Make pretty winter luminaries that appear to be covered with freshly fallen snow using snow texture paint! Oh so gorgeous and perfect for the holidays, they are very easy to make.
Make Beautiful Snowy Winter Luminaries
If you aren’t like me and you don’t wander around your yard in the spring picking up pinecones, you can always buy pinecones at the craft store. Yes, it’s spring when pinecones fall from trees, even though we commonly associate them with autumn.
HINT – if you love luminaries but would rather buy them instead of making them, there’s a big selection here on Etsy.
Pinecones fall in spring to release seeds for new trees, just like any other tree releases seedlings. So don’t want until fall to go pinecone hunting or you may only find ones that have been obliterated by the elements and the occasional lawnmower. I was trying to think of alternatives to pinecones and I was thinking that dried orange slices would be really pretty too!
Snow texture paint is thick and usually applied with a palette knife. You can use a paintbrush or even a craft stick, and you’ll see in this tutorial that I use my fingers too. Whatever works.
For these winter luminaries, I used Glistening Snow-Tex
by DecoArt which has a glittery finish to it, but unfortunately that’s no longer sold – but it’s simple enough to sprinkle glitter on top of regular Snow-Tex. They also make a Glistening Snow Writer
, pictured above, that can be used to write with or add small details. I didn’t use the writer in this project, but it’s great for ornaments! I also used some lace to wrap around the tops of the jars, and some twine and baker’s twine.
I’ve made a lot of different luminaries but these are definitely among my all-time favorites. The Sno-Tex dries nice and hard, so once you’re done you can move them around if you need to. I just love how wintery and festive they look! In fact, I think a few holly berries would be a really nice touch too.
I went a little crazy with pictures of these winter luminaries, but I just couldn’t decide on my favorites.
So you’re getting them all!
To make these winter luminaries you will need:
To start, I covered the rim of each jar with some lace.
On one of them I wrapped the entire rim with twine, on another, I just tied some twine around the top. Do whatever makes you happy. That’s what I do.
You can add the pinecones by gluing them to twine and then to the jar, or glue them directly onto the lace near the rim. Again, whatever works!
Stir up the Snow-Tex, here I’m using a palette knife…
And here I’m using my fingers. I just find I have more control this way. Do whatever works for you. Put some Snow-Tex on the pinecones, then around the rims of the jars as well.
I added some epsom salts to the jars, about an inch or so, then put a candle down inside. I didn’t want to bump the drying Snow-Tex, so I used some tongs to carefully add the candle. Now all you have to do is let the Snow-Tex dry for an hour or so.
Another option is to add the epsom salt and the candle first, then decorate. The only issue would be that you couldn’t really pick the jar up and turn it in different positions without messing up the snow and candle. Either way would work though!
There, aren’t they beautiful?
These winter luminaries are one of my favorite Christmas decorations this year! They will look great all lit up on your holiday table, on the mantle, or even lining the walk to your door.
More Christmas and winter luminaries:
- Christmas Votive Jars
- Candy Cane Mason Jar Luminary
- Glitter Christmas Luminaries
- Glow Stick Ice Luminaries
- Paper Snowman Luminaries
- 5 Minute Winter tree Lanterns
- Glittery Santa’s Belly Jar
Snowy Pinecone Candle Jars
Supplies
- glass jar
- 2 pinecones
- Lace
- Twine and/or baker’s twine
- Hot glue gun
- Snow-Tex
- Epsom salt
- Candle
Instructions
- Wash and dry jars.
- Glue lace around the rim of the jar.
- Tie twine around the rim of the jar.
- Attach pinecones to lace using hot glue.
- Decorate pinecones and top of jar rim with Snow-Tex.
- Add salt to the jar and insert the candle.
This post was originally published on this blog on Dec 15, 2013.
At the time this article was written, I was a DecoArt Core Blogger. I was compensated for this post, but have always loved DecoArt products! Therefore, all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
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Aakanksha says
Superb and easy craft! I loved it.
Peggy says
I made several of these pine cone luminary jars for Christmas presents this year. Each one was somewhat different. They turned out so pretty. I provided both areal tea candle and a battery LED tea candle with the jar. I’m giving these out on Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing your project.
Kathy A says
Gonna make some of these for next year; great all-winter ornament. My son gave me some small cones from his treees; I’ll gift them back to him!!!
