Thanksgiving nights have a certain magic—twinkling lights, warm hugs, and tables full of love. But let me tell you, nothing adds a cozier touch to your fall décor than homemade Scarecrow Jar Lanterns! 🍂✨ A few years back, I stumbled across this craft idea and turned it into a family tradition. They’re quirky, glowing, and just a bit rustic—perfect for porch décor or dinner table ambiance. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just want to add some whimsy to your space, these lanterns are the ultimate DIY fall vibe. Ready to get crafty?
Materials You’ll Need for Your Scarecrow Jar Lanterns
Alright, let’s talk gear—because if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried to start a DIY project only to realize you’re missing half the stuff. Been there. That’s why I’ve got you covered with this full list of what you’ll need to make these glowing scarecrow jar lanterns your new favorite Thanksgiving decorations.
The Must-Haves (Trust Me)
So, the first time I made these little guys, I used leftover spaghetti jars. Big mistake. They were way too small, and I ended up with squished straw faces. 😂 Now I swear by 10–12″ clear glass jars—they’re perfect for letting the glow from the LED fairy lights shine through and give that cozy autumn vibe.
Next up: raffia or straw filler. You don’t need the fancy stuff. I grabbed a $3 pack from the dollar store. You just wanna stuff those jars enough to make the inside look like a real scarecrow belly—fluffy but not bursting.
And here’s where the magic happens—battery-operated LED fairy lights. Don’t skip on this. I used cheap ones once and they dimmed after an hour. Get the warm white ones with at least 20–30 bulbs. They literally make these lanterns sparkle like little fall fireflies.
The Fun Bits (A.K.A. Personality Boosters)
Now onto the creative bits. I grabbed a stack of burlap squares, about 12×12″ each, for the scarecrow hats. They give the lanterns that rustic, farmhouse touch that screams DIY fall decor.
For the faces? Orange felt cut into little triangles for noses—classic scarecrow style. Then I used a black paint pen (way easier than a brush) to draw oval eyes and those wonky stitched smiles. Don’t worry if they’re uneven. It’s part of the charm.
Oh, and don’t forget plaid ribbon—about 12″ long for each jar. That little bow tie pulls it all together like a scarecrow heading to Thanksgiving dinner in style.
And just for a little extra oomph, I glue on a couple of artificial fall flowers (I found mine on sale at Hobby Lobby). Adds color and makes them pop on your porch or table.
What You’ll Need (Checklist Style)
- 3 clear glass jars (10–12″ tall)
- About 100g of raffia or straw filler
- 3 sets of warm white LED fairy lights (battery-operated)
- 3 12″×12″ burlap squares
- 6–9 artificial fall flowers
- Orange felt, cut into 2″ triangle noses
- Black paint pen or black acrylic paint
- 3 pieces of plaid ribbon (12″ each)
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
Now, I keep all of this in a little fall DIY bin so I can bust it out every year. If you’re a sucker for fall crafts for adults like I am, you’ll love how easy and rewarding this project is. These lanterns aren’t just cute—they’re showstoppers for your Thanksgiving table centerpiece or your front porch.
Next up, I’ll show you exactly how to put it all together without burning your fingers on hot glue or tangling fairy lights like I did the first time (don’t ask). 😅
Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Lanterns
Okay, let’s get to the fun part—putting these adorable scarecrow jar lanterns together! I promise, even if you’re all thumbs (like I usually am when hot glue is involved), you can totally pull this off. This is one of those Thanksgiving crafts where mess-ups still look cute, so don’t stress it!
Step 1: Clean & Prep Your Jars
First off—clean those jars like you’re prepping them for canning. I made the mistake of skipping this once and ended up with foggy-looking glass. Just some warm soapy water, rinse, and let ’em dry completely. That way, the battery-operated lights will shine nice and bright through the glass.
