4 Ways to Decorate Glass Jars

By decorating your glass jars, you can give them a second life. Want to give it a try? Here are 4 fantastic ideas.
4 Ways to Decorate Glass Jars

Last update: 21 October, 2018

Homes all over the world produce a lot of waste, and we’re not just talking about trash. There are many instances in which we can reuse the plastic or glass items that end up in our bins. Decorating glass jars is a creative way to give them a second life.

You could use glass jars for countless purposes. They can store things, be a flower vase or a piggy bank, or you could even use them as a container for your salads.

In today’s post, we’ll give you 4 ideas to decorate your glass jars so you can use them as decorative pieces for your home. As they don’t require much to decorate them, they’re easy and economical projects.

Idea 1: picture frame

Who says that photos only belong in traditional picture frames? Over time, we’ve discovered new, creative ways to showcase our photos. And yes, you can most definitely use glass jars, too.

What’s more is that decorating glass jars with your favorite photos is a great idea and you’ll see just why that is below.

You’ll need:

  • Glass jar, in any size you like, with a lid
  • Your favorite photo
  • Oil

All you need to do is fill the glass jar with sunflower seed oil, or another transparent kind, up to the rim. Prevent the oil from spilling over the rim by leaving some space.

Then, slide your photo into the oil. The shape and material of the oil-filled jar will make your photo look bigger and brighter. Some people also add a flower or  branch. They’re beautiful additions as they look like they’re floating.

To finish the project, close the lid tightly and place the jar wherever you like.

Idea 2: text

Our second idea for decorating glass jars is one of our favorites because it’s so simple, versatile and useful. To get started, you’ll need:

  • Any size glass jar. For this project, what you’ll use the jar for will determine if you need the lid or not
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Acrylic paint

This project consists of writing a key word that states what you’ll use the jar for onto the jar itself with the hot glue gun.

For example, if you’re going to use it to keep spare change in, write “SPARE CHANGE”. Or if you want to use the jar to hold pencils, write that instead.

When the glue is dry, paint the jar with the acrylic paint. You’ll end up with an embossed-lettering effect and can use the jar for whatever you like.

Idea 3: beach memory

Another way to decorate glass jars and enjoy a memory of your most recent vacation is using seashells or river pebbles. You’ll need some hot glue to attach them onto the jar. You won’t need the lid for this idea as you’ll need to glue on the seashells and pebbles all the way up to the rim.

This will make a great gift or a memory of a place that you love for your office. A variation is using sand as a decoration.

Glass jar memories

Idea 4: piggy bank

Our last glass jar idea for you is making a piggy bank. This is a great idea for your children and even for yourself because it can be a good motivator. You’ll need:

  • A little figurine of whatever you’re saving up for. For example, if you’re saving up for a trip, a little airplane figurine would be perfect. If you want to go somewhere specific, like Paris or New York, a figurine that represents any of those cities would world wonderfully.
  • Spray paint, any color that you’d like
  • Hot glue gun

All you need to do is glue the figurine onto the lid. Then, spray paint the entire lid, including the figurine, and you’re done! Your decorated jar will be all ready to save up towards your goal.

Decorating glass jars is an easy way to reuse material. With our 4 ideas, you’ll be able to decorate your home by adding some personal elements like photos or vacation memories.