Scarlet says
This pinecone candle jar craft is so cute! I love the classic style that will go with anything. PInning now:)
Carol A Weyler says
Amanda
These are beautiful. Question…could I use glitter and glue on the pinecones as that’s what I have on hand? I adore your site. I love winter and the holidays. God bless you hon.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Carol! Sure, you could do that. :)
Michele says
Hi Amanda,
What a beautiful craft idea! Can’t wait to make it. Can you tell me what size mason jar you used?
Thanks!
Amanda Formaro says
I believe they are quart sized?
Stephanie says
I make soy candles in mason jars. I will be making this for the fall and winter fragrance oil collection I carry. Rather then using the salt and a votive candles , I’ll be filling the jar 3/4 way full with 100% soy. I’m soooooo excited about this look!!! Thank you for sharing!
Amanda Formaro says
That sounds great, I hope they sell like hot cakes!
Diane Reddy says
What size lace.
Amanda Formaro says
The size is totally up to you. I believe the lace ribbon I used was approximately 2-inches in width.
Christy Roppel says
Love these and can’t wait to try!
I do have a question: I want to use “real” candles (like you show) but wonder if there’s a fire hazard with the “snow” and/or the Epsom salts?’
Thanks!
Christy
Amanda Formaro says
I don’t believe there is a fire hazard with the salt. I did not encounter any problems. However you can use LED candles if you are uncomfortable using the real ones :)
Christine says
Oooooo I LOVE these!!! I’m definitely making them. My suggestion would be to put the Epsom salts and candle in first then add the snow paint. This way you won’t be taking a chance on messing it up. Can’t wait to make this ?
Amanda Formaro says
Be sure to let me know how your winter luminaries turn out, Christine! :)
Bonnie Thiem says
I love these. Gotta make some for next Christmas. I always have them up on my walls in my front yard on Christmas Eve (I live in NM). They are so much Christmas. Thanks.
Toni says
Beautiful! Bookmarked this for next winter to make for friends.
Becky says
Do you use a lighter fluid lighter or long match to light your candles? I just wonder if this would be mailable….maybe send the epsom salt and candle wrapped separately. Or maybe don’t mail at all. LOL
Amanda Formaro says
The snow texture paint should hold up if you wrap them carefully. I would suggest using bubble wrap. And yes, wrap the candle and epsom salt separate. I used a long lighter, can’t think of the name, they are used for lighting barbecue grills :)
Gloria Bowen says
I’M Making these at xmass to put on my table along with dried flowers from my yard.
Amanda Formaro says
Hope they turn out beautiful and you love them!
Debbie says
Hello Amanda,
What kind and/or width of twine did you use jute? hemp? coated? They are beautiful!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Debbie. To be completely honest, I have several sizes and types of twine and just grab whatever I think will look good. Sorry, that’s probably not the answer you were after.
Loveleen says
Where can I find snow-Tex ??
Amanda Formaro says
There is a link in the post to buy it on Amazon. Otherwise craft stores have it and Walmart may have it as well.
Trish says
What did you fill the bottom of the jar with? Looks like sugar.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Trish. It’s stated in the instructions in the post. It’s epsom salt.
Ana says
What size pine cones do you recommend buying?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Ana! I think mine were around 2-3-inches :)
Cindy says
Love your craft ideas. We always do Christmas crafts at our Thanksgiving gathering. Looking forward to many more ideas. I’m sure we will do this craft and probably some others.
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome, thanks Cindy!
Sigita says
Very beautiful. Thanks for the idea!
Dina Rabadi says
Hi Amanda,
Enjoying some down time and came across your projects and site. I love these!!! They are so beautiful and I look forward to making them. Thank you for sharing and have fun bringing in 2015!!!
Dina
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Dina, hope you have fun making them!
Norma says
I love this project. I am going to try it. A few years ago I made a village scene and for the snow I used washed crushed egg shells. It looked very realistic.
Amanda Formaro says
Love that idea Norma :)
Angela Thompson says
These are what I’m making to finish up my Christmas gift giving! Thanks Amanda for sharing. Merry Christmas!
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Angela!
Marie Shalloe says
Hi Amanda, Love the jars, will have to give them a go providing I can get the snowtex here in Ireland
I was just wondering if using tea lights might be an idea to make the jars reusable, as when they melt they have a little well around them that holds the wax and might make it easier to remove and replace the candle.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Marie. Actually the salt acts similar to sand, so when the votive candles melts it all collects in a pool and can be lifted right out when dry. But yes, you can use tea lights if you prefer! :)
Nadine says
What size Mason jars do you use????
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Nadine. You can use whatever size you like. These are the larger mason jars, I think quart size.
