Things to Do with Mason Jars

• Old canning jars are sought after to display on shelves or used in crafts. jars image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com

  Mason jars were invented more than 125 years ago for canning and storing fruits and vegetables. These jars come in a variety of sizes, including quart, pint and jelly. Collectible Mason jars can be found in blue, green and clear with glass lids while modern Mason jars have flat metal lids and screw rims that keep the contents airtight. There are many things to do with Mason jars because the jars are durable and easy to craft into decorative and functional items.

Storage

• Mason jars keep everything organized when storage space is an issue. Storage jars can hold candy, sewing notions, cotton balls, cotton swabs, bath salts, change, and even flour and sugar. Make the jars more attractive by cutting a fabric circle with pinked edges to place over the lid before screwing on the top. The fabric will create a ruffle around the top of the jar. Paint birds, flowers, teddy bears and other simple designs on the outside of a jar with acrylic paint. Tie or glue ribbon around the rim to finish the look.

Candles

• Safe and beautiful candles are made easily with Mason jars. Place sand in the bottom of a jelly jar, and set a tea light candle on top. You can also use battery-operated tea lights and put leaves and twigs with berries or potpourri in the jar for extra accent. Only use the rim and omit the lid for safety.

Terrarium

• Make a garden under glass with a Mason jar. Terrariums are made by placing gravel and charcoal at the bottom to ensure drainage and freshness. Soil is placed in next, and plant one or two small plants using chopsticks. Add moss to cover the ground, and accent with rocks, shells or resin miniatures. The lid and rim are placed on the terrarium, and it must be watered for a few weeks. After that, an ecosystem will be created, and the terrarium will need little care.

Vases

• A vase is the easiest thing to make with a Mason jar. Place clean pebbles in the bottom of the jar to hold and stabilize the stems of the flowers. Place a rubber band around the stems of either fresh or dried flowers, and place the bouquet in the jar. Add water to the fresh flowers. Put the rim on the jar to create a finished look or just leave it off. Tie ribbon, raffia or fabric scraps around the rim for more visual interest.