I am in love with this music sheet lantern Christmas decoration idea. Paper lanterns are one of my favorite things to make, so when trying to come up with more ideas for Christmas, this was a must. Simple sheet music pages and a few cuts with a craft knife, and you have the beginnings of a beautiful addition to your holiday decor.
My obsession with lanterns is real. Check out this idea for making a 3D lantern out of paper. It is one of my favorite projects ever made!
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Sheet Music Lantern Christmas Decoration
This sheet music lantern idea is a great addition to your Christmas decorations, but that isn't the only time you can use it! I love that a simple change in the embellishment along the top makes this a great lantern for any season of the year. There is just nothing like the pretty soft glow from a lantern, and the soft paper deflecting the light from inside the jar makes these simply gorgeous!
These magical DIY fairy lights are another similar project that you could definitely add some green and red ribbon to and use for holiday decor. Another idea I love is turning simple bottles into lights as this tutorial did. So easy to do, and you can use any bottle in any color so they fit your decoration or holiday needs! They both would look great on the mantle next to this Christmas mitten garland this year.
What Type of Jar Should I Use for My Lantern?
For this project, I used a simple tall jar with a wide mouth. You can use a mason jar or even an empty jar from a condiment like pickles or mayonnaise. The most important thing to consider is that it has a pretty wide mouth for placing the candle inside.
You may also want to make sure that the lantern jar you use is straight-sided so the paper fits snuggly from top to bottom. Many jars will curve in at the top, and that makes the overall look not as nice. If all you have are those types of jars, you may want to try this beautiful lantern with lace idea instead.
You can get creative in making your lanterns this year. I've even made tin can lanterns before that are absolutely beautiful and add great whimsy to your decor.
Can I Use Real Candles for This Lantern?
If you prefer using real candles instead of the LED battery candles I favor, you can definitely do so. Since there is paper involved, I find this to be the safest option and definitely the easiest to get into the jar and turn on for light.
If using real candles in your lantern, consider using small tealight candles and lighting with a long match or long-handled lighter. This will be safer and still offer the soft glow you want.
I love the softer light like from these colorful 3D paper lanterns I made before. You can easily get that same glow in this craft with an LED light. No real candles are necessary.
If you like this idea, then you will love my simple wine glass tealight candle holders!
Supplies Needed
- Wide-mouth glass jar
- Sheet music page
- Rustic twine or ribbon
- Small holiday embellishments (flower, greenery, or bells)
- Craft knife
- Cutting board or craft mat
- Colored pencil
How to Make a Sheet Music Lantern Christmas Decoration
For this craft, you will be using a glass jar of your choice. I chose a medium-sized jar with straight sides that had I nice wide-mouthed opening at the top.
You can measure the jar around to determine how many stars you will need on your sheet music, or you can simply cut them out and trim off the excess paper once in place.
To begin, you will lay your sheet music page on a craft mat or cutting board and use your craft knife to cut out a variety of stars in random places on the sheet.
I made mine in a variety of sizes to give a little different look to the paper. You can do this however you prefer.
Once all of the stars have been cut out of the paper that you want, you will move to wrap your jar in the paper to measure how tall it needs to be, then trim off any excess as needed.
Next, you will use a line of glue down the side of the jar to secure one end of the paper.
Wrap the remaining paper around the jar and seal it with more glue.
Add extra dots of glue along the jar as you smooth the paper into place.
Once the music sheet is in place, you will begin decorating your jar.
I used a simple length of twine to wrap around the mouth of the jar, and then I attached a holiday bauble and a pencil to outline the stars so they stood out.
Slip your candle inside and display it on a table or mantle for the holidays.
Video Tutorial:
Step-by-Step Photo Tutorial:
Music Sheet Lantern Christmas Decoration
This sheet music lantern Christmas decoration is a perfect fast and easy addition to your holiday decor! A simple jar, LED candle, and an old piece of music are all you need to make this fun craft!
Materials
- Wide-mouth glass jar
- Sheet music page
- Rustic twine or ribbon
- Small holiday embellishment (flower, greenery, or bells)
Tools
- Craft knife
- Cutting board or craft mat
- Colored pencil
Instructions
- Begin by cutting a variety of stars on your piece of sheet music. You will make these in random places along the paper;
- Next, you will measure the paper against your jar and trim it to fit;
- Then, you will add a line of glue to the side of the jar;
- Begin wrapping the appear around the jar;
- Once the jar has been covered in the music sheet, you will add extra glue at the end to seal;
- Add a piece of twine or ribbon around the mouth of the jar, and top with your favorite holiday bauble;
- I used a craft pencil to trace around the outside of the stars to make them stand out more;
- Add your LED candle to the inside of the jar and display.
Notes
Have fun with this craft by cutting different shapes on paper for unique looks. Trees, bells, stars, and angel shapes are ideal for the holiday season.
Recommended Products
My favorite Etsy Christmas decorations. (Affiliate links)
Joyce Parkes
Love this idea as I do many of your works.. deffo will be making a couple.. ??