DIY Moroccan Inspired Lantern Made From Old Glass and Paper Doilies

If you’ve ever scrolled past those dreamy, jewel-toned Moroccan lanterns and thought, “Wow, love that… but my wallet politely says no,” this project is for you. With a few old glass jars, some paper doilies, and basic craft supplies, you can create your own Moroccan-inspired lanterns that look boutique but cost pocket change.

This DIY upcycles glass you already have, adds a little boho charm to your home, and is simple enough for a relaxed weekend craft session. Think warm candlelight, lacy shadows on the wall, and major “did you really make that?” compliments.

Why Make a Moroccan-Inspired Lantern From Old Glass?

Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why this particular DIY is such a win compared to buying a ready-made lantern.

1. It’s Budget-Friendly and Eco-Conscious

Reusing glass jars (from pasta sauce, pickles, salsa, etc.) saves money and keeps perfectly good containers out of the trash. Many popular DIY projects use jars as the base for candle holders and lanterns because they’re sturdy, heat-resistant, and easy to decorate.

2. It Looks High-End With Very Simple Supplies

Paper doilies plus sheer color plus metallic accents can mimic the intricate pierced metal and stained glass look of traditional Moroccan lanterns. You’re essentially faking an elaborate design with stencils, decoupage, and dimensional paint instead of expensive metalwork or glass etching.

3. It’s Customizable for Any Style

Prefer bold jewel tones? Go for deep sapphire blue and emerald green. Want something softer and more romantic? Try frosted white glass with just a whisper of gold detailing. You can match your lanterns to a boho bedroom, a cozy patio, or a themed party like an “Arabian Nights” dinner.

Supplies You’ll Need

Gather everything before you start so you don’t end up digging through drawers with gluey fingers.

• Old glass jars or bottles (mason jars, salsa jars, yogurt jars, etc.)
• Paper doilies (round or decorative shapes)
• Plain white paper towels or napkins (for pattern transfer or extra texture)
• Decoupage medium or white school glue mixed with a little water
• Foam brush or soft paintbrushes
• Glass paint or multi-surface acrylic paint in jewel tones
• Metallic paint (gold, copper, or bronze) for accents
• Dimensional or “puffy” paint in gold/bronze for faux metal filigree
• Painter’s tape or masking tape
• Scissors
• Rubbing alcohol and paper towels (to clean the glass)
• Tea lights or LED candles (highly recommended for safety)
• Optional: jute twine or rope for the rim and handle, hot glue gun, and glass-safe sealer spray

Step-by-Step: DIY Moroccan Inspired Lantern From Old Glass and Paper Doilies

Step 1: Prep and Clean the Glass

Good prep makes the difference between “wow” and “why is this peeling?”

• Remove any labels by soaking the jar in warm, soapy water.
• Scrape off sticky residue with a scraper or scrub pad.
• Wipe the outside of the jar with rubbing alcohol to remove oils and fingerprints.

Once the glass is squeaky clean and dry, you’re ready to decorate.

Step 2: Create Your Doily “Stencil” Pattern

Paper doilies have those beautiful cutout patterns that look surprisingly similar to the motifs on Moroccan lanterns. You can use them in two main ways:

• As a decoupage design: Cut sections of the doily (borders, medallions, corners) and glue them directly to the jar for a lacy overlay.
• As a stencil guide: Tape the doily to the jar and lightly dab paint over it, then remove to reveal a delicate pattern underneath.

If your doily is thick, you can separate it into layers or even press it onto a slightly damp paper towel first and use that thinner layer as your decoupage piece so it conforms better to curved glass.

Step 3: Attach the Doilies With Decoupage

This step gives the lantern its signature lacey look.

1. Using a foam brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage medium (or diluted white glue) to a small section of the jar.
2. Carefully place a section of the paper doily onto the wet area, gently smoothing out air bubbles from the center outward.
3. Brush another thin coat of decoupage medium over the top of the doily to seal it.