Step 2: Stuff ‘Em Like a Scarecrow
Grab your raffia or straw and start stuffing it into the jars. Don’t overdo it—you want room for light to bounce around inside. I try to fluff it up a bit near the middle so the light doesn’t get buried. Think of it like building a little cozy nest in there. 😄
Step 3: Light it Up
Now comes the magic—LED fairy lights! I swear by warm white lights—they give off that perfect cozy fall glow. I usually tuck the battery pack near the top (facing the back) so I can reach the switch without digging. Then I snake the lights through the straw evenly, like weaving Christmas lights into a wreath.
Pro tip: Test the lights before you stuff them in. Nothing’s worse than realizing you’ve buried a dead set of lights under straw.
Step 4: Give ‘Em a Face
Time to bring these cuties to life! I cut out little triangle noses from orange felt and glued them right in the center. Then, I used a black paint pen to draw on big oval eyes and a stitched smile. Don’t overthink it—crooked smiles make them even more charming.
The first time I did this, one of mine looked like he was smirking. My nephew said it looked like a “mischievous turkey”—which, honestly, became his name. 😂
Step 5: Dress Them Up
Now, grab that plaid ribbon and tie it around the neck of the jar like a bow tie. I like to mix colors—red, brown, mustard. Makes each scarecrow jar feel like its own character.
Then, drape your burlap square loosely over the lid area to form a floppy scarecrow hat. Add a dab of hot glue to secure it in place. Pop on one or two artificial fall flowers to the side of the hat and boom—you’ve got a full-on harvest vibe going.
Final Touch: Light It & Smile
Once everything’s dry and secure, flip on the fairy lights and step back. You’ll be shocked at how cozy these mason jar lanterns look in a dim room. I leave one on in the kitchen window every night through November. Makes me feel like fall lives here full-time.
And hey, if your scarecrow ends up with a crooked hat or a googly eye? Even better. That just means they’ve got personality.
Decorating Tips to Add Personality to Each Jar
Now that your scarecrow jar lanterns are assembled and glowing like cozy little pumpkins, it’s time to really have some fun—decorating them to show off their personality. Honestly, this is my favorite part. This is where your scarecrows stop being “just another mason jar craft” and start becoming part of the family. (Yes, I name mine. No shame.)
Mix Up the Faces
I learned this the hard way after making three identical jars. They were cute… but kind of like triplets in the same outfit. Now, I draw different expressions on each one. Give one big sleepy eyes. Another with raised “eyebrows” and a wonky grin. Throw in a wink if you’re feeling fancy.
One year, my niece painted one with a mustache and named him “Scare-Dad.” Best compliment I’ve ever gotten on a Thanksgiving table decor piece.
Play with Colorful Ribbon Combos
Here’s where you can stretch your fall decorating ideas muscle. Use different plaid ribbons—buffalo check, harvest orange, mustard yellow, even some soft flannel scraps if you’ve got them. Layer them if you’re feeling wild. Add a jingle bell or a button in the center of the bow for that little extra zhuzh.
Also, if you’re hosting a dinner, these make amazing personalized DIY gifts or place cards. Just tie on a little name tag and BOOM—custom Thanksgiving party favor.
Don’t Skip the Hat Accessories
The burlap hats are already cute. But if you add a mini sunflower, a sprig of dried wheat, or even a cinnamon stick (yes, I’ve tried it—it smells amazing), they go from craft project to farmhouse centerpiece. One year, I even glued tiny pinecones on the brim. It turned out way better than expected!
You could also use felt leaves, acorns, or little Halloween leftovers. The key is balance—don’t overload the top or it’ll look like your scarecrow fell into a craft bin explosion. (Ask me how I know. 🙈)
Create a “Scarecrow Family” Theme
This is a fun one if you’re doing a few jars. Give them roles—Mom Scarecrow with a floral hat, Dad Scarecrow with a necktie ribbon, Baby Scarecrow with big button eyes. You could even match their looks to real family members for a hilarious holiday craft conversation starter.
