Herbal LANTERNS DIY

Herbal lanterns are a beautiful craft that combines natural materials (herbs, flowers, and plants) with light sources (candles or LEDs) to create glowing, decorative pieces for home décor, rituals, or seasonal displays. Here’s a clear description of how they work and how they’re made:

Herbal lanterns are typically glass jars, paper frames, or metal holders filled or decorated with:

Dried herbs (lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme)

Flowers (rose petals, calendula, chamomile)

Evergreen sprigs (pine, cedar, juniper)

Citrus peels, seeds, or spices for scent and color

Inside, a small light source is added: Tea light candle (real flame) ~ LED candle (safer option) ~ Small string lights

When lit, the herbs glow through or around the light, creating a soft, natural ambiance.

Basic Herbal Lantern Crafting

Common bases include:

~ Mason jars (most popular)

~ Glass votives or recycled jars

~ Metal cans with punched designs

~ Paper lantern frames

Prepare your herbs

~ Use dried herbs or flowers (fresh can mold or burn poorly)

~ Optional: lightly press or flatten flowers for better glass contact

Choose combinations for effect:

~ Relaxing: lavender & chamomile

~ Forest glow: pine & cedar & rosemary

~ Warm spice: cinnamon sticks & orange peel + clove

Attach or layer materials - Depending on style:

~ Inside jar lantern: loosely layer herbs between glass and light

~ Exterior jar lantern: glue pressed herbs onto outside using decoupage glue

~ Hanging lantern: attach herbs to wire or paper frame

Add lighting

Place a tea light candle inside sand or a metal cup base for stability or use a battery LED candle for safety and long use

Finish and display

~ Wrap with twine, ribbon, or wire handles

~ Hang outdoors or place on tables, windowsills, or patios

~ Light and enjoy the herbal glow effect

What makes them special

Herbal lanterns are valued because they:

Combine aromatherapy + lighting

Use natural, often homegrown materials

Create a cozy, rustic, seasonal atmosphere

Can be customized for holidays, rituals, or décor themes

Common variations

Ice herbal lanterns (herbs frozen in ice for outdoor glow)  

Pressed flower glass lanterns (botanical stained-glass effect)  

Herbal oil lanterns using infused oils for scent and flame light  

Hanging Herbal Lanterns

SUPPLIES

Small jars ~ Floral wire ~ Pressed herbs ~ Glue ~ Battery tea lights

INSTRUCTIONS: Decorate jars with pressed herbs and glue. Wrap floral wire around jar neck securely. Create a loop handle for hanging. Insert battery candle. Hang on hooks, shepherd poles, or tree branches.

Great Outdoor Herbs Rosemary ~ Lavender ~ Lemon balm ~ Mint

Lavender Calm Lantern

A relaxing lantern perfect for bedrooms, baths, or meditation spaces.

SUPPLIES

1 mason jar or clear glass jar

2 tbsp dried lavender buds

1 tsp chamomile flowers

Purple ribbon or twine

Mod Podge or clear craft glue

Small paintbrush

LED tea light or real tea light

INSTRUCTIONS:

Clean and dry the jar thoroughly. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the outside of the jar. Press lavender buds and chamomile flowers gently onto the glue. Add another thin coat of glue over the herbs to seal them. Let dry completely for 1–2 hours. Tie ribbon or twine around the top rim. Place an LED candle inside. Light and enjoy the calming glow.

Optional Additions Add a drop of lavender essential oil inside the jar rim. Sprinkle fine glitter for a moonlit effect.

Pine Forest Lantern

A cozy woodland lantern that smells fresh and earthy.

SUPPLIES:

Large mason jar ~ Small pine sprigs

Cedar tips ~ Rosemary stems

Twine ~ Faux snow or Epsom salt

LED candle

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place a layer of faux snow or Epsom salt in the bottom of the jar. Arrange pine, cedar, and rosemary around the inside edges. Secure stems lightly with twine if needed. Place the LED candle in the center. Wrap extra twine around the jar neck. Add pinecones or cinnamon sticks for decoration.

Best For Winter décor ~ Christmas centerpieces ~ Cabin or farmhouse themes

Rustic Farmhouse Herb Lantern

SUPPLIES:

Mason jar

Sage leaves ~ Rosemary sprigs

Burlap ribbon ~ Mod Podge

White chalk paint

INSTRUCTIONS: Dry and flatten herbs. Lightly dry-brush jar with white chalk paint. Apply Mod Podge in sections. Place herbs naturally around jar. Seal with top coat. Tie burlap ribbon around neck. Add LED candle.

Farmhouse Look Use distressed paint and neutral colors.

Autumn Spice Lantern

SUPPLIES:

Jar ~ Dried orange slices

Cinnamon sticks ~ Star anise

Cloves ~ Mod Podge

Raffia ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS: Dry orange slices fully. Glue oranges onto jar sides. Add star anise and cloves between slices. Tie cinnamon sticks onto rim with raffia. Seal lightly if desired. Add warm fairy lights.

Smells Wonderful With Orange or clove essential oil.

Moon Garden Lantern

SUPPLIES:

Frosted jar ~ Dried Leaves

Lavender ~ Silver moon charm

Silver paint pen ~ Fairy lights

INSTRUCTIONS: Dry orange slices fully. Glue oranges onto jar sides. Add star anise and cloves between slices. Tie cinnamon sticks onto rim with raffia. Seal lightly if desired. Add warm fairy lights.

OPTIONAL HERBS: Jasmine ~ Sage ~ Rose petals

Pressed Wildflower Lantern

SUPPLIES

Glass jar ~ Pressed wildflowers

Ferns ~ Mod Podge

Lace ribbon

INSTRUCTIONS: Arrange flowers before gluing. Apply glue in small sections. Carefully press flowers flat. Seal with thin top coat. Dry completely. Add lace and lights.

Cottagecore Pairings Chamomile ~ Queen Anne’s lace ~ Tiny daisies