Work in small sections so the glue doesn’t dry before the paper is in place. Don’t worry if the paper looks slightly cloudy or wrinkled at firstmost decoupage mediums dry clear and smooth out nicely as they set.

Step 4: Add Color for a Stained-Glass Effect

Now comes the fun part: color. Moroccan lanterns are known for their rich, glowing hues. You can get that look two main ways:

Option A: Color the Inside of the Jar

For a soft, stained-glass effect:

• Mix a little glass paint or acrylic paint with decoupage medium or clear glue until it’s translucent.
• Pour a small amount into the jar and slowly swirl it around so it coats the interior.
• Pour out the excess and let the jar dry upside down on scrap paper.

This gives the candlelight a colored glow while leaving the outside smooth and easy to decorate further.

Option B: Paint Around the Doily on the Outside

If you prefer more control:

• Use glass paint or thin acrylic to paint bands, panels, or “windows” around the jar.
• Leave the doily-covered areas lighter or unpainted so they act like frosted panels.

Try jewel tones like sapphire, amethyst, ruby, and emerald for a classic Moroccan feel.

Step 5: Add Faux Metal Filigree With Dimensional Paint

This is where your lantern really starts to resemble something you’d find in a Marrakech market.

• Use gold or bronze dimensional (puffy) paint to outline the doily shapes and patterns.
• Add little dots, scallops, and flourishes along the jar’s “panels.”
• Draw arches or window shapes and frame them with rows of dots to mimic punched metal.

Work slowly and let each side dry before turning the jar, so you don’t smudge your design. Imperfections actually add charmthis is handmade, not factory-stamped.

Step 6: Finish the Rim and Add a Handle (Optional)

To give your lantern a more finished, “store-bought” look, dress up the top.

• Wrap jute twine or thin rope around the jar’s neck with hot glue, creating a rustic band.
• If you want to hang it, create a handle by forming a loop of twine or wire, gluing or twisting it securely at each side of the rim.
• Keep any hanging lanterns for LED candles only (no open flame swinging around, please).

Step 7: Light It Up Safely

Slide a tea light or LED candle inside your finished lantern.

• For real candles, choose heavy, heat-safe jars and keep the flame centered.
• Add a layer of sand, salt, or small pebbles in the bottom to stabilize the candle and diffuse heat.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended or near curtains, paper, or low-hanging decor.
• For outdoor or kids’ rooms, battery-powered LED tealights are your best friend.

Once lit, turn off the overhead lights and enjoy the lacy shadows dancing across the walls.

Design Ideas to Make Your Lanterns Look Extra Moroccan

Play With Color Palettes

• Jewel-Tone Mix: Deep teal, royal blue, and magenta.
• Sunset Vibes: Amber, coral, and plum.
• Soft Neutrals: Creamy white, pale gold, and champagne.

Cluster Different Shapes and Heights

Use tall bottles, short jars, and round yogurt containers for visual variety. A small group of three to five lanterns instantly looks intentional and styled, especially on a mantel or outdoor table.

Style Ideas

• Line a set of lanterns down the center of a dinner table for a budget-friendly centerpiece.
• Place them on steps or along a garden path for evening gatherings.
• Use them on a bathroom shelf for spa-night lighting (LED candles onlysteam and open flame do not mix well).

Safety Tips for DIY Glass Lanterns

Pretty is important. Safe is non-negotiable. A few guidelines:

• Choose thick, sturdy jars rather than ultra-thin glass bottles.
• Keep any decorative paper and twine on the outside of the jar and away from the flame.
• Do not burn candles in jars with cracked or chipped glass.
• Always place lanterns on heat-safe surfaces like ceramic plates, tiles, or metal trays.
• When in doubt (or if kids and pets are around), use LED tealights.

Troubleshooting: Common DIY Lantern Problems

“My Doily Keeps Wrinkling or Tearing.”

Use thinner glue, apply it in a very light layer, and smooth gently with your fingers or a soft brush. For tricky curves, smaller cut pieces are easier to apply than one giant doily.

“The Glue Looks Cloudy.”

