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Mason Jar Crafts: 60+ Unique Ideas to Try

Do you love mason jar crafts? I’m obsessed with the countless ways to decorate jars; here are some DIY projects using glass jars I think you’ll love.

Mason jar craft ideas you'll love

Are you wanting to try some creative jar decorating ideas? Of course you are – they are all the rage right now! There are so many things I love about mason jars, and one of the biggest is that they are really easy to craft with.

I’m talking about instant gratification. I’ve done a few projects with mason jars and loved the results.

Tips for Crafting with Mason Jars

A lot of people are intimidated by working with glass of any sort, but there’s no reason to be.

It’s basically the same as working with other craft surfaces, you just have to be more careful since the likelihood of breaking is obviously increased.

Mason jar crafts are perfect for decor and gifts – those are my two favorite uses. Making decor with mason jars is pretty awesome, especially when you can dig jars out of the recycling bin (hello, free!).

I also love giving gifts in mason jars because the packaging is also the gift. Me likey giving and receiving mason jar gifts. If you feel that way too you’ll love our Christmas mason jars, by the way.

Preparing the Jars

Whether you like painted jars or are using Mod Podge, etc. you’re going to need to prepare the jars first. Remove labels using one of our DIY sticker remover methods.

Mason jars tend to get greasy fingerprints on the outside from handling, so I recommend washing them with mild soap and water. You can also use rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.

Woman shows how to transform a standard glass jar into a beautiful hanging candle holder

Painting the Jars

You can paint mason jars before decoupaging over the top. If you use any sort of paint, it should be either a spray paint (like a primer) or an acrylic paint made for glass.

This means the paint needs to be an enamel or multi surface paint. You should definitely make sure to clean the jars before painting if you want it to stick.

Get my best tips for painting on glass.

You can also DYE mason jars with Mod Podge and drops of food coloring. Learn how to do that here. I also have a post so you can learn how to Mod Podge on glass.

Mod Podge is an acrylic product so it works with/over the top of acrylic paint just fine. You can also use chalk paint or milk paint.

You’ll see some painted mason jars in the projects below. We have a guide on how to paint mason jars you’ll definitely want to reference.

Using Mod Podge

You can use just about any Mod Podge formula with mason jars. Glass is shiny by nature, so Gloss is the most commonly used on mason jar decor.

However, you can always use the Matte or Satin formulas if you are looking for a bit of a different finish.

Using Lights

You can absolutely use tea lights for mason jar lights – real or battery powered. Just keep in mind that the Mod Podge should be on the outside of the jar if you are planning on using real tea lights.

The glass will act as a barrier and, while the jar might get a little hot, it’ll be fine and nothing will melt (PS – Mod Podge is non-flammable, but it can melt when exposed to direct flame or heat).

You can also use Christmas lights or fairy lights in your mason jar decor. They look great!

Easy-mason-jar-lantern-made-with-lace

Special Techniques

Remember that both the tops and bottoms of mason jars are curved. If you are going to Mod Podge mason jars completely from top to bottom, you’re going to need to place darts in the paper or fabric (similar to a sewing pattern).

To adds darts means to cut a triangle in the paper or fabric and then fold over. You can see in the image here.


Besides the above, there’s not much else you need to do besides experiment and have fun! In fact, here are 60+ unique ways to decorate mason jars. Which one inspires you the most?