Claudette says
Amanda, these are simply gorgeous. It is a definite project for Christmas. They look very romantic with a touch of the past. I have boxes after boxes of mason jars of all sizes.
I haven’t been able to create for the last 14 years. My brain has gone into dormancy. This project is giving to get back into it.
They will look beautiful not only inside but outside below the wreath next to the Christmas tree. Can’t wait.
Thank you so much.
Claudette
Amanda Formaro says
That’s wonderful Claudette! I’m so excited that my project has inspired you to get back to crafting! :)
Rachel DeJesus says
This is pure genius! I am going to make these to give as gifts to teachers and parts of my family who aren’t Christian, or who don’t celebrate Christmas, but who I’d never leave off my gift list! Thanks for the great inspiration!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Rachel! So glad you like them and I hope your gift recipients do as well :) :)
MARY P. says
I LIKE THESE CANDLE HOLDERS…BUT I HAVE ONE SUGESTION..WOULDNT
BE BETTER TO PUT THE EPSONS SALTS IN FIRST SO YOU DONT RUIN THE
GLUE ON THE TOP OF THE JAR…I REALIZE THAT YOU WILL BE TURNING
THE JAR TO GLUE IT BUT I DONT THINK THE EPSONS SALT WOULD COME OUT
AND THEN YOU CAN ADD THE CANDLE AFTER THE GLUE IS DRY..REALLY COULD
ADD THE EPSONS SALT AFTER THE GLUE HAS DRIED. AWESOME CANDLES.
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Mary. You are welcome to do it that way if you like :) Adding the epsom salt doesn’t ruin the glue. You need to let everything dry before adding the salt, and putting it in first limits how much you can tilt and turn the jar while you are working on it, that’s why I added the salt last. :)
DeBora says
How do these hold up outside in the below freezing temps? Does the glass break or should these be outside at all? Thanks!
Amanda Formaro says
I never put them outside, I made them as indoor decorations :)
Karen V says
I am so glad I came across these. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. My birthday was on Sunday and asked (and received) a case of Mason Jars (yes, a case LOL). Now I have the PERFECT project to make. Thank you so much for sharing this and for also sharing that pine cones only fall in the spring!! Looks like a trip to Michael’s :)
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome! Hope you enjoy making them Karen! and happy birthday :)
Wendy Winans says
I just finished making 2 as an example for a ladies retreat coming up the end of October. So simple. So cute. Thanks.
Amanda Formaro says
Awesome and fun Wendy!
Kristy Tomlinson says
Do you think that the snow tex could be removed if we want to reuse the jars for something else?
Amanda Formaro says
I haven’t tried to do that, but my guess would be yes. You would probably have to soak it to soften the Snow Tex.
Angie says
So cute!! I can see why they are some of your favourites; I can’t hardly wait to make these with my grandkids.
Amanda Formaro says
Hope you enjoy it as much as I did Angie!
Maggie Schleiss says
I love this idea. Sooo pretty. I want to try and sell some of these this fall; I’ll probably put a votive or a tea light in a glass holder and maybe try the mini lights too. You get the credit tho. I was thinking that you could always replace the epsom salt by carefully pouring it out. I’m also going to experiment with coating the Snowtex with a dab of mod podge. Also might add some white glitter here and there. Thanks for a great idea!
Amanda Formaro says
Have fun experimenting Maggie!
bobbiegrantland says
love the mason jar candles, will try making them this fall. So simple and pretty.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Bobbie!
Janet Bacon says
Another comment. I love the idea of crafting with Epsom salts. Is there any type of sealer/varnish that I can use so the salts won’t turn white and fall off?? Thanks again!!
Amanda Formaro says
I haven’t tried any others. I may do this project again this year and see if I can find something that works. I’ll be sure to update the post if something is successful!
Janet Bacon says
Your crafts and tutorials are JUST awesome. I am very new at this and a little nervous. Once I get started, and if they look presentable, I would like to sell some of your items (if possible) You will get all the credit. Many thanks Amanda for your EXCELLENT ideas.. ggmnanajan☺☺☺
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you janet, that’s very kind of you!
Sue McEndree says
These are really pretty!!! My daughter was looking for something similiar to these but she wanted to put small electric lights in the jars.
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Sue! The lights would be beautiful :)
Cindy says
I like this idea much better than a real candle or for a different flair than a battery operated candle, use some of those battery operated wire lights found at Lowes at Christmas time or any craft store, Pier One has many to choose from as well.
Cindy says
I just love this. One question. How do you light the candle?