Most decoupage mediums dry clear, but they need time. If it still looks cloudy after fully drying, you might be applying too thick a coat. Go thinner next time.

“My Paint Is Streaky.”

On glass, streaks happen when the paint is too thick or the brush is too dry. Use a soft brush, slightly thin your paint if needed, and work in smooth, overlapping strokes.

“The Lantern Feels Sticky Even After Drying.”

Some paints and glues can stay a little tacky, especially in humid climates. A light spray with a clear, glass-safe sealer can help lock everything in and reduce stickiness.

Real-Life Experiences & Extra Tips With DIY Moroccan Lanterns

After making a few of these lanterns myself (and roping friends into a craft night), a handful of practical lessons keep coming uplittle things that don’t always make it into the basic tutorial but matter a lot in real life.

Lesson 1: Less Glue, More Patience

The first time you decoupage a doily onto curved glass, it’s very tempting to drown everything in glue “just to be sure it sticks.” That usually backfires. The doily slides, the paper tears, and you end up with a lumpy mess. Using a thin, even coat and letting sections dry before moving on gives you a much crisper pattern. Patience is the secret ingredient people forget to list.

Lesson 2: Test Your Colors Before Committing

What looks like a gorgeous jewel tone in the bottle can dry much darkeror much lighteron glass. It helps to test a small patch near the base or on a spare jar first. Hold it up to a light or pop in a tealight to see how the color glows. Adjust by adding more clear medium for transparency or layering an extra coat for richer color.

Lesson 3: Embrace Imperfection

Handmade Moroccan-style lanterns are not supposed to look like they rolled off a factory conveyor belt. If one side has slightly different dot spacing or the doily isn’t perfectly centered, you’re in good company. Those small variations are what make each lantern unique. Many people end up loving the “wonky” one the most because it has so much personality.

Lesson 4: Plan for Where You’ll Actually Use Them

Before you start, think about where your lanterns will live. If they’re for an outdoor patio, you might want deeper colors and sturdier jars that can handle a breeze and temperature changes. For bedroom or living room decor, softer, frosted looks may feel more relaxing. For party centerpieces, consider using several small jars instead of one huge one so guests can still see each other over the table.

Lesson 5: LED Candles Make Life Easier

Real tea lights are beautiful, but if you’re hosting, chatting, and refilling everyone’s drinks, it’s easy to forget there’s actual fire flickering on your table. LED tealights take the stress out of it. You get the glow and shadows without worrying about wax spills, smoke, or that one friend who always knocks something over.

Lesson 6: They Make Surprisingly Great Gifts

A set of two or three Moroccan-inspired lanterns wrapped in tissue paper makes a thoughtful handmade gift. You can coordinate colors to match the recipient’s home or theme them for holidaysdeep reds and golds for winter, fresh turquoise and lime for summer. Add a small pack of LED tealights or scented tea candles, and you’ve got a complete gift that feels personal but isn’t complicated to make.

Lesson 7: Store and Clean Them Gently

Because your lanterns have decoupaged paper and painted details, treat them kindly when you store them. Wrap them in tissue or bubble wrap if they’re going into a box, and dust them with a soft, dry cloth rather than using harsh cleaners. If wax drips inside, let it cool completely, then gently chip it out rather than scraping aggressively at the glass.

Over time, these little lanterns tend to multiplyfriends want to make them, you tweak designs, you try new colorsuntil you’ve got a small Moroccan “market stall” of your own. And the best part? Every lantern has a story: the thrifted jar, the color experiment that worked, the dinner party where everyone asked, “Where did you buy these?” and you got to smile and say, “Actually, I made them.”

Ready to Make Your Own DIY Moroccan Inspired Lantern?

With a few rescued glass jars, simple paper doilies, and paints you probably already have in your craft stash, you can create glowing Moroccan-inspired lanterns that instantly upgrade your decor. Whether you style them on a patio table, line them along a windowsill, or cluster them on a mantel, they add warmth, texture, and a little everyday magicno plane ticket to Marrakech required.