1
Maybe you need table decorations for a party or wedding on a budget? Mason jar centerpieces are a great idea - this one uses sheet music and Mod Podge.
Sheet Music Centerpieces
Make mason jar votives using Mod Podge and some other simple supplies. Perfect for party or wedding.
Get the Tutorial
2
Chalk Paint Mason Jars with Succulents
Chalk Painted
This cute little planter is a perfect project for farmhouse or rustic decorating.
Get the Tutorial
3
Mason-jar-soap-dispenser
Jo-Anna Rooney
Soap Dispenser
Learn how to make a mason jar soap dispenser the easy way! Even if you've never used a drill before, this project is easily achievable for beginners.
Get the Tutorial
4
mason jar sewing kit
Melissa Mortensen
Mason Jar Sewing Kit
Learn how to make a sewing kit out of a jar – that you can gift! This is perfect for birthday or Christmas. Free labels included.
Get the Tutorial
5
DIY Mason Jar Wall Organizer
Casey Finn
DIY Jar Wall Organizer
Mason jars are great for decorating around the home, especially for unique storage! Learn to make this wall organizer you can use in any room.
Get the Tutorial
6
how to make glass look like sea glass
Beach Glass Lanterns
Learn how to make sea glass lanterns with glass paint and mason jars. These are really easy and make a big impact.
Get the Tutorial
7
Angie Holden
DIY Photo Mason Jar
Applying a photo to a mason jar makes a great home decor display – just add flowers! Also perfect for a hostess gift.
Get the Tutorial
8
Amanda Formaro
Doily Luminaries
Make gorgeous doily luminaries to dress up your home decor or to use as rustic wedding centerpieces.
Get the Tutorial
9
Linda Braden
Animal Topped
These mason jar toppers are a great idea for all sorts of applications – kids' parties, room decor, craft rooms, and even gifts! Would I have these in my office? Of course!
Get the Tutorial
10
curlycraftymom.com
Herb Garden with Personalized Tin
If you've always wanted to start an herb garden, you can! This project also includes a personalized tray.
Get the Tutorial
11
Mason Jar Table Lamp
Beckie Farrant
Table Lamp
I love that you can make these pretty lamps in any colors you like! Assembling a lamp is easy, and you're going to love trying this with a variety of jar styles and colors.
Get the Tutorial
12
mason jar candles with lavender
Sonja & Jane
Candles with Lavender
Making candles in mason jars couldn't be easier or satisfying, especially when they smell good and look great too! These are great gifts; you'll want to make a ton of them.
Get the Tutorial
13
How to Make Mason Jar Chimes
Johnnie Collier
Upcycled Wind Chimes
Try this mason jar to wind chimes upcycle, just in time for spring and outdoor decor. There will be some cutting and drilling of glass, but don’t fear, you can do this!
Get the Tutorial
14
Painted and Distressed Storage
Katie Alberter
Painted and Distressed Storage
The nice thing about this project is that you can do it with ANY size or number of jars you like! Make the type of storage that works best for you.
Get the Tutorial
15
Amanda Formaro
Wall Sconces
This DIY rustic mason jar wall sconce is a pretty way to add some coziness and farmhouse charm to any room. Keep them lit all day and night!
Get the Tutorial
16
Fishnet Wrapped Mason Jar
Linda Braden
Fishnet Wrapped
There are beachy themed jars and then there are beachy amazing jars! I would say this project falls into the latter category. I simply love the fishnet wrap.
Get the Tutorial
17
mod podge mason jar
Ashley Connelly
Patchwork Paper Covered Jar
Ashley attached the scraps of paper using a sewing machine, then decoupaged directly to the jar. This paper piecing method is so unique and I love it for Mod Podge mason jars.
Get the Tutorial
18
This DIY mason jar night light can be made on a budget - and your kids can help. The glitter is so sparkly and fun for night time!
Mason Jar Night Light
Make this mason jar night light craft using a simple tutorial! This is a fun project for kids or adults.
Get the Tutorial
19
Christmas luminaries sitting in front of pinecones
Mason Jar Luminaries
Learn how to frost glass mason jars with epsom salt for Christmas! All you need is some Mod Podge, salt, and a few embellishments.
Get the Tutorial
20
Aki Altuna
Faux Terrarium with Vintage Style
