Long winter afternoons call for a Valentine’s Day activity that’s short and sweet. We love this tissue paper luminary because it turns an extra mason jar into something really special. Plus, kids love cutting tissue-paper hearts and spreading glue—and they get a kick out of seeing their luminaries glow in the dark. It’ll make a great handmade gift, or look lovely on your mantle. We’ll be lighting ours long after Valentine’s Day!
Materials
Jar (a spaghetti or mason jar works fine)
Tissue paper (white and red)
Glue (or mix craft glue with a little water)
Foam brush
Cup (for glue)
Tea light
Twine
Scissors
Step 1: Cut squares or rectangular strips from the white tissue paper. Cut hearts out of the red tissue paper. Have fun cutting bigger hearts and smaller ones.
Step 2: Dip your foam brush into the glue mixture and paint the glue directly onto the jar. Start placing white tissue paper onto the jar. Cover the paper with more glue. Feel free to let the kids really layer the glue on, since it’ll dry clear.
Step 3: Paste the red hearts on top of the white tissue paper. Make sure to put them all around the jar.
Step 4: After you’re finished gluing all the tissue paper, let your luminary dry for a couple of hours.
Step 5: Tie a pretty piece of baker’s twine or a festive ribbon to the rim of the jar. Place a battery-operated tea light inside. Turn off the lights to see your luminary glow.