Do It Yourself

Warm lights, cozy nights — made possible with tea lights

Making homemade lights that lend to the sun heading down earlier are the perfect inspiration for the season

By Michelle Mercure  
Posted 10/22/25

The colors of autumn fade fast — golden, red, orange, and purple leaves flutter to the ground, and suddenly the trees stand bare. But it’s still possible to capture that fleeting warmth …

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Do It Yourself

Warm lights, cozy nights — made possible with tea lights

Making homemade lights that lend to the sun heading down earlier are the perfect inspiration for the season

Posted

The colors of autumn fade fast — golden, red, orange, and purple leaves flutter to the ground, and suddenly the trees stand bare. But it’s still possible to capture that fleeting warmth of colors indoors with this simple do-it-yourself craft. And with the sun setting earlier each evening, these handmade lights will bring fall-inspiration (and light) to any room. 

 

Materials 

Small glass jars (Oui yogurt jars work perfectly) 

Tissue paper in warm fall colors (orange, yellow, red — think autumn leaves)

Mod Podge 

Paintbrushes 

LED tea lights

 

Directions 

1. If using Oui yogurt jars, make sure they’re clean and dry. 

2. Cut the tissue paper into small pieces. 

3. Brush a layer of Mod Podge onto the outside of the jar. 

4. Gently press the tissue paper pieces onto the jar until it’s fully covered. 

5. Add another thin layer of Mod Podge on top and let it dry completely. 

6. Place a tea light inside, turn it on, and enjoy the warm glow. 

Note: It’s not bright enough to read by — but perfect for cozying up under a blanket, cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa in hand.

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.