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How to make twinkling jars

A clear glass with twinkling lights with a wreath arrangement.

Overview

Add a sparkle to any room with twinkling jars! This super quick D.I.Y. project is the easiest way to create some Christmas cheer in your home, acting as a centrepiece on a dining table, lining the mantelpiece or even as a simple decoration in the bathroom.

They are also incredibly versatile – simply swap out the decorations for something a little more seasonal and you’ve got a decoration you can use throughout your home all year long.

We’re going to walk you through a simple version of these jars, but you can also get creative with the design. Get the kids involved in painting the outside of each jar with acrylic glass paint or roll each one in glitter for even more sparkle – the choices are endless!

For this version, all you’ll need is a box of battery-operated bud lights, a glass planter or jar and some Christmas decorations, such as baubles, greenery or pinecones.

Steps

1Gather your tools and materials

Below you'll find all the tools and materials you'll need to complete this project.

2Assemble you materials

Pop the batteries in the battery pack and grab your glass vase/planter/jar.

3Drop some fairy lights

In a circular motion, drop a few fairy lights into your vase. Place a few of your chosen decoration in the vase, taking care to wrap the fairy lights around them. You don't have to be very precise when doing this – it doesn't need to be perfect.

4Finish off

Repeat the fairy light/decoration stacking until you're near the top of the vase. Turn on the fairy lights at the battery pack before reaching the top. Don't worry about burning yourself – lights these days don't overheat so you can touch them safely.

Once the lights are on, it's time to hide your battery pack among your ornaments. Place the battery in the middle and carefully place the decorations around it, covering it as much as possible. Finish by topping up the vase with any extra lights or decoration. If you like, you can add a ribbon as the final touch! You can also switch out ornaments for pinecones or any other form of decoration.

Now it's time to place your twinkling lights in your preferred spot. Place them in a festoon window, on the dining table, on the mantle, in the bathroom or wherever you'd like to add a little Christmas spirit.

5Ready to make your own?

Explore our collection of planters and fairy lights for your own D.I.Y. twinkling jars project.

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.