Learn how to make a faux terrarium using vintage glassware and succulents. Create unique and inexpensive home decor in a jar, in minutes!
Get the Tutorial
21
Landee Anderson
Facial Tissue Holder
More stylish than a Kleenex box, these mason jar tissue holders will look great around your home! They make perfect hostess or neighbor gifts too.
Get the Tutorial
22
DIY mason jar candle holder
Moroccan Lanterns
Learn how to make a dyed mason jar candle holder the easy way – you can customize this project with any colors you like.
Get the Tutorial
23
Fabric covered mason jars
Amanda Formaro
Fabric Covered Jars
If you have boring jars and some leftover fabric, you can decoupage jars just like Amanda did.
Get the Tutorial
24
How to color glass mason jars
How to Color Glass
Learn how to tint glass using Mod Podge and food coloring! You'll be able to dye glass any color you like with this tutorial.
Get the Tutorial
25
farmhouse-spring-flowers-11
kenarry.com
Farmhouse Spring Jar Planter
Freshen up your home for spring with an easy farmhouse spring mason jar planter. The perfect way to add some spring color to your home!
Get the Tutorial
26
Colored Mason Jars with Mod Podge
Colored Mason Jars
Learn how to tint mason jars with Mod Podge! It's very simple, and you can customize with any colors you like. Perfect for parties or gifts.
Get the Tutorial
27
Denim mason jars
www.debbie-debbiedoos.com
Denim Look Dyed
Use Rit Dye with Mod Podge to give a denim look to mason jars. Easy and unique and great for gifts.
Get the Tutorial
28
Diy solar light
Amanda @ Healthy House
Simple Solar Light
Combine Mod Podge and drops of food coloring to dye the jars – then add solar lights on top. What a perfect garden decoration, or for a walkway leading up to a house.
Get the Tutorial
29
Pink mason jars with Mod Podge and food coloring
Linda Braden
Pink Dyed Vintage
Linda dyed her jars with Mod Podge and food coloring, and also aged the lids with a few ingredients.
Get the Tutorial
30
How to Make Citronella Candles
Marty Walden
How to Make Citronella Candles
Are you sick of sitting outside and enjoying the out-of-doors with all of your insect friends? These are perfect for keeping the bugs away, and they look good too!
Get the Tutorial
31
Lace mason jar gifts for party or wedding
Lace Jars for Party or Wedding
Make lace mason jars for a fun spring project! You can add lace to jars with Mod Podge for home decor or party/wedding favors.
Get the Tutorial
32
Lauren Lowe
Match Storage with a Striker
Where is that book of restaurant matches? Who knows! Make sure you always have them on hand (and can light them) with this simple project. Great for taking camping.
Get the Tutorial
33
Make glass vases with mason jars and lace
Black with Lace
Learn how to make lace mason jars with a stunning black and white theme! Perfect for party or wedding.
Get the Tutorial
34
DIY Mason Jar Vanity Light
Lauren Shaver
DIY Vanity Light
Learn how to inexpensively transform a basic vanity bathroom light into a farmhouse style light using mason jars and spray paint. It's easier than you think!
Get the Tutorial
35
Map Mason Jar Lantern
Jacy Pulford
Glowing Maps
Grab some map printouts and your Mod Podge, and make the cutest mason jar craft ever – a map lantern! This is such a fun and easy craft idea.
Get the Tutorial
36
mason jar makeover with sheet music
Sarah Smith
Rustic Vase Makeover
Use strips of sheet music or book pages to decorate the outside of a mason jar – perfect to make a pretty vase for a party centerpiece or wedding.
Get the Tutorial
37
Jacy Pulford
DIY House Number Sign
Learn how to make a unique DIY house number from a wood slice and a mason jar – this is such a great home decor project, and on a budget!
Get the Tutorial
38
Lace mason jar gifts for party or wedding
Lace Jars for Party or Wedding
Make lace mason jars for a fun spring project! You can add lace to jars with Mod Podge for home decor or party/wedding favors.
Get the Tutorial
39
Michelle James
Painted Welcome Sign
This is a fun welcome sign to make and can hang in your entry way to bring guests to your home.
Get the Tutorial
40
how to make diy bath salts
Linda Smith
DIY Bath Salts Gift
Learn how to make DIY bath salts with your favorite essential oils and baking soda! Decorate the mason jar container and add a scoop for a unique gift.
Get the Tutorial
