Floral Sugar Skull Lanterns from Recycled Jars

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos with these stunning Floral Sugar Skull Lanterns made from recycled jars. This craft not only brings color and light to your seasonal decor but also provides a meaningful way to honor the holiday's traditions. Whether you're crafting with kids, decorating for a party, or teaching a cultural unit in the classroom, these lanterns are a perfect fusion of creativity and cultural appreciation.

Using simple materials like old jars, tissue paper, and sugar skull designs, you can transform household recyclables into glowing works of art. Add floral accents to the top for a beautiful finishing touch that evokes the marigolds often associated with the holiday. These lanterns make gorgeous centerpieces, window displays, or gifts that shine both day and night.

Materials Needed

• Recycled glass jars (mason jars or cleaned food jars, any size)
• Colored tissue paper or glass paint
• Sugar skull printables or stickers
• Glue or Mod Podge
• Small paintbrush
• Battery-operated tealight candles
• Scissors
• Paper flowers or foam floral embellishments
• Optional: ribbon or twine for hanging

Step 1: Prepare and Clean the Jars

Start by washing and drying your jars thoroughly. Remove all labels and any sticky residue using warm soapy water or adhesive remover. A clean surface ensures that your decorations will adhere properly and last longer.

Step 2: Apply Color to the Jar Surface

Choose vibrant tissue paper colors that reflect the traditional hues of Día de los Muertos—think bright orange, turquoise, pink, and purple. Tear the tissue into small pieces and apply them to the jar using a thin layer of Mod Podge or glue. Cover the entire surface and let dry completely. Alternatively, you can use glass paint for a more polished, translucent look.

Step 3: Attach the Sugar Skull Design

Print out sugar skull designs sized to fit your jar. You can color them in using markers or paint, or leave them black and white for contrast. Cut out the skull and glue it to the front of the jar once the tissue layer is fully dry. Press gently to smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles.

Step 4: Decorate with Floral Accents

Add dimension and festivity by gluing small paper or foam flowers around the jar lid or rim. These can be arranged like a crown on top of the sugar skull, mimicking traditional skull decorations. Use hot glue or craft glue for a secure hold. For extra flair, wrap twine or ribbon around the neck of the jar.

Step 5: Insert Tealight and Display

Place a battery-operated tealight candle inside each jar. These lanterns are safe for kids and perfect for both indoor and outdoor displays. Line them along a windowsill, use them as table centerpieces, or display them on your porch to welcome guests.

Customization Ideas

Glam Glow: Use metallic tissue paper and add glitter glue accents to the sugar skull for a dazzling effect. Pair with gold or silver floral crowns.

Glow-in-the-Dark Skulls: Paint the jar with glow-in-the-dark paint or use stickers that illuminate after sunset. Ideal for Halloween night or evening celebrations.

Classic Monochrome: Stick to a black-and-white sugar skull theme with red roses for a bold and dramatic aesthetic. Great for more mature or elegant décor.

Educational and Seasonal Uses

This craft makes an excellent hands-on project for teaching children about the meaning of Día de los Muertos. Pair it with lessons on Mexican culture, traditions, and symbolism. It also works beautifully as a seasonal activity during fall festivals, multicultural craft days, or family nights.

In the classroom, teachers can integrate this activity into a broader lesson plan, discussing the significance of marigolds, altars, and remembrance. It's a wonderful way to explore cultural diversity through art.

Printable Template

To make this craft even easier, we’ve included a printable sugar skull template. Simply print the design on standard paper, let kids color them with their favorite hues, and cut them out for gluing.

You can personalize each skull with names, glitter, or tiny sticker embellishments. Once printed and colored, these templates become the centerpiece of your lantern design. Print multiple versions to let creativity shine in every jar.

Conclusion

Floral Sugar Skull Lanterns from recycled jars are not just beautiful decorations—they're meaningful creations that celebrate life, remembrance, and tradition. With just a few craft supplies and a little time, anyone can make these glowing tributes that brighten up the season.

Invite your family or students to join in and make a collection of lanterns together. You’ll create lasting memories and beautiful keepsakes while learning about a rich cultural tradition.