I currently have an obsession with Mason jars.  They are relatively inexpensive, easy to find, entirely practical and yet decorative, too!  I am amazed by how many uses there are for Mason jars!  I recently finished a Teacher Appreciation gift using Mason Jars as Manicure Kits AND Lanterns.

Mason Jar Candle Lanterns Tidbits&Twine 3

Originally invented in 1858 by John Landis Mason, these jars are also referred to as Ball jars (after the manufacturer), fruit jars or glass canning jars.  While originally intended to preserve food during the home canning process, today, Mason jars are widely used for crafts, storage and other decorative purposes.

Here are 22 of my favorite stylish, creative and decorative uses for Mason jars.

Vases

1. Clear Glass Vases

I love the simplicity of this beautiful flower display

To create the look of Casual Elegance shown above, pair a rustic mason jar with a formal flower arrangement

A beautiful use of lemons as a vase filler for a pop of color!

2. Painted Vases

Simple flowers in a painted jar give a bit of pop to the vase for added interest.  Click the image above for a DIY tutorial on painting Mason jars.

Displays

3. Collections

Mason Jar Collection
via Poppy Talk

A beautiful way to organize and display small collections

 

Decorative Storage

4. Pantry

A great way to organize dry goods to keep them fresh.  See below for a link to FREE printable labels.

5. Bathroom

Whether hanging on the wall or sitting on the counter, Mason jars are great for storing bathing supplies such as soaps, cotton balls, toothbrushes and swabs.

6. Office Supplies

Decoratively organize pens, pencils, rubber bands and more!

7. Crafts

Keep track of craft supplies in Mason jars with chalk painted lids for easy labeling

8. Flatware

Use Mason jars to organize flatware for a party or picnic

Antique flatware on display

 A casual elegant centerpiece created with vintage flatware, roses and linen.

Gifts

9. Food

Make ahead recipes using mason jars

10. Gift Sets

A manicure kit AND lantern all in one!  Click here to learn how to make this gift set.

A self-contained sewing kit

11. Drinking Glasses

Paired with paper striped straws, Mason jars make beautiful drinking glasses.

I LOVE vintage French bottle drying racks, and here, one is used at a wedding to hold Mason jar drinking glasses for guests.

12. Soap Dispensers

Click the image above for a DIY tutorial on making your own Mason jar soap dispenser.

Plants

 

13. Herb Gardens

A wall-mounted herb garden display

14. Terrarium

Terrariums are quite popular right now and can be made with even the simplest of containers!

 

Lighting

15. Candle Holders

A simple way to use tealights, votives or other small candles

16. Single Light

Mason Jar Light Fixture
via DIY Home Design

 

17. Chandelier

 

18.  Frames

Paint the lids and use them as frames for small photos!

Parties & Weddings

19. Candy Display

Mason jars make cute displays for candy at parties

 

20. Wedding Bubbles

Fill them with bubble solution and use them at weddings.

Memory Keepsakes

21. Photos

A beautiful photo memory keepsake

22. Memory Jar

Although I used a jar from Ikea, you can use a Mason jar to create a Memory Jar.  Click here for a tutorial on creating your very own Memory Jar.

I love it when I find simple items with decorative uses!  If you have a favorite use for a Mason jar not listed above, leave me a comment and let me know!

Signature

PS – Here are links to two of my favorite FREE printable mason jar labels.

Pantry Labels 2
Pantry Labels

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22 Comments

  1. Love these Creative & Decorative Uses For Mason Jars, these are so amazing, lovely decorating stuff specially for gallery fall , these stuffs are so amazing.

  2. Love these Creative & Decorative Uses For Mason Jars , these creative homemade stuff are so amazing. Thanks for sharing

  3. I like how you use these jars, thank you! I will try yo make it

  4. Where can I find quart blue mason jars for centerpieces for wedding shower tables?

  5. I can’t find the link for Mason jar labels

  6. I too am obsessed with mason jars. I collected the vintage green and blue ball jars, and now I found the purple ones! How great would those lilacs look in a purple mason jar? thanks for all the great ideas.

  7. I stumbled across this while looking for ideas for a BBQ themed party, the lemonade and even the lights are perfect! It in nice because some of the crafts can be reused for a Country Western or Rustic themed event as well. There are always extra mason jars in the house after we buy pasta sauce and salsa, so we wouldn’t even have to buy too many (which is always a plus)!

  8. Maybe my boys (hubbies & 16yr old son) will appreciate being more organized-lol

  9. wow wonderful idea and decoration. today I learned a lots of things and I do it myself right way. thank you so much.

  10. Thanks so much for including my painted jars :)

    1. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

      Hi Kelly – Of course! They’re beautiful!

  11. Love, love, love the pantry labels, how do I order a set?

      1. What awesome ideas. Thanks for sharing and for providing the links

      2. User Avatar Tidbits&Twine says:

        So glad you enjoyed this post!! :) Kim

  12. Hey my name is Laura and I Blog about tips for displaying printed Instagram photos. I just want to let you know I love the idea of the photo in the jar! Such a neat idea!

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