(Revised & Updated with New Projects on 8/18/23)
I’ve found seven things to do with jars for you DIYers out there. Jars are objects we toss into the trash every day. Or the recycling bin.
You might want to consider holding onto them. Your DIY project could be a decorative complement for your home. Or a gift to give at the holidays.
We buy spaghetti sauce in them. Pickles. So many things we purchase in glass jars.
I think everyone loves Mason jars particularly. There’s so many DIYs with Mason jars.
1. Mason Jar Bug Repellent
In the summer time bugs are truly aggravating. You try to relax outdoors and here come those annoying mosquitoes or flies.
If you put together a few DIY bug repellent luminaries, you might have a little more peace outdoors.
I always plant various types of herbs every year. And many of them that I plant in containers are placed right by my patio.
Bugs don’t like herbs. Neither do rodents. It’s the strong scent they hate. So consider herbs one of your friends in the summertime.
2. DIY Photo Jar
3. Potpourri In A Jar
Everyone loves potpourri. Come fall, many of us will be putting these together to scent our home or make to give as gifts.
Potpourris are perfect for the holidays. You can simmer them on your stove to make your home smell wonderful. Or make dry potpourris to put in jars.
This tutorial, found in the link that says photo source, has free printable labels and gift tags for this project.
4. Mason Jar Bathroom Storage
I don’t think you can have enough storage in the bathroom. I’m always trying to figure out ways to streamline things I need in my tiny bathroom.
Painting and distressing these jars turn them into nice and decorative storage for the bathroom. You can store Q-tips, cotton balls, etc.
And it also looks so pretty!
5. Lavender Candles In Jars
I’ve always thought about making candles, but have somehow never gotten around to it.
But the aroma of this candle with lavender must be wonderful. You might even consider it “perfume in a jar.” What wonderful gifts these would be to most anyone on your list.
6. Vintage Mason Jar Lamp
This vintage Mason jar lamp showed some real ingenuity. I’ve seen lighting made from Mason jars before, but I’ve never seen one quite like this.
Wouldn’t it be a cozy addition to a screened or covered porch?
If I saw this for sale in an antique mall and it was the right price, I’d snap it up for my own home.
7. Mason Jar Pin Cushion
Now just how cute are these pin cushion topped jars? You could store buttons or other sewing notions inside.
You’d have storage for sewing pins on top, as well as storage space inside the jar.
If you’re one of those creative DIYers out there, I would wager that you have used buttons in your projects before. If so, can you share your button projects with us?
I just read Janes comment and I had no idea about that decision. I wonder if it is regional?
I had to come back to this post and let you know I did a beaded jar. I followed the instructions and purchased the glue she recommended. BIG waste! I ended up using hot glue and it worked like a charm. The process went sooooo much faster. I'm not sure why she would recommend that particular glue since using it is a huge time sucker and hot glue is super effective. Just thought I'd let you know in case you were thinking of doing it.
I couldn't believe it when they said that there is a decision not to recycle glass in this country!! I cannot throw away unique or colored glass bottles at all. Now I am using glass jars from salad dressing for tea containers, etc for my coffee making station in my kitchen. I hate plastic jars and bottles and try never to buy anything in them. So not recycling glass has been a real shock to my system.
Cute ideas! I use glass jars for storing my rice, quinoa, pastas and dried beans. I use Mason jars for flower vases. Not crafty, just useful.
Love the oil lamp idea. xo Laura
It's hard for me to throw out a glass jar, as I tend to take after my mother in that regard. She was the queen of recycling long before it was popular.
I love the ideas here.
Thanks for the inspiration! I have some tiny milk jars that I got at a christening and I haven't known what to do about them!
I was precisely working on a project that involved jars. I love them! So many possibilities. I gotta try that sea glass product. 😉
I love all these ideas, especially the snow globes!!! 🙂
These are awesome ideas Brenda…I have to get the sea glass spray!
I have a lot of jars in my basement. I use them for candles, and flower vases. There are so many great uses. I love the ideas you shared!
What fun ideas!
How very creative these people are.. Love it.. I haven't ever done this..but am definitely going to now.. Thanks for sharing.
Oh I love those seafoam ones. How fun is this.
I agree with gayle. The prism candle is number one on my to do list. Clicking over now ..
I love these decorating crafts using jars. So creative! It's impossible for me to even pick a favorite. But, I think I'll start by making the prism candle. Thanks for sharing…
Such cute ideas!
Thank you for all the ideas! How creative. Have a happy day, XOXO