So, you’ve got a cupboard full of mason jars staring at you, huh? Maybe you couldn’t stop yourself from buying a flat of them at the garage sale last summer, or perhaps you just refuse to throw out the spaghetti sauce ones because they’re “too useful.”
I get it. I’m the same way. My garage looks like a mason jar graveyard. But instead of feeling guilty every time you open that cabinet, let’s actually do something with them. We’re not just going to store dried beans; we’re going to turn these glass beauties into stuff you’d actually pay money for at a home decor store.
Grab your glue gun and let’s get crafty. Here are 15 DIY mason jar crafts that are perfect for upcycling that glass stash.
1. The “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Glass” Snow Globes
Ever looked at a snow globe and thought, “I could make that, but I’m too lazy to buy a kit”? Well, you already own the globe part.
This is ridiculously easy. First, you need a jar with a tight-sealing lid. Clean it really well because nobody wants last week’s pickles floating in their winter wonderland.
- What you need: A small waterproof figurine (think plastic animals or trees), glycerin (or clear glue), distilled water, and glitter.
- The trick: Glue the figurine to the inside of the lid. Let it dry completely. I learned this the hard way—if it’s not dry, your polar bear is taking a swim.
- The science: Fill the jar with water and a dash of glycerin. The glycerin makes the glitter fall slower, like it’s lazy. 🙂
- The moment of truth: Screw the lid on tight. Like, really tight. Flip it over, shake it, and watch the magic.
2. Herb Garden (That Won’t Judge Your Brown Thumb)
I love the idea of fresh herbs. I hate the idea of paying $4 for a bundle of basil that wilts in my fridge. Mason jars to the rescue!
This project is less “craft” and more “assembly,” but it counts.
Why Drilling is Optional
You can totally just put soil and seeds in a jar, but without drainage, you’ll drown your little plants. If you’re feeling handy, drill a few holes in the lid for drainage.
- Pro Tip: Place a layer of small rocks at the bottom before adding soil. It helps with drainage and stops the roots from rotting.
- The Setup: Fill with potting soil, plant your seeds (chives are basically unkillable, IMO), and put them on a sunny windowsill.
- The Reality: You’ll forget to water them for a week, but because you can see the soil through the glass, you’ll have no excuses. 😉
3. The Ultimate Overnight Oats Jar
Okay, this isn’t going to win any “Most Artistic Craft” awards, but it is the most practical thing you will do all week. If you meal prep, this is your new best friend.
The beauty of the mason jar is the perfect portion control. You fill it up, shake it, and stick it in the fridge.
Here’s my go-to lazy recipe:
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind works)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Frozen berries on top.
Screw the lid on, shake it like it owes you money, and leave it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you have breakfast. No bowls to wash. It’s genius.
4. “Bugs Stay Away” Citronella Candles
Summer nights are great. Mosquitoes are not. Let’s make those bloodsuckers regret ever evolving.
You can buy citronella oil online or at any craft store. Upcycle some old candles you have lying around for the wax, or buy soy wax flakes.
The Process:
- Melt the wax using a double boiler. Do not walk away. Wax is flammable, and we’re crafting, not firefighting.
- Attach the wick. Use a dot of hot glue to stick a pre-tabbed wick to the bottom of a clean jar.
- Add the scent. Once the wax is melted, stir in the citronella oil. Bold move: Add a sprig of rosemary from your new mason jar herb garden for extra scent and style.
- Pour and hold. Pour the wax in, but hold the wick upright. Use a pencil or chopstick to wrap the top of the wick around to keep it centered.
- Light and relax. Enjoy the evening without the buzzing.
5. The “Where Did My Chapstick Go?” Organizer
Is your bathroom counter a mess? Mine too. But it doesn’t have to be.
Grab a jar, clean it off, and fill it with all the tiny stuff that usually gets lost in the abyss of the drawer. Cotton balls, Q-tips, hair ties, bobby pins—they all have a home now.
Pro-tip for the vanity: Spray paint the lid a matte gold or rose gold. Suddenly, your trash is chic. It looks expensive, but we know the truth. 😉
6. A Rustic Chandelier (Hear Me Out)
Yes, you read that right. This is the advanced level of mason jar crafting, but the result is stunning.
You need a wood plank or an old wagon wheel (if you’re feeling particularly rustic) and some socket kits. You can buy pendant light kits that screw right into the mason jar lids.
The Concept:
- Drill holes in your wood plank for the wiring.
- Assemble the socket inside the jar lid as per the kit instructions.
- Hang the plank from the ceiling with chains.
- Screw the jars into the lids.
Fair warning: This requires electrical work. If you’re not comfortable wiring a plug, grab a friend who is. But once it’s done, you have a custom light fixture that cost half the price of store-bought.
