Spark instant joy

“One of my best friends hosts an autumn potluck party, and each year I surprise her with a homemade hostess gift,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST deputy editor. “This year I’m crafting her a trio of leafy lanterns. To make each, I picked a few leaves from the yard and attached them to a glass jar with decoupage paste. Once dry, I cut a sheet of orange tissue paper to fit around the glass, securing with craft glue. The finishing touch: I tied raffia around the mouth of the jar and popped in a battery-operated candle.”