Use An Old Jar To Create A Unique Vintage Stamp Lamp That's Sure To Wow

Unique and distinctive lighting can add charm to any room, especially the kind of soft, glowing light provided by candles and smaller lamps. While there are endless options for fun DIY lighting projects and store-bought lanterns, one upcycled jar lantern created by TikTok's @koolestgurlintheuniverse is particularly lovely and budget-friendly. Not only is it easy to make from supplies you may already have at home, it requires no wiring or flame to stay lit. You can turn any smooth jar into a custom vintage-inspired lighting fixture using only Mod Podge, old stamps, and a flameless candle. 

This DIY is a great way to reuse old glass jars, be they from food storage or candle jars that you have cleaned out and readied for new contents. You can even buy the stainless steel topped jars used by the DIYer in her tutorial from Dollar Tree, along with the flameless tea lights. Dollar Tree also has other containers, like glass cylinders, that would work well for a larger version of this project. Old stamps, particularly canceled ones, can be found in venues like antique shops and on marketplaces like eBay and Etsy, often in large lots. While the U.S. has some beautiful stamp designs, other countries' postage is often even more gorgeous. You can get a good-sized bundle for anywhere from $10 to $20 for this project.

To create your vintage stamp lantern, clean out and fully dry your jar, making sure that the exterior is free of adhesive, grime, or debris, by washing it with soap. While any jar will do, this project works best with smoother surfaces that don't have a lot of ridges or seams that make applying the stamps more difficult. Begin by brushing glue on the back of each stamp and applying it to the sides of the jar, allowing it to dry as you work. Cover the entire surface, then add an additional layer of Mod Podge as a sealant. You can choose a high gloss variety for some shine or a more matte finish that will dry clear.

To finish, slip an LED tealight inside for a cozy glow. You can also use battery-operated twinkle lights or an LED puck light for larger jars and a brighter illumination. Since it doesn't give off heat or require electricity, this lantern is perfect for spots like centerpieces, coffee tables, and bookshelves. It also makes a great nightlight in a room with vintage décor. If your jar is heat-safe, like a mason jar or an upcycled candle container, you can also use real tealight candles inside and burn them without the lid. 

Customize your vintage stamp lantern by using other elements on the jar's exterior, like wrapping the top of the jar in twine or ribbon. You can also add beading or trim to the top of the jar. Hot glue a large wooden bead to the top for a cute handle. For a bit of color, try this awesome technique using food coloring and Mod Podge to add a faux-vintage tint to the side of the jar and leave it visible in parts between the stamps.

While @koolestgurlintheuniverse uses old stamps, this project can use all manner of cool ephemera to make a lantern, including ticket stubs, newspaper or magazine clippings, pieces of gift wrap, book pages, rice paper, and other paper objects that are thin enough to mold themselves to the glass smoothly. You can even use old love letters or printouts of favorite photos to create a keepsake lamp. These make great personalized gifts around the holidays.