12 Mason Jar Craft Ideas You’ll Actually Want to Try

There’s just something about mason jars that feels so nostalgic, right? Whether it’s their old-timey charm or their “do-it-all” versatility, these little jars are perfect for bringing a touch of creativity into your space.

And the best part? Mason jar crafts are super fun and easy to make—even if you’re not the most “crafty” person out there. Today, we’re spilling all the tips and tricks to transform those humble jars into stunning DIY pieces. From glowing lanterns to adorable organizers, there’s a craft for everyone. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

What You Might Need:

Before we dive into the projects, here are some basic supplies you’ll want to have on hand:

Mason jars (any size works, but pint and quart sizes are most popular)
Acrylic paint or spray paint
Paintbrushes or foam brushes
Hot glue gun and glue sticks
Twine, ribbon, or washi tape
Battery-operated fairy lights
Mod Podge or craft glue
Decorative items like flowers, beads, or lace

Got your supplies? Perfect. Let’s get crafting!

Contents

1. Mason Jar Lanterns: Add a Warm Glow

Imagine cozy evenings with a soft, flickering glow lighting up your room. Mason jar lanterns are the perfect way to add a magical touch to your space.

How to Make It:

Clean your mason jar thoroughly and remove any labels or residue.
Apply a thin coat of frosted glass spray paint to the outside of the jar. Let it dry completely.
Wrap twine or ribbon around the neck of the jar and tie it into a cute bow.
Drop in battery-operated fairy lights or a flameless candle.
(Optional) Add decorative elements like pressed flowers or stickers to the outside of the jar for a personalized touch.

Picture This:

Your mason jar lantern sits on a rustic wooden table, its soft glow reflecting off the frosted glass. Twine wraps snugly around the top, adding a farmhouse vibe. It’s perfect for a quiet evening, a romantic dinner, or even as a charming centerpiece for a party.

2. Painted Mason Jar Vases: Brighten Any Corner

These painted jars are perfect for holding fresh flowers, dried blooms, or even utensils in your kitchen. They’re ridiculously easy to make and look oh-so-pretty!

How to Make It:

Choose a paint color that matches your decor vibe—soft pastels, bold hues, or even metallics.
Use a foam brush to apply acrylic paint evenly to the outside of the jar. Let it dry, then apply a second coat if needed.
For a distressed look, lightly sand the edges and raised areas of the jar with fine-grit sandpaper.
Tie a piece of lace, ribbon, or twine around the neck of the jar for extra flair.
Fill the jar with flowers, utensils, or even makeup brushes!

Picture This:

A pastel blue mason jar vase sits on your kitchen windowsill, filled with cheerful yellow daisies. The paint has a slightly weathered look, giving it that perfect shabby-chic vibe. It’s the kind of craft that makes you smile every time you see it.

3. Mason Jar Organizers: Declutter in Style

Say goodbye to messy desks and counters! Mason jar organizers are not only practical but also ridiculously cute. Use them to store anything from pens to bathroom essentials.

How to Make It:

Paint the jars in coordinating colors that match your space.
Attach a chalkboard label to each jar (use pre-made stickers or create your own with chalkboard paint).
Secure the jars to a wooden board with metal hose clamps for a mounted organizer, or simply arrange them on a tray.
Fill the jars with your favorite odds and ends—pens, makeup brushes, toothbrushes, or craft supplies.

Picture This:

A row of mason jars in soft pastel shades sits on your bathroom counter. Each jar is labeled with elegant chalkboard tags: “Brushes,” “Cotton Balls,” and “Toothpaste.” The look is clean, organized, and Pinterest-perfect.

4. Mason Jar Snow Globes: Winter Wonderland

Who says snow globes are just for the holidays? These mason jar snow globes can be customized for any season or theme.

How to Make It:

Glue a small figurine or decorative item to the inside of the mason jar lid.
Fill the jar with distilled water and a few drops of glycerin (to make the “snow” fall slowly).
Add glitter or faux snow to the water.
Screw the lid on tightly and turn the jar upside down.
(Optional) Wrap the jar’s neck with ribbon or twine for a finished look.

Picture This:

A tiny winter scene with a snow-dusted evergreen tree comes to life inside a mason jar. Glitter swirls gracefully when you shake it, creating a magical, homemade snow globe that feels like a little piece of winter wonderland.

5. Mason Jar Candle Holders: Create a Spa Vibe

Transform your mason jars into beautiful candle holders that bring a calming spa vibe to your space.

How to Make It:

Wrap lace or burlap around the outside of the jar and secure it with hot glue.
Place a tealight or votive candle inside the jar.
Add decorative stones, sand, or sea glass around the base of the candle.
Light the candle and enjoy the cozy ambiance.

Picture This:

A mason jar candle holder glows softly on your bathroom counter. The warm light flickers through delicate lace, creating a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.

6. Mason Jar Terrariums: Bring the Outdoors In

Mini terrariums in mason jars are a lovely way to add greenery to your home without needing a lot of space.

How to Make It:

Add a layer of small pebbles or gravel to the bottom of the jar for drainage.
Add a layer of activated charcoal to keep the terrarium fresh.
Top with potting soil and small succulents or air plants.
Decorate with tiny figurines or moss for a whimsical touch.
Place your terrarium in indirect sunlight and mist occasionally.

Picture This:

A tiny green oasis lives inside your mason jar, with vibrant succulents and a sprinkling of moss. It’s like a little slice of nature, right on your desk.

7. Mason Jar Soap Dispensers: Functional and Stylish

Upgrade your bathroom or kitchen with a DIY soap dispenser made from a mason jar.

