I had so much fun making this monster craft! These monster mason jar lanterns turned out great, and they can be used as a fun Halloween craft for kids, as decorations for a monster-themed party, or as a nightlight with a battery-operated candle.
This tutorial includes a video and description of all the steps that I took to create the monster craft jar lanterns. I’m also including a FREE Monster Face Template that you can print and use to create your monster faces!
Monster Face Template: Monster Craft
As I was brainstorming this monster craft, I actually had two different ideas for how to make them. Both of the monster mason jar lanterns turned out really cute, so I will include a tutorial for both!
Contents
Monster Craft Version 1: Faux Fur
This version of the mason jar lanterns includes using faux fur.
The Pros: The fur is super cute and looks really great! The look of this monster jar is my favorite of the two.
Challenges: Full disclosure, the fur sheds A LOT while you are making it, especially when you cut it. But once it is completed though, it’s fine.
This jar was also a bit more difficult to make since you have to hot glue everything. It’s easy enough for an adult, but not one that younger kids will be able to help with as much.
If you want lots of kid involvement, I recommend the painted version listed in this post. If you have older kids or you just want to make it for cute decor, then this might be the version for you!
What you Need:
Small Mason Jar
Faux Fur in any color
Hot Glue, Hot Glue Gun
Craft Foam in various Colors
Monster Face Template: Monster Craft (or create your own face design!)
The Steps:
- Use the templates or draw your own monster face. Make sure that you make the eye fairly large since this is where the light will shine through.
2. Measure and cut the fur so that it fits the jar perfectly all the way around.
3. Flip the fur over and bring the ends of the strip together. Place your eye/eyes right where the two ends meet. Trace the eye.
4. Cut out the eye. There should one half circle on each end.
5. Turn the fur back over so that the fuzzy side is facing the outside. Hot glue the fur around the jar, carefully aligning both sides of the eye so that it makes a complete circle.
6. Using the craft foam, cut out a black circle for the pupil of the eye. I used a white paint marker to draw the accent inside the pupil. Glue the pupil into the center of the eye opening.
7. Trace the templates for the mouth, horns, and anything else you want to add onto the craft foam. (Or print the monster face template onto card stock and cut it out). Glue the rest of the features onto your monster however you like!
8. Use a battery operated tea lite candle or a glow stick on the inside of the jar to make them glow! So cute as a Halloween craft, Monster themed Party decor, or a fun night light!
Monster Craft Version 2: Painted
This version of the mason jar monster craft involves sponge painting.
Pros: It’s easier than the first version for kids to create. They can be very involved from the designing of the monster face to the actual painting.
Challenges: You do have to wait a bit for the paint and glue to dry between steps, but it doesn’t take very long.
What You Need:
- Small mason jar
- Sponge or sponge brushes for painting. Optional: An old toothbrush for texture
- Acrylic or tempura paint, any colors
- Monster Face Template: Monster Craft (Or draw and create your own monster face!)
- Craft foam for adding features to your monster. Or, you could also print the templates on card stock and glue that instead.
- Glue- I used a liquid glue for wood and glass. *Note: if you’re using craft foam, hot glue seems to work best. For card stock or construction paper, liquid glue will work fine.
- Any other accents you want to add to make your monster – construction paper, glitter (if you dare), faux fur accents, etc. Be creative and make it your own!
The Steps:
- Choose your face templates (or draw your own) and cut them out.
- Secure the eye to the jar using tape on the BACK of the paper template.
- Using a sponge, dab some paint on the jar and cover the whole jar with a light layer of paint. Be careful not to move the eye template. It’s okay if it’s not a solid coat of paint. You want it to have texture.
- Let dry completely.
- For the second coat of paint, choose a lighter color. I used an old toothbrush and made wispy strokes to imitate “fur”. You don’t want to completely cover the first layer.
- Let dry completely.
- Use construction paper, card stock or craft foam to create the mouth, horns, or anything else you want to add. Glue them in place to create your monster.
More great craft ideas
If you want more great craft ideas, check out some of these other posts!
Wood Circle Owl Fall Craft
Gnome Valentine Box Craft
20 Christmas Crafts You Can make As Gifts
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