There are a handful of holiday crafts I come back to year after year because they give you a lot of beauty for very little effort, and this is one of them. With a few pantry-adjacent supplies and some empty jars, you can make something that catches candlelight in that soft, snowy way that always feels a bit magical in December.
I especially love projects like this when the season is busy and I still want my home to feel dressed for Christmas. If you can brush on glue and roll a jar in salt, you can absolutely make these, and the finished glow is far more elegant than the simplicity of the process would suggest.
Materials
3 empty glass jars, 12 to 16 ounces each
Instructions
1. Wash the jars thoroughly, remove any labels, and dry them completely so the glue sticks evenly to the glass.
2. Pour the Epsom salt into the shallow dish in an even layer about 1/4 inch deep, and set the paper plate nearby as a drying surface.
3. Brush a generous, even coat of Mod Podge or glue over the outside of one jar, leaving the top 1 to 1 1/2 inches clear if you want a cleaner rim for contrast.
4. Roll the glue-coated jar gently through the Epsom salt, turning as you go so the crystals cling in a thick, snowy layer around the sides and slightly onto the bottom edge.
5. Stand the jar upright on the paper plate and sprinkle a little extra Epsom salt onto any thin spots so the finish looks full and frosty rather than patchy.
6. Repeat with the remaining two jars, refreshing the salt bed in the dish between jars if bare spots start to show.
7. Let the jars dry for 45 to 60 minutes, then lightly tap off any loose crystals back onto the plate.
8. Cut three lengths of twine about 18 to 24 inches long, wrap one around the neck of each jar two or three times, and tie each into a simple bow or knot.
9. If you want a slightly more sealed finish, dab a very light touch of glue over any sparse areas only, then add one last pinch of salt and let dry again for 15 minutes.
10. Place one battery tea light inside each jar and set them where the crystal finish can catch and soften the glow.
Variations & Tips
For different jar shapes: Short jelly jars look sweet and compact, while taller pasta-sauce jars feel more dramatic. I like mixing heights in a cluster because the candlelight looks richer and more layered.
For the best crystal finish: Epsom salt gives a chunkier, icier texture than regular sugar, which is what makes the surface look so wintry. If the glue starts drying before you roll, work one jar at a time instead of coating all three at once.
For cleaner rims: Leaving the top inch of glass bare gives the jars a more polished look and keeps twine from snagging on crystals. It is a small detail, but it makes the final piece look intentional.
For stronger hold: Mod Podge usually dries a bit tougher than school glue, though both work. If your glue is very thick, stir in 1 teaspoon of water at a time so it brushes on smoothly instead of dragging.
For styling: I like grouping these in threes with evergreen clippings, pinecones, or a ribboned tray. As with plating food, a little contrast and height makes the whole arrangement feel more finished.
For safety: Use battery tea lights only, since the jars are coated on the outside with a glued-on crystal finish. They give you all the charm of candlelight without the worry.