Mason jars: those timeless, versatile glass vessels that have transcended their original purpose of preserving foods to become quintessential elements in the world of DIY and home decor.
Their appeal lies in their simplicity and the rustic charm they bring to any project they’re a part of, blending seamlessly into a variety of decor styles from farmhouse to modern minimalist.
In this article, we’ll dive into the whimsical world of DIY by exploring five home decor projects that will transform ordinary Mason jars into enchanting pieces that not only enhance your living space but also showcase your creativity and love for upcycling.
5 Whimsical DIY Home Decor Projects using Mason Jars
Mason Jar Vases
Materials Needed
To create beautiful Mason jar vases, you’ll need the following materials:
· Mason jars (any size will do)
· Paint (acrylic or spray paint suitable for glass)
· Painter’s tape
· Sandpaper (optional, for a distressed look)
· Flowers (real or artificial)
· Ribbons or twine (for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by cleaning your Mason jars thoroughly with soap and water to remove any residue and labels.
2. If you’re going for a painted look, apply a coat of paint to the outside of the jar.
Allow it to dry completely.
3. For a distressed look, gently sand the raised areas of the jar to remove some paint.
4. Decorate the jar’s neck with ribbons or twine for a more finished look.
5. Fill the jar with water (if using fresh flowers) and arrange your flowers inside.
Tips for Customization
Customizing your Mason jar vase is where you can get creative.
Consider the following:
· Use different colors or patterns
· Add glitter or metallic finishes
· Paint the interior for a glossy look while keeping the outside rustic
· Attach decorations like lace, burlap, or beads
Benefits of Using Mason Jars as Vases
Mason jar vases are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical.
They’re sturdy and come in various sizes, and the wide opening makes them ideal for holding bouquets of all types.
Additionally, they’re a great way to recycle jars that might otherwise end up in the trash.
Mason Jar Candle Holders
Materials Needed
For charming Mason jar candle holders, you will need:
· Mason jars
· Tealight or votive candles
· Wire (optional, for hanging)
· Decorative stones, sand, or coffee beans (for the base)
· Decorative elements (lace, twine, ribbons, etc.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Clean your Mason jars and remove all labels.
2. Fill the base of the jar with an inch or two of your chosen base material.
3. Nestle a tealight or votive candle firmly into the base material.
4. If hanging, securely wrap the wire around the neck of the jar, forming a handle above.
5. Further decorate the outside of the jar as you like.
Tips for Customization
· Use colored sand or stones to match your decor theme.
· Wrap the jar with wire or string lights for a more luminous effect.
· Paint or etch designs on the jars for added visual interest.
· Theme your candle holders around holidays or events.
Benefits of Using Mason Jars as Candle Holders
Mason jars are heat-resistant, making them safe containers for candles.
Plus, they shield the flame from wind, which is particularly useful for outdoor settings.
The translucency of glass also allows for a soft, warm glow that can set a calming ambiance.
Mason Jar Terrariums
Materials Needed
To create a miniature garden, gather the following:
· Mason jars (wide-mouth jars are best)
· Gravel or small stones (for drainage)
· Activated charcoal (to keep water fresh)
· Potting soil
· Succulents or small plants
· Decorative elements (such as moss, tiny figurines, or pebbles)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Begin by placing a layer of gravel at the bottom of your Mason jar for drainage.
2. Add a thin layer of activated charcoal over the gravel.
3. Carefully fill the jar with potting soil, leaving space for the plants.
4. Plant your chosen succulents or plants, pressing down gently.
5. Add your decorative elements to create a landscape.
6. Water sparingly, and place in indirect sunlight.
Tips for Customization
· Create themed terrariums by selecting plants and decorations that tell a story.
· Paint the lid or the base of the jar to match your decor.
· Use different-sized jars for a varied display.
Benefits of Using Mason Jars as Terrariums
Mason jars create a controlled environment for your terrarium, helping to maintain humidity and temperature.
They also allow for a clear view of the tiny ecosystem inside, turning it into a living piece of art.
Mason Jar Soap Dispensers
Materials Needed
For this functional project, you will need:
· A Mason jar with a lid
· A pump dispenser (from an old bottle or bought separately)
· A drill or nail and hammer (to make a hole in the lid)
· Strong glue (waterproof is best)
· Soap
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make a hole in the center of your Mason jar lid large enough for the pump dispenser to fit through.
2. Insert the pump through the hole and secure it in place with glue.
Let it dry completely.
3. Fill the jar with your favorite soap.
4. Screw the lid with the pump back onto the jar.
Tips for Customization
· Paint your Mason jar and lid to match your bathroom or kitchen.
· Personalize the jar by adding labels or using different colored soaps.
· Decorate the pump with twine or colored tape.
Benefits of Using Mason Jars as Soap Dispensers
Mason jars are durable and easy to clean, which makes them ideal for high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Plus, using a refillable dispenser is an eco-friendly choice, reducing plastic waste from disposable soap bottles.
Mason Jar Picture Frames
Materials Needed
To capture memories in a jar, you’ll need:
· Mason jars (the size will depend on your photo)
· Photos, printed to fit the jar
· Cooking oil (clear oil like vegetable or baby oil)
· Dried flowers or glitter (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Insert your photo into the jar, ensuring it faces outwards and lies flat against the glass.
2. Fill the jar with the clear oil until the picture is fully submerged.
3. Add dried flowers or glitter if desired for extra decoration.
4. Seal the jar tightly.
Tips for Customization
· Use black and white photos for a vintage look.
· Include a personal note or small keepsakes alongside the photo.
· Choose different jar shapes to complement different photo orientations.
Benefits of Using Mason Jars as Picture Frames
Mason jars protect photos from dust and wear.
The oil in the jar magnifies the image and gives it a unique, whimsical look.
This project is also a beautiful way to display pictures without the need for a traditional frame.
Conclusion
There you have it – five whimsical DIY home decor projects that you can easily undertake using Mason jars.
Throughout this article, we’ve explored creating vases for your favorite blooms, candle holders that add ambiance, terrariums that bring nature indoors, soap dispensers that simplify your lifestyle, and picture frames that uniquely preserve your memories.
Each project takes advantage of the simplicity and versatility of Mason jars to create something that’s both beautiful and practical.
Their transparent charm and the fact that they’re widely available and often recyclable make Mason jars a staple in DIY home decor.
Hopefully, you’re now inspired to open up your creative channels and start on your own Mason jar journey.