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Use textured epsom salt, glass jars, and Mod Podge to make these gorgeous mason jar luminaries! These are easy and so pretty for winter and Christmas.

Skills Required: None. Even if you’ve never crafted before, you’ll be able to make these. You’ll be adding epsom salt to your mason jars with Mod Podge and then embellishing.

Christmas luminaries sitting in front of pinecones

Imagine a winter evening spent snuggling under a blanket while snow gently falls against a dimly lit street. It’s a beautiful setting that inspired this easy-to-make DIY project.

When it’s cold outside, it’s nice to bring the warmth inside with the festive glow of candlelight from a beautiful Christmas candle holder.

This post is for those who are looking to create one-of-a-kind candle holders to compliment your holiday decor this year. These frosted glass jars will not only make your home look festive, but also provide a show stopping spark of holiday light when gathered together!

These mason jar luminaries do just that by using Mod Podge to add a frosted look to mason jars and the flameless candles add a soft glow. They look great on a table or holiday mantel.

Did I mention they take under an hour to make? And they’re easy enough for beginning Christmas crafters? I can’t wait to show you how these Christmas mason jars are done!

Mod Podge with epsom salt fir branches scissors twine and a paintbrush

There’s a three step process to this project. You’re going to prepare the jars, then Mod Podge and salt them, and then add the embellishments. It’s relatively easy!

Gather These Supplies

Mason jars
Mod Podge Satin
Epsom salt
Fir branches – collected and trimmed to size with scissors
Small wood slices
Twine
Scissors
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Flameless candles
Paintbrushes
Spoon

Tips and Thoughts for This Project

Before you get started, read my post about Mod Podging on glass. Basically you’ll need to make sure that the jars are washed and clean so that the Mod Podge sticks. You have two options:

Clean the glass with mild soap and warm water and let dry
Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and cotton balls (or similar) and let dry

The reason for the prep is because oils and dirt can get onto glass and stay there, and they can cause problems if you try to Mod Podge the glass. By “problems,” I mean the Podge won’t stick. So please clean the glass before moving on.

I used Mod Podge Satin for this project. You can use any formula really, but I recommend either Satin, Gloss, or Matte. You won’t see the finish of the Mod Podge, so it doesn’t really matter.

For filling in: you can also use a small paintbrush to add to blank areas and then sprinkle a little salt on it. Just be careful not to add too much Mod Podge. Clumping salt doesn’t look great, especially with votives.

I store these wrapped in wax paper or in large plastic gallon bags. You can also use clear acrylic spray on the outside to keep the epsom salt from flaking. I wouldn’t use Mod Podge. It’s going to get clumpy and brush away some salt.

Place LED tea lights into your new mason jar luminaries for a warm glow! You can also use real tea lights if you like, given that the epsom salt and Mod Podge are on the outside of the jar.

Lighted epsom salt mason jars in front of pinecones

Add a warm and cozy glow this holiday season with this easy-to-make, time and budget friendly Mod Podge project.

Bring one as a hostess gift to your next holiday party or set them in your window to cast a soft snow-inspired glow. Happy holiday crafting!

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Mason Jar Luminaries

Learn how to frost glass mason jars with epsom salt for Christmas! All you need is some Mod Podge, salt, and a few embellishments.

Prep Time10

Active Time1

Dry Time2

Total Time3 10

Yield: jars

Cost: $5

Equipment

Materials

2 Mason jar(s)
Mod Podge Satin
Epsom salt
Fir branches collected and trimmed to size
Small wood slices
Twine

Instructions

Add epsom salt to a large plate used only for crafts.
Apply Mod Podge in a medium layer to the entire jar. Work quickly, as Mod Podge dries quickly.
Lay the mason jar into the epsom salt. Roll the entire jar around in the salt. Push down slightly.
Pick up the jar and use a spoon to add salt to any areas that were missed. Let dry completely.
Cut a length of twine to wrap around the lip of the jar. Wrap around several times, tying half way through. Finish wrapping and tie into a bow.
Use the hot glue gun to apply the fir branches and wood slices to the front of the jars on top of the bow.
Finish by adding the LED tea lights to the jars.