Simple Snowy Tree Lanterns

This is a winter variation on my favorite simplest lanterns. It makes use of pressed ferns which look remarkably like little evergreen trees. While some ferns die back in the winter, there are a number that are evergreen, so take a look around for some ferns growing even if it’s the dead of winter. These lanterns use the simple jar method and are quick and easy for kids to put together. If you are looking for a more elaborate lantern, I have tons of lantern ideas here. Light up the longest night with beautiful lantern!

Snowy Winter Tree Lanterns

We used a punch to make the snowflakes, but you could also cut them from folded paper. My son made yet another lantern from the paper the snowflakes were cut from too! You can press the ferns by layering them between pieces of paper and plopping some heavy books on top of them. They don’t have to be completely dried out, but they are much easier to attach to the jar when they are flat. The tissue paper will look frosty when dry and will contrast nicely with the opaque paper you use for the snowflakes, making them stand out.

Materials:

• glass or plastic repurposed jars
• white tissue paper torn into pieces
• snowflakes cut from opaque paper (like printer paper)
• pressed ferns
• mod podge
• foam brush
• wire or twine for handle
• led tealight

Method:

Brush a thin layer of mod podge over a section of your jar. Stick on some of the snowflakes and paint over them with more mod podge. Next, place one layer of tissue paper over top of the snowflakes until all the glue is covered. Continue all the way around the jar. You can overlap the pieces of tissue a little, but don’t build up more than one layer.

Once the jar is covered brush another layer of glue over the tissue paper. Stick the ferns around the base of the jar and add another layer of mod podge over everything. It can be thick and gloopy, it will dry clear. You can smooth out clumpy tissue paper and make sure everything is stuck down to the jar pretty effectively with this step. Allow the whole thing to dry.

Wrap a wire around the lip of the jar and create a loop to hang your lantern. (Or do the same with twine.) Add a tea light and and glow!