You can do what with a Mason Jar?

10 Things to Do With Mason Jars

The next time you empty a jar pickles or jelly you might want to think twice before tossing it into the recycle bin. After a quick run through the dishwasher, you have yourself a clean mason jar. The possibilities are endless! Here are ten ideas to spark your imagination.

1. Vacation Memory Jars: What do you plan to do with the mementos you brought home from your trip? Pile them away in the junk drawer? Here’s a better idea: create a cute vacation memory jar to display on your mantel! It provides a personalized conversation starter and helps you remember your vacation with pleasure.

2. Terrariums: All you need is a mason jar and lid, potting soil, rocks or sea shells (hidden under the soil for drainage), small succulents and a spray bottle to water your plants. Set your terrarium on a windowsill where it can get plenty of light, and there you have it: a beautiful indoor terrarium that costs almost nothing.

3. Flower Vases: Leave the jar the way it is or decorate it before using it as a flower vase. Ideas for decorating a mason jar flower vase include wrapping it with fabric or twine, painting it, or gluing branches to the outside.

4. Candle Holders: Line the bottom of the jar with beads, acorns, sand, small stones, rice or dried beans to hold the candle in place. Decorate the jar any way you want, such as with ribbons, paint, twine or fabric paint.

5. Lanterns: Take it one step further by decorating your mason jar however you want (tissue paper is particularly effective) and popping a battery-operated candle inside. Close the lid and voilà! A decorative mason jar lantern!

6. Storage Containers: Line mason jars in a deep drawer to organize odds and ends ranging from rubber bands and paperclips to spools of thread and buttons. Fill them with crayons, pencils and markers to make your craft center more organized. You can also fill mason jars with spices and place them decoratively on your kitchen counter.

7. Bug Catchers: If you have kids, get them in on the action! Mason jars are the perfect size to act as bug catchers. Simply punch a few holes in the lid so the captured critter can breathe.

8. Candy Dishes: Fill your mason jars to the rim with delicious, colorful candy. Leave them on your coffee table for visitors to help themselves.

9. Cups: Think you’ll run out of cups the next time you have guests over? Guess again! By having a collection of clean mason jars on hand, you always have extra glasses.

10.         Snow Globes: Glue little figurines to the inside of the mason jar lid, fill the jar with water and a healthy dose of glitter, screw the lid on tightly, and you have a personalized snow globe.

For more decorating or party ideas contact Christina Currie Events, www.christinacurrieevents.com or 224-558-1764.