And for the ultra-extra folks (hi, that’s me), throw in tiny props like a rake, mini basket, or even a pumpkin sticker on the glass. Trust me—people notice those little touches.
No two scarecrows should look alike—and that’s the magic of it. These aren’t just easy holiday crafts—they’re stories in a jar. Your dinner guests will be asking, “Where’d you buy these?” And you’ll smile and say, “I didn’t—I made ‘em.”
Where to Display Your Lanterns for Maximum Impact
Alright, your scarecrow jar lanterns are glowing, adorable, and full of charm—now where the heck do you put them? I’ve tried just about every spot in my house over the years, and I’ve got a few go-to spots that turn these little guys into total showstoppers.
1. Front Porch Glow-Up
Let’s start with the curb appeal. I line two or three scarecrow lanterns along the front steps, mixed with real pumpkins and a few hay bales. At night, with the mason jar lighting softly glowing, it turns my porch into a Pinterest-worthy autumn welcome mat. Just remember to keep them sheltered if it’s damp out—raffia doesn’t love rain. Trust me.
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, this setup screams “cozy fall farmhouse” before your guests even ring the doorbell. Porch decor for fall has never been this cute or easy.
2. Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece
This one’s a classic for a reason. I usually group all three lanterns in the center of the table, surrounded by mini gourds, faux leaves, and a few cinnamon sticks for scent. Add in some cranberries or popcorn kernels scattered around and boom—you’ve got a Thanksgiving centerpiece idea that people actually talk about. You don’t even need candles.
Wanna elevate it even more? Set them on a wood slice or a linen runner. That soft LED glow bouncing off the glass is chef’s kiss. 🔥
3. Cozy Window Display
One year I stuck a scarecrow lantern in every downstairs window—and honestly, it made my house look like something out of a Hallmark movie. Warm lights glowing out into the cool autumn evening? Pure magic. It’s a subtle way to add fall home lighting without dragging out the string lights or messing with timers.
Pro tip: Stick a bit of museum putty under each jar if you have cats or kids who like to “rearrange” things.
4. Bathroom or Kitchen Surprise
This is one of those underrated ideas that people always mention. I pop a little scarecrow jar on the bathroom counter or near the kitchen sink. It adds that touch of cozy without taking up much space. Plus, guests notice the details—and these are some seriously charming details.
One of my friends called it “the most festive soap companion” she’s ever seen. 😂
5. Gift Table or Entryway Display
Hosting a fall party or Friendsgiving? Stack a few lanterns on the entryway table near a bowl of name tags or desserts. It sets the mood the second someone walks in. I like to tuck in a little chalkboard sign that says “Welcome to our harvest home” or something cheesy like that. Works every time.
So, whether you’re keeping things lowkey or going full Martha Stewart, these DIY Thanksgiving decorations will shine just about anywhere. Pick a few key spots and let the glow do the rest. You don’t need a ton—just the right placement makes these jars look like something out of a designer magazine.
And there you have it—your very own cozy collection of Scarecrow Jar Lanterns! Whether they’re lighting up your porch, stealing the show as a DIY Thanksgiving centerpiece, or just sitting on the kitchen counter making you smile, these little glow jars pack a punch of fall charm.
Honestly, this is one of those easy Thanksgiving projects that you’ll want to bring back year after year. They’re budget-friendly, beginner-proof, and full of personality. Plus, they make for amazing conversation starters and even better photo ops. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask, “Where’d you buy these?”—that’s your cue to beam and say, “Oh, these? I made them!”
If you’re proud of how yours turned out (and I know you will be), snap a pic and throw it up on Pinterest. People are always looking for fresh fall crafts inspiration, and your version might just spark someone else’s creative fire. Who knows? You might even go viral in the Pinterest-worthy decorations game. 😏
Tag it with something like #ScarecrowLanternDIY or #HandmadeFallDecor—and don’t forget to pin this guide so you’ve got it ready for next Thanksgiving too.
