Mason jars were invented and patented in 1858 by John Mason, to preserve food. The most common brands in use in the US included Ball and Kerr brands. And today – many more exist although those two remain the favorite choices. And preserving food? Well, someone must still use them for food storage, but we’ve found 43 mason jar crafts for you to try. Lighting, candles, vases, terrariums – these are one of the best containers ever for DIY decorating ideas. There are literally hundreds of ways to use these versatile jars for your outdoor decor.
Hang dozens of mason jars in a huge old tree by the backyard pond or pool for an instant fairy garden. A candle in each and you’re set. (You’d be smart to use remote-control flameless candles for this purpose.) Candle holders are one of the top mason jar craft projects, but there are plenty more DIY decorating ideas for that perfect backyard oasis.
DIY Outdoor Hanging Candle holders from Mason Jars
When you put candles inside a whole group of mason jars and hang them in the air – the effect is astonishingly beautiful. A great DIY decorating idea for an outdoor wedding. Source
Hand painted candle holder with Moroccan flair – this mason jar craft project is a super simple DIY and looks truly elegant. Source
These are a great DIY idea – and note the beans that stabilize the candles. You can get those hanging lids, with chains, at Micheal’s stores. Source
Trust us when we tell you, you really can’t beat this look. And it costs very little to manifest these great decorating ideas. We first mention it as the Summer Solstice Party Idea.
Add an extra element to your DIY candles by hanging them from an interesting tree. Source
And old ladder also makes an interesting hanger. We love the way they’ve taken this idea one step further and added a punched tin start candle light. Very creative. Source
Another creative and attractive idea – mixing succulent plants in with mason jar candles on a hanging panel (this looks like it might be a metal pot hanger). Source
Mason Jar Tiki Torches and Oil Lamps
Blue Ball jars full of citronella oil keep the bugs away. Source
Table Candle Holders from Mason Jars
Another great idea is rosemary and lemon / lime. Just add some water and a floating candle and your mason jar craft candle becomes a bonafide (and natural) bug repellent. Smells a lot better, too. Source
So many colors, so many decor choices. And such a simple, simple DIY decorating idea. It’s almost criminal it’s so easy. Source
For a natural tabletop setting, combine some fresh flowers with tea light candles in jars. It’s so simple, but so very sophisticated. Source
Don’t they look great? For simplicity, use flameless candles. It’s a lot simpler. A lot. Source
Using different sizes of mason jars is another great decorating idea. It kind of gives some depth to the tabletop. And white with clear glass is always tasteful. Source
Mason jar crafts can be magic – a little tissue paper randomly applied to the exterior and light that candle. And it looks oh-so-chic. Source
Jars of stars – yeah, it’s photography, these are simply candles in reality. But gorgeous. Source
Mason Jar Vases
Spray painted mason jars as vases – love the primary colors. Source
This is cool – a mixture of Elmer’s Glue and food coloring gives you a sea glass look. Who said mason jar crafts are boring? These are really sleek DIY decorating ideas. Source
Coordinate your vase and flower color for maximum effect. Source
Use jute twine to create upscale mason jar vases. Source
Mason Jar Decor and Party Ideas
Putting a beach in a jar is always a great decorating idea. Source
Or plants. Terrarium making is one of the most popular mason jar crafts. Source
Twigs and branches and origami birds take mason jar crafts to a new level of decorating. These arrangements look like art. Source
Mason jars filled with natural scents – from rosemary lemon to cinnamon orange to bay leaves and pine (and many more choices) will keep bugs away when placed strategically around the garden. Source
What a smart idea for a garden party buffet – offer cutlery in self-serve mason jar containers. Source
Use the humble mason jar to hold prepared drinks for the perfect garden party – no bartender required. Source
Mason Jar Planters and Flower Pots
Recycle an old shutter into a vertical mason jar herb garden. Source
Another simple mason jar craft – herb pots. Source
And painted or plain – they also make great flower pots for succulents. Source
Outdoor Lighting Ideas Using Mason Jars
String lights inside mason jars turn into mason jar string lights. And they’re a great decorating idea for alongside a fence, they really warm up the backyard or patio. Source
White bulb lights with mason jar covers hang from a pergola. Very upscale garden lighting. Source
Using different color mason jars, along with a string of plain white lights, looks great along a pony wall. Source
Very simple single white lights, when combined with mason jar covers, can look incredible. Source
Mason Jar Solar Lighting
More tops from Micheal’s – this time they’re solar and they’ll light up your mason jars all night long. Again, one of those great decorating ideas to put them along a boring old fence. Source
Or you can always use solar string lights – that allows you to hang your candles anywhere at all. No power source required. Source
Color-changing solar lids from Etsy open up more possibilities in the world of mason jar crafts. Combine a solar lid with a terrarium – or a beach scene in a jar. Source
Like this. Source
Glow Stick Mason Jar Lights
Glow stick mason jar crafts – a funky DIY decorating idea – not just for kids! Source
Choosing all one color and the same jar style and size is a brilliant decorating idea. Source
