Here at TuTu’s Green World, we’re always looking for ways to turn the beauty of nature into family-friendly, eco-conscious crafts. These jam jar leaf lanterns are the perfect project to bring that warm autumn glow indoors! Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they’re also simple to make—and little hands will love the sticky fun of adding glue and colorful leaves!
Start by taking a family walk to collect colorful fall leaves! Look for leaves in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Avoid leaves that are too dry or brittle—fresh ones are easier to work with.
Once you’re home, place the leaves between two sheets of paper and press them under a heavy book for a few days. This will flatten and dry them gently. If you’re short on time, microwave them for a few minutes, but be careful not to overheat them, so they keep their rich colors.
Now it’s time for the fun part! Brush a section of the jar with glue, then press a leaf onto the jar. Hold down the edges for a few seconds so it sticks well. Then, brush more glue over the top of the leaf to seal it in place.
Add more leaves around the jar, overlapping some to create beautiful patterns. Don’t worry if it looks messy—the glue will dry clear and create a soft, blurred look that adds to the cozy effect!
While the glue is still wet, wrap colorful cotton thread around the top of the jar. This helps hold the leaves in place and adds a rustic, decorative touch.
Let the jars dry for several hours or overnight.
Place a tealight inside each jar to bring out the warm, golden glow of the leaves. For young ones, LED tealights work wonders! And if you’re lighting real candles, try using tongs to place them safely in the jar.
Now, sit back and enjoy the magical autumn glow these lanterns add to your home!
How to Explain Her Impact to Kids: Have you ever been near a place that smelled bad or had lots of trash? Imagine if your home was surrounded by pollution that made you and your family sick. That’s what happened to Hazel Johnson’s neighborhood in Chicago.
How to Explain His Impact to Kids: Imagine if some neighborhoods had clean parks and fresh air, but others had trash everywhere and dirty water to drink. That wouldn’t be fair, right? Everyone deserves a safe and clean place to live.
This month, we will highlight lessons of trailblazers like George Washington Carve and explore how we can continue their mission—teaching the next generation that sustainability is a tradition, a responsibility, and a path toward a better future. Join us as we honor Black history by making small, meaningful changes that lead to big impacts.