

Collecting the leaves is the best part. I chose only the leaves from this colorful bush and tried to pick them in uniform size. I unrolled a strip of packing tape and laid the leaves on top of it right side on the sticky side. Then I wrapped this on the jar, cut to size, smoothed out the wrinkles and the lantern was finished. I made three since everything looks better in groups.

I found some tea lights in the house and waited until dark to light them. They were magical.

This weekend was fantastic. The weather was amazing and the display of color in the neighborhood and forests were second to none. I just wish it didn't have to end. I realize it has been a very long time that I have posted a tutorial and I just want to let you know I have a number of them planned over the next month. Just in time for the season of gift making. I am also planning a giveaway later this week, just because.

xxoo

m

Comments

[val]

simplicity in all its glory, thank you. I know this is nuts but those lanterns brought tears to my eyes. I so miss the change of seasons here (South Louisiana) and seeing it for a moment on your post was wonderful.
I've been visiting for months now and I love your projects but your photography, capturing nature in all her glory is just the best gift.

[Lisa at Lil Fish Studios]

Beautiful idea, M. I hope you had a wonderful feast.

[melissa]

ooh- i love those lanterns. very pretty!

[Ruth]

Those are the most darling tea light holders ever. What a clever idea!

[Diana]

they were so beautiful i had to run out and make some.
Didn't have tape so dipped leaves in paraffin wax, pressed onto glass
and then brushed a bit more over top.
thanks for all that you do

[tara]

Those lanterns just went on my list of things to do. Thank you.

[annri]

the lanterns are really great! thank you for sharing the how-to.

also, thank you for thinking of sharing more of your ideas for making. it is indicative of your generous spirit.

[Anne]

Gorgeous lanterns.

[Nanou]

Your leaf lanterns are a pure enchantment ... kind of wonderful stained-glass windows ... magical ! Thank you so so much, Margie, for sharing your gorgeous and very unique projects, past and future ... coming at Resurrection Fern is always so exciting !!! You're so generous and make all of us so happy everyday that it should exist in the international calendar a "Margie-Thanksgiving", I mean a special Thanksgiving day dedicated to you :)

[Sonia {Cozy Memories}]

like Nanou, I see a similarity with stained glass, and it is very very pretty :) thank you for sharing with us this simple but lovely project. I can't wait to see all the tutorials you're going to share, I'm on the look out for ideas for this holiday season ! :) xoxox

[nicole]

Lovely Margie. Thank you for the tutorial, and for being such an inspiration.

[arounna]

such a wonderful glow
glad you had a nice thanksgiving.
xx

[denise]

Pretty! I'm doing this tomorrow!

[Rachel]

clear packing tape!?! what a great repurposing jar idea!

[Annemarie]

What a lovely idea! Thanks so much for posting about this.

[Colleen]

What a wonderful idea! I'm going to try this project with a young person I know.

Those leaves, along with your saying the bush has red berries, bring to mind the Bay plant...I wonder?