Fall Napkin Luminaries

I’m all about luminaries and have made many different kinds over the years. These fall napkin luminaries make use of pretty fall and Halloween paper napkins that you can find at dollar stores, big box stores, and even the grocery store. These would be a gorgeous decoration for your Pumpkin Painting Party!

How to Make Fall Napkin Luminaries

If you’re looking for an easy project for girl’s night, need something seniors can make, or just want to add something to your home decor this fall, these Halloween and fall napkin luminaries are a great choice!

I recently did a Facebook live for this project, but if you prefer to skip the full-length version, you can view the edited version of the video tutorial in this blog post.

Supplies for fall napkin luminaries

• Paper napkins
• Mod Podge (or another decoupage medium)
• Large paintbrush or sponge applicator
• Glass jar

Mod Podge tips

Before you get started, and especially if you didn’t watch the detailed video where I give tips, please be sure to read through these first:

• Don’t use white glue and water – while this solution does work, it can yellow over time. Mod Podge (and other decoupage mediums) is formulated to prevent yellowing.
• Do “prime” your jar first by applying a thin layer of Mod Podge. This will make the glass tacky and will make it easier to apply the napkin.
• Separate double ply napkins if you have them. The ones I used in this tutorial were sturdy one-ply napkins.
• Apply Mod Podge gently and with a light touch over the napkin to avoid ripping it. Remember, decoupage medium is a liquid and napkins are delicate. Using a heavy hand can cause damage to your pretty design!
• When applying the Mod Podge, use a generous amount but not so much that dripping occurs.
• Be sure to allow your finished project to dry completely (overnight is best) before adding a candle and displaying.
• Always store your Mod Podge with a tight-fitting lid and in a cool place out of reach of children.
• Placing your wet decoupage projects onto a wire cooling rack keeps them from sticking to your table!

How to make Halloween and fall napkin luminaries

1. Wash and dry your glass jar.
2. Prepare your paper napkins by separating ply (if needed) and cutting out designs.
3. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front of your jar.
4. Lay jar on its side with the wet side facing up.
5. Place napkin onto the jar, pressing gently from the center outward.
6. Apply Mod Podge to the bottom, side edges and rim.
7. Using a gentle hand, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the entire napkin.
8. Repeat steps on the back side of the jar.
9. Allow everything to dry completely (overnight is best) before displaying and adding a candle.
10. You can decorate the rim with burlap, ribbon or twine, but this step is completely optional.

Be sure to watch the video in this post for help with this project!

More fall craft ideas

We have plenty of fall and Halloween craft projects on this blog, but here are some we hand picked for you!

• Wood Slice Pumpkin Chalkboard
• Mason Jar Lid Pumpkins
• Decomesh Pumpkin Wreath
• Stacked Plastic Pumpkins
• And be sure to check out this large collection of homemade Halloween decorating ideas!

Print Project

5 from 3 votes

Fall Napkin Luminaries

These fall napkin luminaries are easy to make and look so beautiful in your window, on your mantle, or atop your Thanksgiving table!

Author: Amanda Formaro

Supplies

• Paper napkins
• Mod Podge
• Large paintbrush
• Glass <g class="gr_ gr_100 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_disable_anim_appear ContextualSpelling ins-del multiReplace" id="100" data-gr-id="100">jar</g>

Instructions

• Wash and dry your glass jar.
• Prepare your paper napkins by separating ply (if needed) and cutting out designs.
• Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to the front of your jar.
• Lay jar on its side with the wet side facing up.
• Place napkin onto the jar, pressing gently from the center outward.
• Apply Mod Podge to the bottom, side edges and rim.
• Using a gentle hand, apply a coat of Mod Podge over the top of the entire napkin.
• Repeat steps on the back side of the jar.
• Allow everything to dry completely (overnight is best) before displaying and adding a candle.
• You can decorate the rim with burlap, ribbon or twine, but this step is completely optional.