I’m all about luminaries and have made many different kinds over the years. These fall napkin luminaries make use of pretty fall and Halloween paper napkins that you can find at dollar stores, big box stores, and even the grocery store.
How to Make Fall Napkin Luminaries
If you’re looking for an easy project for girl’s night, need something seniors can make, or just want to add something to your home decor this fall, these Halloween and fall napkin luminaries are a great choice!
I recently did a Facebook live for this project, but if you prefer to skip the full-length version, you can view the edited version of the video tutorial in this blog post.
Mod Podge Tips
Before you get started, and especially if you didn’t watch the detailed video where I give tips, please be sure to read through these first:
- Don’t use white glue and water – while this solution does work, it can yellow over time. Mod Podge (and other decoupage mediums) is formulated to prevent yellowing. See our post on How To Choose The Best Glue for Your Craft Projects for more tips!
- Do “prime” your jar first by applying a thin layer of Mod Podge. This will make the glass tacky and will make it easier to apply the napkin.
- Separate double-ply napkins if you have them. The ones I used in this tutorial were sturdy one-ply napkins.
- Apply Mod Podge gently and with a light touch over the napkin to avoid ripping it. Remember, decoupage medium is a liquid and napkins are delicate. Using a heavy hand can cause damage to your pretty design!
- When applying the Mod Podge, use a generous amount but not so much that dripping occurs.
- Be sure to allow your finished project to dry completely (overnight is best) before adding a candle and displaying.
- Always store your Mod Podge with a tight-fitting lid and in a cool place out of reach of children.
- Placing your wet decoupage projects onto a wire cooling rack keeps them from sticking to your table!
How to make Halloween and fall napkin luminaries
Simply scroll to the end of this post for the full printable tutorial and supply list.
- Wash and dry your glass jar.
- Prepare your paper napkins by separating ply (if needed) and cutting out designs.
- Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front of your jar.
- Lay jar on its side with the wet side facing up.
- Place napkin onto the jar, pressing gently from the center outward.
- Apply Mod Podge to the bottom, side edges and rim.
- Using a gentle hand, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the entire napkin.
- Repeat steps on the back side of the jar.
- Allow everything to dry completely (overnight is best) before displaying and adding a candle.
- You can decorate the rim with burlap, ribbon or twine, but this step is completely optional.
Be sure to watch the video in this post for help with this project!
More Fall Craft Ideas
We have plenty of fall and Halloween craft projects on this blog, but here are some we handpicked for you!
And be sure to check out this large collection of homemade Halloween decorating ideas!
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Fall Napkin Luminaries
These fall napkin luminaries are easy to make and look so beautiful in your window, on your mantle, or atop your Thanksgiving table!
Supplies
- Paper napkins
- Mod Podge
- Glass jar
Instructions
-
Wash and dry your glass jar.
-
Prepare your paper napkins by separating ply (if needed) and cutting out designs.
-
Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front of your jar.
-
Lay jar on its side with the wet side facing up.
-
Place napkin onto the jar, pressing gently from the center outward.
-
Apply Mod Podge to the bottom, side edges and rim.
-
Using a gentle hand, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the entire napkin.
-
Repeat steps on the back side of the jar.
-
Allow everything to dry completely (overnight is best) before displaying and adding a candle.
-
You can decorate the rim with burlap, ribbon or twine, but this step is completely optional.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Don’t use white glue and water – while this solution does work, it can yellow over time. Mod Podge (and other decoupage mediums) is formulated to prevent yellowing. See our post on How To Choose The Best Glue for Your Craft Projects for more tips!
- Do “prime” your jar first by applying a thin layer of Mod Podge. This will make the glass tacky and will make it easier to apply the napkin.
- Separate double ply napkins if you have them. The ones I used in this tutorial were sturdy one-ply napkins.
- Apply Mod Podge gently and with a light touch over the napkin to avoid ripping it. Remember, decoupage medium is a liquid and napkins are delicate. Using a heavy hand can cause damage to your pretty design!
- When applying the Mod Podge, use a generous amount but not so much that dripping occurs.
- Be sure to allow your finished project to dry completely (overnight is best) before adding a candle and displaying.
- Always store your Mod Podge with a tight-fitting lid and in a cool place out of reach of children.
- Placing your wet decoupage projects onto a wire cooling rack keeps them from sticking to your table!
This post originally appeared here on Oct 2, 2018.