7. Salad Dressing Shaker
Stop buying salad dressing. Seriously. It’s full of sugar and preservatives, and you are better than that.
Mason jars are the perfect shaker because they don’t leak (if you close them properly) and they’re easy to clean.
My Favorite Vinaigrette:
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
Throw it all in the jar, screw the lid on, and shake it like a polaroid picture. Pour it over your salad, store the rest in the fridge. Boom. You’re a chef.
8. A Piggy Bank That Actually Looks Good
Want to save money but hate the look of those plastic pigs? Use a jar.
Cut a slit in the metal lid. You might need a hammer and a flathead screwdriver to punch a hole. Be careful, metal edges are sharp!
The Twist: Decoupage some cool paper or fabric onto the outside. Now you have a savings jar for “Italy Vacation 2026” or “Emergency Tacos.”
9. Layered Cookie Mix Gifts
The holidays are coming (or they will be soon). Stop buying useless presents and give the gift of baked goods, without actually baking them.
Layer the dry ingredients for cookies in a jar. It looks beautiful, and it’s practical.
How to layer:
- Flour and baking soda mix at the bottom.
- Oats next.
- Chocolate chips and nuts on top.
- Brown sugar packed tightly in the middle acts as a “wall” to keep layers separate.
Write the instructions on a tag: “Empty contents into a bowl, add 1 egg and 1 stick of melted butter, mix, bake at 350°.” It’s foolproof and thoughtful.
10. The “Phone Destroyer” Soap Pump
This is my favorite hack. You know those foaming soap pumps you buy at the store? They’re just diluted soap. You’re paying for water!
- Buy a foaming soap pump top online (or save one from a bottle you were going to recycle).
- Fill your mason jar about 1/4 of the way with liquid castile soap (Dr. Bronner’s is the best).
- Fill the rest of the way with water.
- Screw on the pump.
Instant foaming hand soap for pennies. It works perfectly. I have these in my kitchen and bathroom. Just make sure the pump tube is long enough to reach the bottom of the jar. Sometimes you have to measure.
11. A Terrarium for the Plant Killer
Succulents are trendy for a reason: they’re hard to kill. And they look amazing in mason jars.
This is similar to the herb garden, but with better aesthetics.
The Layers (very important for the ‘gram):
- Bottom: Small pebbles or gravel for drainage.
- Middle: Activated charcoal (keeps the water from getting smelly).
- Top: Potting soil.
- The Star: A small succulent or air plant.
Mist it with water once a week. Don’t overwater it! The jar doesn’t have drainage holes, so you’ll rot the roots if you go crazy.
12. String Art Wrapped Jars
If you have leftover yarn or twine from other projects, this one’s for you.
Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge (or white glue mixed with water) on the outside of the jar. Start wrapping the twine or yarn around the bottom, pressing it into the glue.
- Keep it tight. If it’s loose, it will slip.
- Mix colors. Do a few rows of jute, then a few rows of bright orange for a pop.
- Finish strong. Once you reach the top, cut the yarn and glue the end down securely.
You now have a cozy, rustic vase for dried flowers or fairy lights.
13. The Ultimate Tool Organizer
Let’s get out of the kitchen and into the garage (or the craft room). Screws, nails, bolts, drill bits—they are always getting mixed up.
Screw a few mason jar lids to the underside of a shelf. Then, screw the jars into the lids.
Now you have hanging storage that’s easy to access. Need a screw? Unscrew the jar, grab one, screw it back. It keeps your workbench clear and your sanity intact.
14. A Sarcastic Message Center
Paint the front of a jar with chalkboard paint. Just one side, like a window. Or, buy chalkboard labels.
Put the jar by the door with a piece of chalk.
- For the keys: “KEYS. PUT THEM HERE, YOU ANIMAL.”
- For loose change: “Gas Money. (Or Chocolate Fund).”
- For the office: “Brain Cells. (Do Not Disturb).”
It’s functional and gives you a chance to be funny every day.
15. The “Just Because” Candle Holder
If the citronella candle was too much work, let’s keep it simple. Drop a tea light in a jar. Done.
But if you want to get fancy:
- Snowy look: Roll the jar in glue and then in Epsom salts.
- Beachy look: Glue sand and tiny shells to the bottom half.
- Romantic look: Paint the inside of the jar with frosted glass spray paint.
Pop a candle in, light it, and watch the light flicker through the glass. Instant ambiance, zero effort.
So there you have it. Fifteen ways to clear out that cabinet and actually enjoy the fruits of your “I’ll save this jar” labor.
Whether you’re making a mess with glitter or finally organizing those screws, the mason jar is the undisputed champion of the upcycling world. Now, go raid your recycling bin. I guarantee you’ve got at least three more jars in there that need a second chance at life. Happy crafting! 🙂