41
Megan McKissick
DIY Air Freshener Decor
What is decor but also a lovely smelling air freshener? Why this mason jar, of course! I love the inconspicuous design, and it's easy to refill.
Get the Tutorial
42
mason jar birdfeeder
Melissa Alink
Bird Feeder
Do you love to watch the birds? The best way to attract them to your backyard is to feed them! Learn how to make your a cute mason jar bird feeder with this easy and inexpensive tutorial.
Get the Tutorial
43
Handmade Fridge Magnets in a Mason Jar
Handmade Fridge Magnets in a Jar
This is one of the easiest gifts you'll ever make! This jar includes handmade fridge magnets that take minutes to make. Simple and cute!
Get the Tutorial
44
Beach-Inspired-Mason-Jar-Decor
Crystal Owens
Beach Inspired
Decorate mason jars with broken seashells to create beautiful beach inspired luminaries. These would work with mosaic tiles as well!
Get the Tutorial
45
Patriotic Mason Jar Lanterns for the Fourth
Patriotic Lanterns
Use mason jars to create these cool patriotic American flag lanterns! Perfect for holidays or to celebrate your US pride.
Get the Tutorial
46
Amy Buchanan
American Flag Sand Art
Create an easy sand art centerpiece using mason jars, colorful sand, and tealight candles. Kids will love helping with this project.
Get the Tutorial
47
Real fall leaf luminaries for autumn
Catherine @ No Wooden Spoons
Autumn Lanterns
Use real leaves and Mod Podge to decorate lanterns – which cast a pretty glow when lit up.
Get the Tutorial
48
Make Mummy Halloween Luminaries in Three Easy Steps!
Mummy Luminaries
These mummy mason jars are so fun to make for Halloween – both kids and adults will love them! Learn how to make these jar luminaries in a few easy steps.
Get the Tutorial
49
pumpkin mason jars
Aki Altuna
Jack O’ Lantern Jars
If you love jack o' lanterns as much as I do, these witch pumpkins are so easy to make.
Get the Tutorial
50
Halloween lanterns feature image
Halloween Mason Jar Lanterns
Make Halloween mason jar lanterns that look like Dracula, a ghost, and a jack o' lantern! These are the perfect holiday decor craft for both kids and adults.
Get the Tutorial
51
momdot.com
Frankenstein Luminaries
I love that these serve a dual purpose! Use these cool luminaries for Halloween decor and to light the path for trick or treaters.
Get the Tutorial
52
Mason Jar Christmas Vase
Christmas Vase for Farmhouse Decor
Learn how to make a Christmas vase by painting on glass! This is way easier than you think, and we've included a free pattern too.
Get the Tutorial
53
car-in-jar-mason-jar-snow-globe
Linda Braden
Tree on a Car Snowglobe
Maybe you get your tree in a station wagon – but I love that Linda gets hers in a Jeep! This snowglobe is easy to create and is perfect Christmas decor.
Get the Tutorial
54
Santa Mason Jar
Santa Gift
Make a Christmas gift or unique decor with this cute Santa mason jar! It's really easy, even for beginning crafters.
Get the Tutorial
55
DIY mason jar snowman
Frosty the Snowman
Make a canning jar snowman using simple supplies! This is a perfect Christmas craft to use for gifts or decor.
Get the Tutorial
56
Mason jar Christmas gift
plaidonline.com
Hot Cocoa Christmas Gift
This makes the perfect gift for coworkers, friends and family. Anyone can do it, even if you don't have previous crafting experience.
Get the Tutorial
57
Snowman mason jar gift ideas
Snowman Hot Chocolate Jars
Learn how to make these cute hot cocoa snowman jars for Christmas gifts! Great for neighbors or hostesses.
Get the Tutorial
58
Chinese New Year Lanterns Made with Mason Jars
Chinese New Year Lanterns
Turn regular mason jars into a fun Chinese New Year craft with tissue paper, paint, and Mod Podge. These are perfect for a themed party!
Get the Tutorial

Which of these creative jar decoration ideas is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!

Betty Dehart

Wednesday 16th of October 2024

My favorite, love the ideas, have used many...

Linda @ Mason Jar Crafts Love

Thursday 6th of March 2014

Thank you so much for including my Mod Podge pink mason jars here!!!

:) Linda

Denise Key

Tuesday 18th of February 2014

These are beautiful! Love to mod podge mason jars these just gave me some new ideals! Thanks for sharing!

Creative Mind

Tuesday 18th of February 2014

so much fun! cute ideas :)