How to Make It:

Drill a hole in the center of the mason jar lid, just large enough for a soap pump.
Insert the pump into the hole and secure it with hot glue.
Fill the jar with your favorite liquid soap.
Screw on the lid and enjoy your stylish new dispenser.

Picture This:

A sleek soap dispenser sits by your sink, blending rustic charm with modern function. The clear jar shows off the soap’s vibrant color, adding a pop of fun.

8. Mason Jar Herb Garden: Fresh Flavors at Your Fingertips

Grow your favorite herbs right in your kitchen with this easy mason jar herb garden.

How to Make It:

Add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of each jar for drainage.
Fill the jar with potting soil, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Plant herb seeds or small herb plants like basil, parsley, or mint.
Place the jars in a sunny spot and water lightly as needed.

Picture This:

A trio of mason jars sits on your windowsill, each brimming with fresh green herbs. The scent of basil fills the air as you snip a few leaves for dinner.

9. Mason Jar Photo Frames: Showcase Memories

Turn mason jars into unique photo frames to display your favorite memories.

How to Make It:

Print photos to fit the size of your jars.
Roll the photo slightly and place it inside the jar, pressing it against the glass.
Fill the jar with decorative items like fairy lights, sand, or dried flowers for added charm.
Screw on the lid and display your photo frame on a shelf or desk.

Picture This:

A mason jar photo frame sits on your bedside table, showcasing a cherished memory. Fairy lights inside the jar illuminate the photo, giving it a magical glow.

10. Mason Jar Dry Food Storage: Keep It Fresh

Organize your pantry with mason jars that double as stylish storage for dry goods.

How to Make It:

Clean and dry your mason jars thoroughly.
Fill each jar with dry foods like rice, pasta, or baking ingredients.
Label the jars with chalkboard stickers or printed labels.
Line them up in your pantry for an organized and aesthetically pleasing look.

Picture This:

Rows of mason jars filled with colorful lentils, rice, and pasta line your pantry shelves. Each jar is neatly labeled, making meal prep a breeze.

11. Mason Jar Fairy Lights

Turn up the magic with Mason jar fairy lights. These are like little pockets of wonder that instantly make any room enchanting.

How to Create It

Place a string of battery-operated fairy lights inside the Mason jar.
For extra whimsy, add moss, faux flowers, or glitter around the lights.
Secure the battery pack under the lid or hide it in the décor.

Picture This

Glowing Mason jars scattered across a patio table at dusk, or placed on a shelf for a dreamy glow. It’s like capturing fireflies in a jar!

12. Mason Jar Storage Hacks

Get organized in style! Mason jars are a lifesaver for storing everything from craft supplies to pantry staples.

How to Create It

Paint the jar lids with chalkboard paint for easy labeling.
Use large jars for flour, sugar, or coffee beans.
Store buttons, beads, or small craft items in smaller jars.
Stack jars on a rotating spice rack for easy access.

Picture This

An Instagram-worthy pantry or craft station, where everything is neatly organized and looks like it belongs in a magazine spread.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of paint for Mason jar crafts?

Yes, you can use any paint you prefer, but for the best results, acrylic or chalk paint is recommended. These types of paint adhere well to glass and give a smooth finish. Chalk paint is especially great for that rustic look!

2. How do I make sure the paint doesn’t chip off?

To prevent chipping, be sure to seal your Mason jars with a clear acrylic sealer or Mod Podge after painting. This will create a protective layer that ensures your paint stays intact for longer.

3. Can I put real candles in the Mason jar candle holders?

While you can use real candles, LED or battery-operated candles are a safer option for Mason jar holders. This way, you avoid any potential fire hazards, especially if you’re using decorative items like lace or paper.

4. How can I personalize my Mason jar crafts?

Personalization is key! You can add labels, paint the jars in your favorite colors, or decorate them with stickers, washi tape, or even stencils. Get creative with your choice of embellishments, such as adding lace, twine, beads, or even hand-painted designs.

5. What should I do if my Mason jar cracks?

If your Mason jar cracks, don’t worry! You can still repurpose it for crafts that don’t require full use of the jar (like fairy lights or storage). Alternatively, if you’re working with a cracked jar for a vase or planter, consider adding a layer of pebbles at the bottom to conceal the crack.

6. How do I create a mason jar herb garden if I don’t have a lid?

No lid? No problem! You can still create a herb garden by simply filling the jar with soil and placing it on a small tray for drainage. If you’re using a lid with holes for drainage, simply pop the lid back on after planting.

7. Are Mason jar crafts suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Mason jar crafts are perfect for beginners. Most projects require minimal materials, and you can tailor them to your own skill level. Whether you’re painting, organizing, or making candle holders, the process is simple and fun!

8. Can I use Mason jars outdoors?

Yes, but it’s a good idea to use outdoor-friendly sealers if your jars will be exposed to the elements. Additionally, make sure that any electrical items (like fairy lights) are waterproof and safe for outdoor use.

9. How do I clean Mason jars for crafts?

Cleaning your Mason jars is easy! Just wash them with warm, soapy water, making sure to remove any labels. If there’s sticky residue left from the label, rub it off with some vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dry thoroughly before starting your craft project.

10. Can I use Mason jars as gifts?

Definitely! Mason jars make wonderful, personalized gifts. You can fill them with homemade treats, bath salts, candles, or even small succulents. Add a cute label or decorative ribbon to make it extra special.

Closing Thoughts

Mason jars are the ultimate blank canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re making a glowing lantern, a painted vase, or a charming organizer, these crafts are as versatile as they are fun. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and easy to customize, making them the perfect DIY project for beginners and pros alike.

So grab a jar, let your imagination run wild, and start crafting! And hey, if you try one of these projects, snap a pic and share it—because we’d all love to see your mason jar magic. Happy crafting!