Mason jars and all their potential uses have been talked about for ages. Which means this collection of mason jar crafts might not seem all that exciting or original- at first. But, there are still SO many ways to upcycle and craft with them, so perhaps I can surprise you with some fresh new ideas. Besides, you can still thrift them for super cheap and we can all use inexpensive project ideas these days, right?
Displaying Beach Finds in Jars
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Creating memories from your beach vacation is as easy as this. Adding sand, shells, and other beach finds in mason jars is a great way to recreate the beach you visited! Labeling the jars with the beach name and location would add a special touch, and aqua tinted mason jars add even more coastal appeal.
Mason Jar Crafts for Spring
Image credit: Homeroad.
Speckled eggs are quintessential Spring decor, so why not give that same look to mason jars? They look so adorable with this kind of makeover and are ready to be used in all your Spring and Easter decorating plans.
Cane-Wrapped Jars
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Believe it or not, but pressed cane has made quite the comeback recently. But not just as furniture seats or table-tops. Cane is popping up in wreaths, frames, and yes- even around mason jars. This thrift store flip idea is so easy to make– all you need is a roll (or sheet) of cane and some glass jars from the thrift store.
Sewing Kit and Pin Cushion
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Mason jars aren’t just for storage and craft projects- they’re perfect vessels for little gifts, too. Take this DIY sewing kit and pin cushion, for example. The pincushion can even be turned upside-down and stored within the jar, as well.
The details and tutorial for this project appear in my book, “Crafting with Flannel”, which is available on Amazon.
Mason Jar Light Covers
Image credit: Robb Restyle.
I can’t guarantee that this will work on every modern light sconce, but how cute is this idea? A mason jar has replaced the original glass light shade/globe for a quaint and charming light cover. In the right home with the right vintage decor style, these would look absolutely precious in a bathroom or hallway.
DIY Coin Bank
Image credit: Pillar Box Blue.
Do kids even have coin banks anymore? When I was little, it was a big deal to save all those coins! Either way, I just love how cute these coin banks are– pairing up vintage maps and glass jars.
And believe it or not, but I could actually use a coin bank these days. To save up all my coins throughout the Fall/Winter before farmer’s market season kicks off in my neck of the woods.
Ireland in a Jar
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
What is it about mason jars that makes me want to miniaturize everything and capture it like this? Even the Irish countryside, which I did with this St. Patrick’s Day-inspired craft project. Isn’t it just the cutest?
Mason Jar Crafts with Lamp Kits
Image credit: Domestically Speaking.
The magic of lamp kits is that you can turn almost ANYTHING into a lamp. And glass jars are no exception! In this case, the mason jar was filled with shells, but you could definitely use other items, as well.
Indoor Herb Garden
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Some mason jar crafts are meant to be kept and others are meant to be gifted. And this one- planting herbs in the jars– could really go either way. I would definitely be tempted to keep them all for myself as a little indoor herb garden for my kitchen, though!
Miniature Scenes
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Who says “snow globes” have to include snow? In this case, little Springtime scenes were created in mason jars for a fun, seasonal twist. Whether you go the gardening or Easter route, there are plenty of Spring-like miniatures out there to make your own. Check the dollhouse section of craft and hobby shops, too!
Bug Repellent Lanterns
Image credit: Our Crafty Mom.
Glass jars can be a life saver during the hot buggy months of summer. Filled with the right concoction of all natural ingredients, they can be transformed into chemical-free bug repellents for your back porch.
Clever Mason Jar Crafts
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
A jar of dried beans in the kitchen isn’t all that uncommon to see. But not all bean jars are the same- some hide secrets (or treasure!) thanks to a hidden cardboard tube in the center of the beans.
Mason Jar Candle Holders
Image credit: House of Hawthornes.
There are any number of ways to paint and embellish glass jars. And since they come in different sizes and widths, they can be transformed into a simple but elegant centerpiece of candle holders like this.
Unicorn Glitter Glass
Image credit: My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia.
Whether you use a mason jar or something else, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a gorgeous makeover on clear glass! And you could definitely transform some larger bottles with this unicorn-style makeover. As someone with a niece who is obsessed with unicorns, I definitely approve this kind of mason jar craft.
Mason Jar Crafts for Christmas
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Waterless snow globes are the easiest snow globes to make, and they really are just as cute! And while you can use new jars and decorations from the craft store, I’m partial to old jars and vintage decorative bits like these. But even a plain spaghetti sauce jar from your recycle bin would be perfect for this project, too. Talk about keeping it thrifty.
Hanging Planters
Image credit: Domestically Speaking
I never get tired of how tender green leaves look when they’re growing from an aqua mason jar. But this idea for a jar planter takes it a step further by creating a hanging planter! Which could be a really fun way to create a vertical garden in a smaller kitchen.
Leather Belt Lantern
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
There are loads of craft projects to make with mason jars, and there are quite a few you can make with leather belts. So, why not combine the two into a DIY lantern project like this? And while it’s not a hangable lantern and should instead sit on a table, it’s still a fun upcycling project that is easier to make than you may think.
This is an older project of mine that I removed from the blog years ago. It didn’t catch much interest at the time, but who knows, maybe I’ll republish it some day…
Good Old Fashioned Vase
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And when in doubt, a mason jar really is a perfect little vase for fresh cut flowers. Of course, this antique purple jar is extra special and should always be shown off. But nothing says you can’t do this with a plain old clear/colorless jar, either!
Mason Jar Crafts for Everyone
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Mason jars really are some of the most versatile items out there, and I hope you found some new inspiration in this collection. And while I myself am partial to vintage or antique mason jars, new jars are perfect for many of these mason jar crafts, too. Either way, I hope you have a “ball” with whichever jar craft you plan on trying out next.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
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