Lighted Glass Jug

Last updated on October 28th, 2023 at 11:20 pm

Pumpkin Jug-O-Lantern

You can sometimes pick up handy one gallon glass jugs from thrift stores or garage sales.

Or perhaps you buy the occasional gallon jug of apple cider?

You can put those empty glass jugs to very good use by making them into illuminated pumpkin jars for your porch or entryway.

If you prefer to use the painted jug only for Fall decorating, rather than Halloween, simply omit the facial features and proceed with the rest of the instructions.

Use raffia to tie silk fall leaves to the top of the jar for a gorgeous autumn accent.

You Will Need:

One gallon glass jug (wine, cider or vinegar jug). The top doesn’t matter; a cork or screw-top are both fine.
Orange and black paint (acrylic or glass paint)
Set of 35 mini lights
Raffia
Sea sponge
For Fall Decor only, tie silk flowers and leaves in autumn colors to the stem of the jar.

Craft Instructions:

Begin by painting your jug with a sea sponge, gently patting on orange paint over the entire outside surface of the jar. A regular sponge will work but the effect will not be as nice when the jar is illuminated.

Allow the paint to dry and follow paint manufacturer instructions if heat setting the paint is required.

Once the paint is completely dry, paint a face with black paint; refer to the photo for details or look at other pumpkin face designs for inspiration.

To add a little extra to your design, paint fine lines with brown or black paint around the jar (see photos for detail). These represent the natural lines formed as pumpkins grow.

Tie raffia around the neck of the jar and insert mini lights after all the paint is dry and light up. They really are pretty!