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Cindy. I use one of those lighter “guns” that has a really long snout on it. You can get them from WalMart for a few bucks :)
Lisa says
Hi. These are really pretty …..I think I might make a pair for a gift for my sis who loves candles. Just wondering. It looks like you use a votive candle on top the Epsom salts ….how does that affect the Epsom salts when the candle has melted down to nothing? Is the jar/snow “reusable” so that when I give as a gift the receiver of gift can put in a new candle when the original one melts. Or do the salts get “nasty”? (sorry I lacked a better word) Just wondering :)
Amanda Formaro says
Epsom salt contains moisture, which is what gives it sparkle, so the only thing that can happen to it is it dries out and turns white. The salt that I used was already dried out as it was in a container in my craft room and the lid was open a little. The candles I used were actually a little bigger that the standard votive candle. I let them burn down until they were a flat puddle and blew them out. When I went to pack them away in the Christmas stuff I couldn’t get the candle out without breaking it haha – the puddle had cooled and hardened, making the melted candle larger than the opening. I guess my point is that the candle did not affect the salts at all, but if you want to you can place a votive candle inside a glass votive holder and lower THAT down into the salts :) Thanks!
Maria says
These look lovely! And I LOVE the snowy look, that is so cute! Beautifully wintery! :)
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Maria!
Northern Cottage says
Ooh sooo purdy!!!! Love the look and that tong candle drop trick is brilliant!!! Xo
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks! It worked out beautifully :)
Lisa Wright says
Love these! Question, have you tried with fake candles? Maybe they dont look as good? Im just concerned that the twine or lace might catch on fire. Also, would you have an alternative to the Epsom salt? Some fake snow of some sort?
Thanks so much! Lisa
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Lisa. The twine and the lace are on the outside and the candle is on the inside, so there shouldn’t be any danger of them catching fire. However, if you are more comfortable with LED candles, by all means use them! :) As for fake snow compared to epsom salt, epsom salt is probably less expensive and available at any drug store or dollar store. But you could certainly use fake snow if you wanted to.
BAM says
I noticed that you put the candle directly on the Epsom Salt. Is Epsom Salts flammable? Are you not afraid that when the candle melts down all the way to the salt that it could catch fire?. Also, if it melts down all the way (without a votive holder), & it doesn’t catch fire, wouldn’t it make such a mess that the jar candles would only be good for one use? Do the jars also get smoke residue on the inside of them as the candle burns? Thanks
Amanda Formaro says
Hi BAM. My candles did burn all the way down and no the salt did not catch fire. And actually, the salt acts like sand and when the wax melts it pools and dries on the salt and you can lift it right out. You can trim your wicks down a little to avoid smoke residue on your candles. You can also use tea lights if you like, you will just have to replace them more often.
Kelly says
I love the rustic spin! Thanks for sharing. xo
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Kelly!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I love the snow affect!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Angie, my favorite part too :)
Maria says
So pretty!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Maria!
shelby says
absolutely love these Amanda and will be making it to decorate my new house for the next holiday season. :)
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Shelby! I love Snow-Tex, it just adds that element of fun!
Sharon says
These are so pretty … going to make for family & friends … thanks for the great idea … HAPPY HOLIDAYS !!!
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks so much Sharon, so glad you like them! :)
julia says
i make my own snow tex with sand, glitter and white acrylic paint. mix it up and go crazy
Amanda Formaro says
Oh how cool! Never thought of that :)
dianna says
equal amounts of sand, glue, and paint?
Suzanne Collier says
Must make, must make, must make!!!!! One of my very favorites! :D
Amanda Formaro says
Thank you Suzanne! :)
Sheryl says
love the wintry feel, so simple. I have all items on hand, however when I make candle jars I use spaghetti sauce glass jars (washes and label removed)
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Sheryl! Yes, I just recently made some luminaries from three recycled pickle jars. Always save my jars! :)
Pat says
I think these would look great in the blue mason jars an still go with winter theme you could use white glitter paint to add snow flakes to the jars
Eva Roberts says
You can also use Elmer’s Glue and Epson Salt if you don’t have the Snow-Tex. It looks like snow. I would use the battery powered candles in mine since I can’t use real ones due to oxygen use.
Jennifer Gepson says
Thats a great idea! I was worried about this one since the fabric, snow and especially the pine cones are so flamable. You wouldnt want to leave this one unattended for sure.
Stacey says
I was thinking the same thing. Why couldn’t the candles be the no flame tealights (the battery operated ones). There must be a way to permanently set the snow in the bottom of the jars so the tealights could be put in and taken out .