6 Ways to Decorate with Mason Jars
Mason jars have become highly desirable household objects. Today, they are just as often used for displaying flowers as they are for storing food. In this article, we want to take a look back at the history of the Mason jar, and show you some of the different ways you use them to give your home that charming vintage touch.
The history of the Mason jar
Mason jars were first produced in the year 1858, by John Landis Mason, a tinsmith who patented the first glass jar with a screw-on lid. But it was the Ball brothers who saw the true potential in this simple object.
Frank and Edmund Ball realized that these sealed containers were perfect for storing food. They were also reusable and could be mass-produced and sold at an affordable price for the general population. The result was the Ball Mason jar.
How do Mason jars work?
The top of the jar features a screw thread, designed to accept a metal band. When you screw on the lid, the band presses the lid against the rim of the jar, and a rubber ring on the underside of the lid then creates a hermetic seal.
Mason jars are here to stay
Every day, more and more people are starting to pay more attention to their diet. But it’s not just the quality of the ingredients that is important; you also have to think about the utensils and containers you use to store your food. Excessive use of plastic is taking a huge toll on our planet. As a result, glass is once again becoming one of the most popular materials in kitchens around the world.
As well as preserving our food in optimal conditions, Mason jars also prevent cross-contamination and don’t retain odors, making them perfect for storing juice, sauces, jellies or even desserts.
But one thing its creators couldn’t predict is that the world’s obsession with decorating with Mason jars would become so fashionable. There are DIY fans dedicated to exploring all their different uses.
So much so that Mason jars have become a staple of vintage decor. Whether painted or decorated, in the kitchen or outside, it seems that these versatile jars are here to stay.
6 Ways to decorate with Mason jars
Vases
Mason jars make great vases, allowing you to display bouquets of bright and colorful flowers. You could even paint them, or arrange several jars to make the perfect display for your coffee table.
Lights
This is the perfect time to use that chalk paint technique you’ve been dying to try out, and give your Mason jars that retro touch. Another option is to use your jars to make your own lamps. Simply place a light bulb in each jar, and hang them from the ceiling, or add LED lights, and use them as decorations.
A handy container
If you leave the lids off, you can use your Mason jars to store cutlery, makeup brushes, office supplies or children’s coloring pencils.
Plant pots
Mason Jars come in all different sizes. If you buy a set of large jars, you could use them to grow aromatic plants and herbs, and keep them in your kitchen. Simply add some decorative touches, and you’re ready to go.
Soap dispenser
If you’re into arts and crafts, you could make some small alterations to the lid of your Mason jar and turn it into a soap dispenser. Simply make a hole in the lid, and add the dispenser pump. You could also use it as a more stylish Kleenex box, or even a piggy bank so that you can save up for your next vacation.
Candleholders
Why not learn how to make your own candles and put them in mini Mason jars? They’ll look great in your bathroom, especially if you fill them with slices of orange, cinnamon sticks, and spices.
We told you you’d love them, and now you know why. Mason jars are a decorative object with a rich history and a variety of different uses, besides simply storing ingredients. So, get creative, have fun, and be sure to get in touch to let us know what you used yours for.