Do you have trays of old mason jars lying around? If they're past their best days for canning and preserving, why not upcycle them? Here are 15 practical and creative mason jar crafts for every season.
Table of Contents
Upcycling Mason Jars
When you homestead off the grid in a really remote area, as we do, waste management is an issue.
All of our waste has to get hauled out to the dump, which is a 40-minute drive away. And we have to pay $15.00 a load for everything we take there.
We try to reduce our waste as much as possible by composting, recycling, and upcycling.
And honestly, I think it would be almost criminal to throw out mason jars!
I do have a few dozen that have seen better days. I don't want to use them for canning or preserving because they have small chips or scratches. Yet they still have so much character, you know?
When I was researching mason jar crafts, I was AMAZED at all the creative ideas online. It was tough to narrow down the selection to these 15.
You might like these mason jar crafts for your own kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom. They're a great addition to your farmhouse decor - especially if you're decorating on a budget. They also make inexpensive gifts.
And if you're looking for ways to make money homesteading, mason jar crafts could help you earn a few extra dollars.
How to Prep a Mason Jar for Painting
If your craft includes painting a mason jar, wash and prepare it first. Simply fill a kitchen sink with hot, soapy water and scrub away. Remove any food, sticky residue, and stickers or labels.
Next, use a cotton swab to apply rubbing alcohol all over the jar. This helps to remove any stubborn sticky residue. Now your glass jar is ready for painting.
How to Paint a Mason Jar
Choose between chalk paint, acrylic paint, or even mod podge and material or tissue paper to paint your mason jar.
Get detailed instructions from these online tutorials on how to paint mason jars for home crafts.
- How to Paint Mason Jars: WikiHow
- Tips & Tricks on How to Paint Mason Jars: ModPodgeRocks
- How to Paint Mason Jars Video Tutorial: Wendy Bentley
15 mason jar crafts for your home
15 Useful and Creative Mason Jar Crafts
If you're looking for ways to upcycle your used mason jars, you're going to love these DIY mason jar crafts.
Easter Decor | 2-Minute Mason Jar Jellybean Lamp
This is an easy and fun project that you can do in just 2 minutes! You need a mason jar, some jelly beans, and some creativity. Follow these simple steps to create your very own jelly bean lamp.
How to Make a Mason Jar Sewing Kit
This upcycled mason jar sewing kit is the perfect way to organize all of your supplies. The pincushion top makes it easy to grab what you need when you're ready to start stitching.
Salt and Pepper Shaker Mason Jar Craft
These Ball mason jars were given a fun makeover with some pretty paint. Now they're perfect for holding salt and pepper on your kitchen counter. Learn how to give them a quick transformation yourself!
Mason Jar Citronella Torches
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy spending time outdoors. Keep pesky mosquitoes away while enjoying a meal or reading a good book by the light of these easy-to-make mason jar citronella torches. You only need a few supplies, and they can be whipped up in no time.
Tissue Paper Mosaic Mason Jar Vase - Kid Craft
This fun and colorful mason jar vase is easy enough for kids to make. The tissue paper mosaic gives it a beautiful and unique look. Add some flowers or greenery to spruce up your décor.
Mason Jar Aquarium
These little aquarium night lights are the perfect way to upcycle some old mason jars. Not only do they make great decorations, but the kids will love having their own little fish tank to watch at bedtime. The submersible light makes it look like the fish are swimming around in the water. Fun!
Mason Jar Bathroom Organizer: organize using mason jars
Mason jars are perfect for organizing everything in your bathroom from toothbrushes to cotton balls. This easy tutorial will show you how to make a simple and stylish mason jar bathroom organizer that will help keep your vanity clutter-free.
Ghost Mason Jar Project
These double-sided painted Halloween ghost mason jars are the perfect way to upcycle some old glass jars. They're easy and fun to make and would be a great addition to your decor this Halloween.
How to Make Beautiful Mason Jar Leaf Lanterns
Mason jar leaf lanterns are a beautiful and easy way to add some fall decor to your home. This easy tutorial will show you how to make these gorgeous lanterns using just a few supplies. They would also make a great homemade gift for the holidays.
Mason Jar Jack-O-Lantern - Luminary Halloween Kid Craft
These Mason Jar Jack-O-Lanterns are so easy to make and perfect for fall decorating. You only need a few simple supplies - tissue paper, glue, and of course, mason jars. These would also be great as table centerpieces or even party favors.
Pumpkin Mason Jar -- Quick and Easy Fall Craft Idea!
This pumpkin-painted mason jar is the perfect way to give your homemade cookie mix as a gift this holiday season. It's easy to do and adds a touch of festive decoration to your kitchen.
DIY Elf Mason Jars & Cute Christmas Gifts
This easy DIY will show you how to make a mason jar elf. Perfect for your Christmas decor, this delightful craft is sure to bring some cheer to your home. All you need is a jar, some paint, and some basic crafting supplies. Let's get started!
Energy-Saving DIY Projects: Solar Mason Jar Lights
These easy-to-make solar mason jar lights are perfect for adding a touch of festive cheer to your home this holiday season. All you need is a few supplies and some basic crafting skills, and in no time at all, you'll have charming solar-powered lights that will brighten up your décor.
Valentine Mason Jar with Marbled Paint - Easy Valentine's Day Craft Idea
This easy DIY is perfect for your sweetheart this Valentine's Day. A mason jar filled with delicious candies makes a beautiful and tasty gift. The best part? It's easy to make - just follow these simple steps.
