Whimsical Christmas Mason Jars
It was one of those Saturdays. I spent all day on my feet, mailing dishes bought from my eBay store, cleaning the Airbnb across the street, and cooking. By 7 0’ clock my legs were really hurting. After taking a hot bath and leisurely leafing through a cottage magazine for a while, I was recharged. Making a few whimsical Christmas mason jars seemed like a great way to relax and unwind.
I’d been wanting to try a crafty repurposing project. Mason jars are favorites of mine because they’re made of quality materials, inexpensive, and oh so versatile. I wanted to make something fun, and a little bit different from other things I’d seen, although as a crafter I know King Solomon was correct when he said there’s nothing new under the sun.
Rustic Whimsy Christmas Mason Jar
This first jar is definitely whimsical, and slightly rustic. The kindergarten teacher in me definitely reemerged when I was making it. You could always leave off the pom poms and add a plaid bow to make it more rustic (and less fun). For materials I used:
a pint-sized Mason jar
Christmas cookie cutters
cardboard
pom poms
natural ribbon
sticky twine
high-temp hot glue gun, and glue sticks
vintage buttons
Buffalo Snow
ink pen (not pictured)
sharpie marker (not pictured)
scissors
Step 1
Use Christmas cookie cutters to trace 3 shapes onto cardboard. I used a gingerbread man, a Christmas tree, and a star cookie cutter. First I traced the shapes with a pen, then outlined them with a Sharpie marker, and cut them out with scissors.
Step 2
Wrap the cardboard shapes with the twine. My twine has a sticky residue on it, which makes it easier to adhere to things. You could use any type of jute or natural-colored twine or string. If you don’t have sticky twine, leave a long end hanging when you begin, then tie the end pieces in a knot when you finish wrapping.
Step 3
Plug in the hot glue gun, and let it get nice and hot. Mine is a high-temperature version from Michael’s Craft Store. Glue the pom poms (or other embellishments) onto the twine-wrapped shapes. Hot glue the shapes onto your jar. I just eye-balled mine for proper placement. Be careful, and don’t burn your fingers!
Step 4
First I poured vintage buttons in the bottom (about 2 inches high). Then I filled the rest of the jar with Buffalo Snow.
Step 5
Screw on the lid, then wrap it with twine. Tie it off, if needed. Tie the natural ribbon into a bow, and trim the ends. Then put a dab of hot glue in the middle of the lid and place your bow. Voila! You’re finished with jar #1.
Snow Greenery Christmas Mason Jar
This was my first time using epsom-salts to make snow. I read about this method on the Jessi Living Lovely Blog. You can read that post here. I usually make my snow with paint, glue, and baking soda. I like both kinds, but the epsom salt snow definitely looks more like ice crystals than the baking soda version. It is also messier (and feels crunchy on the kitchen floor).
I planted two holly bushes in our yard a few years ago, for a convenient supply of winter greenery. I was excited to use my very own holly, along with a few frasier fir sprigs, and leftover cranberries I froze after Thanksgiving (cranberries keep nicely when frozen).
For materials I used:
a pint-sized mason jar
fresh greenery
cranberries
green food coloring
a 1” sponge brush
Elmer’s Glue-All
epsom salt
red metallic yarn
a small measuring cup
Step 1
Fill the jar with water, and add the desired amount of food coloring. Add greenery and cranberries.
Step 2
Screw the lid on, then “paint” it with glue using the sponge brush. Now for the best part! I turned my jar to the side and used the small measuring cup to pour the Epsom salt onto the glue. Wipe off any glue or salt that gets on the glass part of the jar.
Step 3
Wrap the yarn around and around the jar, just under the lid. I tied a cute little side-bow, then trimmed the ends. Watch out, the lid is still wet and will need to dry and harden overnight.
Your Whimsical Christmas Mason jars are finished! I plan to use mine with different holiday tablescapes. They will be perfect for our Christmas Eve kid’s table. When they aren’t serving as table decor, I’ll put them on my kitchen windowsill, to give me something to smile about while washing the dirty dishes.
Read about my DIY Silver Plaid Christmas Wreath with Flocked Pinecones and Pom Poms here.
If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to the Love My Little Cottage Blog here
Should I do a weekly “Crafty Saturday” post? Let me know what you think.
If you tried this Mason jar craft, or some variation of it, I’d love to hear from you!
Linked to: Raisie Bay, The Painted Hinge, Saturday Sharefest, Create With Joy, Our Crafty Mom, Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, Beautifully Made Link Party
Merry Christmas!
Kristie
Raisie Bay (@RaisieBay) says
They are both so beautiful, I think I like the snow greenery jar best though. I’d have never thought of using epsom salt for snow, it looks really effective. Thank you for linking up to my Christmas linky. x
Kristie Schubert says
You’re welcome. I’ve enjoyed reading all the posts from the other bloggers!
Nellie says
Hi Kristie,
You recently visited my blog and wanted to become a follower and I sent you a response
thru gmail but since I had not heard back I checked and realized you were a no reply
blogger, so knew you didn’t get my responses so decided to try and go to your blog and found it, so that is why it has taken so long to respond. I will copy and paste my first reply below.
Hi Kristie,
Thanks for your interest in following my blog, I am delighted.
You have to scroll all the way to the bottom and it is right past the 3rd blog post.
My page usually contain 3 posts at a time. So hope you will come back.
Thanks for coming by and hope you have a Very Merry Christmas.
Blessings, Nellie
Again Thanks…..Just in case you didn’t notice I also do a Thankful Thursday post as well.
Doing that post has revolutionized my life….so I actually do it more for myself and hope
others are encouraged by it as well.
Christmas Blessings to you and yours,
Nellie
Kristie Schubert says
Nellie, I’ve written a really long response back to you on your last post. Thanks for helping me solve the problem!
Merry Christmas!