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DIY Mummy Lanterns For Halloween

October 23, 2025

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I recently heard a friend say she was in her era of play.

And I thought, yes, I can totally relate!

This is where I am now.

How To Make Gauze Mummies

For a long time, my DIYs were centered on problem solving decor issues.

Or making over thrifted items to decorate my home.

The goal was a functional solution or new accessory that matched my existing style.

However, lately, my focus has been on crafting, strictly because things look like fun. Regaining that feeling of pure joy, like when I was using pins, beads and sequins on styrofoam balls at Christmas.

Or making rainbow colored potholders on a loom under the umbrella at the beach. Or using a tiny stapler and fabric scraps to make new clothes for my Dawn dolls.

Remember them?

So with that goal in mind this month alone...

How To Decorate Pumpkins With Temporary Tattoos
And I gave my daughter's room a complete makeover for Christmas...in October!

Each one of those project completed solely for the enjoyment of it.

Today's mummy jars are no exception.

They're the cutest Halloween decorations, ones I've seen over and over for the last decade, but never had the time to make.

But I'm so glad I made time this year.

Here are the supplies.

Jar Mummy Craft Supplies

I did have one jar and a ton of those wiggly eyes on hand, but I needed to purchase gauze and two mason jars from Dollar Tree.

I often craft with ceramic mason jars for the holidays, but I don't have any clear ones...and that was the key to this Halloween lantern craft.

While the new jars didn't require any prep, my old pickle jar had a label that needed to go.

Pickle Jar for DIY Mummies for Halloween

The front label was a clear sticker and peeled right off, which was fantastic.

Removing Labels From Glass Jars

However, the back label was paper and it needed a good soaking.

Once it was wet it also peeled straight off, so I didn't need to use my peanut butter trick...but it's a good one if you have a stubborn label.

How To Remove A Jar Label

Once my jars were ready to go, I opened the gauze boxes. I only needed two for my three jars.

Dollar Tree Gauze Roll For Halloween Mummies

On the large jar, I used one box and glued it on, in one long running piece.

For the smaller jars, I did cut the gauze into thinner strips, so it wouldn't cover their entire surface.

Cutting Gauze For Jar Mummies

With my supplies ready to go, I plugged in my glue gun, started wrapping the jars with gauze and secured it in place.

If you try this at home, just be mindful that the glue is hot and the gauze is thin. Even with my finger protectors I could feel the heat.

Hot Gluing Gauze For Jar Mummies

As far as the application goes, in some places I left the gauze strips flat.

In others I twisted them and in a few spots, I frayed them for a worn, tattered look.

How To Make Mummies For Halloween

After all, mummies are supposed to be ancient, old and definitely not bright, white, neat and sterile.

I actually even thought about using tea bags to dye the strips, at least in spots, to really age them, but I got so wrapped up in the process, I decided against it.

Wrapping Jar Mummies For Halloween

And yes, I see what I did there. 😉

Now, I had a ton of eyes, in all different sizes and I thought about matching the eye size to the jar, but in the end I used the same size on all three jars.

I just preferred that look.

Adding Eyes To Mummy Crafts

I glued the eyes on with hot glue, as well.

When I was all done, I dropped one of my favorite votives into each mummy jar and voila.

Elegant Jar Mummies For Halloween Decor

Instant Halloween decor for my home, party table or front porch.

And a quick and easy craft created just for the fun of it.

Halloween Decor Jar Mummies

Smiling the entire time, while humming a holiday tune.

And isn't that what crafting should be all about?

Especially at Halloween.

👻

Are you a just for fun creator?

Happy Crafting, Friends!

Kim Signature


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  1. If you’re looking for a new and easy way to remove labels from jars, mix some Oxy Clean powder in hot water and soak jar for 10 to 15 minutes. Slides right off!

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  2. Oh my gosh Kim these are adorable. You go with your crafty self lol! Hugs. Kris

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    1. Thanks so much, Kris! I have a ball with these sweet jars.

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  3. These are adorable. I've seen them before, too, but always thought of them as kid's crafts. I never pictured them as an adult craft or as grown up home decor, but you proved me wrong.

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    1. Why thank you! I had a feeling that they'd fit right in with the rest of my "grown up decor" as you called it. So glad you think they do!!

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  4. Cute, cute, cute. Happy Halloween!!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much and Happy Halloween to you, too!!

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  5. Those made me giggle right out loud. What a fun project and an unexpected little touch to your fall decor. One of my most fun things (nothing with as much work as what you did) was the window ghosts I made out of tissue paper. The kids loved making them.
    https://thenanadiana.blogspot.com/2013/10/theres-ghost-in-my-house-or-two-or-three.html
    Have a wonderful upcoming weekend. xo Diana

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    1. Diana, I just peeked at that post and it was so sweet! The ghosts, the girls and your hero all ready for Halloween. It's always fun to look back and reminisce. Thanks for sharing it with me!! I hope you have a lovely weekend, too and are feeling great!! xo

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