Simple DIY Luminaries

There’s something about a twinkling light in the winter that is just magical — Christmas lights, starlight, candles, luminaries. Even the faintest glow just feels cheery and welcoming on a cold, dark night! Of course, you can add ambiance any time, to any occasion, with a set of little luminaries. Try one of these that we love!

Remember to be smart — use battery-operated LED lights, or if you use an open flame — NEVER leave it unattended!

Easy DIY Luminaries

We just shared these easy paper house luminaries during out 12 Days of Handmade Christmas, courtesy of Ananda over at A Piece of Rainbow —

plus Ananda has another set over on her site, too! Perfect for a little (or large!) luminary village.

And since paper is an inexpensive supply and easy to come by — why not make a papercut star lantern? Hang it, set it on a mantel or shelf, or set it in the window! Me and My DIY has the template plus different designs for you to try.

Craftberry Bush shows you how to transform plain paper into faux birch bark to make these lovely lanterns!

Or you can use a craft knife (or an electronic cutting machine like a Cricut) with these templates from A Piece of Rainbow to make a lovely statement, any time of year!

Keep it suuuuper simple and wrap translucent paper and ribbon around a glass pillar filled with holiday lights! (via Martha Stewart)

Looking for something even simpler? Okay, just use a battery-operated paper lantern to dress up a table centerpiece or shelf: (via Weddbook)

Or you can pick up glass globe light fixtures at the hardware store (or the thrift store!) — just toss a string of lights inside and you’re all set! (from Home Depot)

Pressed flowers and leaves are a lovely way to remember vacations or even just seasons past — press them between wax paper sheets to make your own floral luminary! (instructions from Mother Earth Living)

Take advantage of the frozen winter and make some ice luminaries to decorate your walkway or porch!

These from One Little Project are so easy it’s ridiculous!

And I love the leaves and berries in these ice luminaries over at A Piece of Rainbow.

So, which kind of sparkle will you add to your winter decor?