Creating fun mini DIY mason jar lanterns and celebrating my favorite summer destination.
Summertime is here, which means that most of us will be driving, or jetting off, to our favorite summer destinations. Whether it's the beach, an amusement park or you're visiting your family, summertime is all about going to the places that we love most and making memories.
I'm excited about today's post because I get to share two of my favorite times of the year with you. The first is Christmas because...well, it's Christmas. What's not to love?!
The other is summer because it brings back memories of all the summer camping trips with our girls. Camping has been a popular subject in our house and on the blog lately and that's probably because we're building our own RV, affectionately known as Minnie. One of the biggest reasons why we want to get back to it is because of those summer's spent camping with our girls and making memories.
We've visited a lot of awesome places over the years but our fave destination has always been the mountains. We would explore and hike and teach the girls how to camp. It's something that's stayed with them because they both still love the outdoors and camping.
*Please note: this is a sponsored post with Treetopia. I was given a tree and ornaments but all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. Please see my Privacy Policy for more info.
So, in celebration of Treetopia's Summer Spree, I decorated their 6 ft. Treetopia Basics White Tree in honor of our fun camping trips to the mountains and the beach. Not only did I hang Treetopia's Red with Passion Ornaments, but I also made some of my own, including a few mini DIY Mason jar lanterns that I used as ornaments.
I also made camping signs and included some marshmallow sticks. Because, hey...you have to have marshmallows when you're camping? Oh, and just for the record, I love mine burnt to a crisp.
Supplies to Make Mini DIY Mason Jar Lanterns
- Mason Jars (I used mini jars)
- frosted glass spray
- spray paint
- awl (or nail)
- 16 gauge wire
- needle nose pliers
- sand
- battery tea lights
As soon as I figured out the theme for my tree, I knew that I would try to incorporate as many camping references as I could. One item that most campers need at one time or another is a lantern, so I figured out a way to make a fun, mini version to use as an ornament on our tree.
As always I wanted this project to be super simple and you can't get much simpler than spray paint and mason jars. I found these short, round jars at the craft store and they only cost me a buck a piece (always keeping it thrifty, too).
With my supplies in hand, I was ready to make my camping lanterns.
First up was a little makeover on the Mason jars. To give them a frosty, aged look I pulled out my trusty frosted glass spray and gave them 2 quick coats.
While the jars dried, I worked on creating a handle for the lids. I used the awl to put 2 holes in each lid.
Then I took the lids outside and painted them a glossy red.
After the lids and jars were dry, I brought them in and started putting them together. First I lightly sanded the raised area on the jars to distress them.
Then I cut the wire for my handles and put it in the holes in the lid.
I used the needle nose pliers to bend the wire to keep it from pulling out.
Next I added some sand from the beach and a battery operated tea light.
That's it. An easy peasy mini mason jar lantern that you can use anywhere.
Even as an ornament on your Christmas tree...in July.
Camping in the mountains is our fave destination. What's your family's favorite summer destination?
Treetopia is celebrating their Summer Spree by giving you a chance to win $100 Treetopia gift cards. To enter, just visit them, here.
Marlene Stephenson says
I love camping and climbing in the mountains it's the only way to live!!! These lights are too cute, thanks.
Kristi says
You are right, Marlene! It's so nice to hear from so many people that love camping and being outdoors.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Esther Dill says
Beautiful tree. I have been thinking of getting a white tree. Where did you purchase the owl topper and the bottom galvanized tub from???
We own an older motorhome and we live near the Smokies so we "camp" quite often.
Love your home and posts.
E
Kristi says
Thanks so much Esther, I appreciate it. The owl was from Pottery Barn several years ago and the tub was from Crate and Barrel, also several years ago. I don't know if PB still sells the owl but I have seen C&B offer the tub during the Christmas season.
Thanks for sharing your favorite summer destination. 🙂
Julia Grayson says
Love these mini mason jar lanterns! Your tree is very pretty!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Julia, I appreciate it!
Pat M. says
Love the tree topper. My fave thing on the entire tree. I always have rustic and nature decor on my tree at Christmas and wish I had such a topper for it. Your lanterns are cute also, but that owl --- wow.
My family always loved camping on a regular basis near a lake in one of our state parks, but our best trip was in the Rockies where the campground experience included horseback riding on well marked trails with no guide - we were on our own. I no longer camp, but the memories remain.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Pat! I love the topper too. I got the owl years ago because it looks like the owl from Harry Potter (our girls loved the books and movies). I'm glad that I got to use him on our tree.
Sounds like wonderful memories from your family camping trips. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Pat says
Cute little lanterns, and I agree the mountains are the best vacation destination. The Rockies, the Smokies, and the Alaskan mountains are all our favorites! We’ve tried the beach, and the theme parks but the beautiful mountains are always first choice.
Pat
Kristi says
Thanks so much Pat! It sounds like you've had some awesome mountain vacations. We'd love to visit the Alaskan mountains one day. It's on our wish list. Thanks for sharing.
Debbie Halcomb says
I love the tree, especially the marshmallow branches. I spent most of my adult life camping. My two favorite places are the mountains and a campground in Flagler Beach, Florida that sits on the sand dunes. In my younger days I backpacked the Smokies every Summer. In my older days I camped on the beach during Christmas. Wonderful memories.
Kristi says
Sounds like wonderful memories. We've been camping right on the beach too. Nothing better than that. Unfortunately you can't find many places to do it in a camper anymore. Thanks for sharing your camping memories.
Carol Rodenbaugh says
This is a beautiful TREE--I would keep it up year round. Love the white and red colors and the topper is awesome.
Maybe you could change some of the decorations for the seasons. It is just really a nice addition to your room.
`Merry July
M
Kristi says
Thanks so much, I'm loving the tree too! Unfortunately another member of this household isn't a big fan of Christmas in July. LOL