Displaying Ball Mason Jars indoors and in the garden
Mason jars are beloved by many, especially Flea Market gardeners! Here we get a peek at some of the collections and crafts you have collected.
Napoleon is often credited with the invention of modern canning: in 1795 the French military offered a cash prize of 12,000 francs for a new method to preserve food. Someone suggested canning and the process was first begun in 1806. The wax seals were messy.
Later in 1858, an inventor and tinsmith from New York, John L. Mason, invented the Mason jar. He invented a machine that could cut threads into lids, which made it practical to manufacture a jar with a reusable, screw-on, lid.
MaryDee Burch Moore ‘s classic collection of mason jars in a coveted vintage holder
MaryDee Moore shows us her classic collection of mason jars in a favorite color displayed in an original metal canning rack. Lovely!
Mason jars as vases
Julie Brown’ jar of Queen Anne’s Lace
Julie Brown inspires us to spotlight Mason jars used as vases in and outside in the garden. She says, ” My favorite kind of vase in the whole world is an old, blue, bubbly mason jar. Love it.” We say, It’s just perfect with the pretty whites. And of course it has a gingham bow!
“Some of my favorite Mason Jars. A little bit dusty though. Julie laughs”
Tina Mamula;s dreamy windowsill vignette
Tina Mamula says, “A ‘just because’ gift to a country neighbor. Simplicity is a beautiful thing.”
A cheery welcome lightens your heart when entering this garden
Rebecca Spencer says, “Yard work is made sweeter by hanging a jar of daffodils on my ‘barrow…. ” Rebecca’s blog is Of Bluebirds & Roses.
Watery aqua jars contrast with my warm red tomatoes ~~ Sue
Mason jar lights made by Elisa McLaughlin
One fabulous idea, a chandelier Elisa McLaughlin created using old blue mason jars would totally be a conversation starter! She it one talented lady! She says ” I have seen similar hanging lights used outside especially for weddings.”
What better way to carry a quantity of flowers to friends?
Theresa Doss says, “I use old blue mason jars and crates for toting bouquets around to friends. One crate holds eight jars perfectly. Soda crates work too…” We say, ” A great idea for May Day!
Mason Jar Memories
Becky Norris’ Mason jar ‘picture frames’
Becky Norris says of her Mason jars, “This is how I am using some of my old blue jars. They make great instant photo displays. I can use them outside if i want and they stay high and dry since they are sealed in the jars.”
Chalk Farm Home places cherry tree trimmings in a jar to bloom
From Chalk Farm Home, Jennifer Rae Beck says, “These old canning jars are my favorite for giving flowers to friends.” We say, “This whole picture looks like a birthday party to us! The cool aqua color of the jar is lovely with the blossoms. If you haven’t seen the aqua colored ones much, check out the tip below.” The watery blue goes well with ‘forced’ blooms.
Kirk Willis’ Mason jar bird feeder
Kirk Willis says, “I took this photo last winter of my Mason jar bird feeder with its chicken feeder base. I thought it looked cool after our recent snow storms. Then…..I realized after seeing the photo on the computer screen…I need to refill this feeder!
Flea Market garden tip for Mason jars:
Do you want old blue mason jars but haven’t found them at the flea markets or the high shipping costs from eBay or Etsy? Well, did you know that you can get the aqua/turquoise look on clear jars with the help of some transparent glass paint? Fantastic! Check out this how-to guide from the Bridal Buzz. And the bottom line? About $1.50 ea. for a case of 12 jars. Sweeeeet!
More Than You Probably Ever Cared to Know about Ball Jars (a.k.a. Mason Jars)
More on Collections:
Heavenly cobalt glass in the garden
For the love of Terracotta pots
Kim’s cute and cozy cottage…inside
12 Ideas for your Winter windows
Collecting glittering recycled glass for garden projects
2 Comments
I love blue canning jars and have collected several different ones over the years. Besides displaying them in my kitchen, I too use them as a vase, and also like to use them to light paths thru my garden when having summer parties after dark. I fill them about 1/3 to 1/2 with sand, marbles, aquarium stone, gravel, rice…. whatever amuses me, and then set a tea light candle inside. I then set them along pathways, patios etc. to give off a soft glow of light thru the blue glass.
I like be the old mason jars