Lauren Elise Donaldson - Mason Jar Crafts: DIY Projects for Adorable and Rustic Decor, Storage, Lighting, Gifts and Much More

Mason Jar Crafts

DIY Projects for Adorable and Rustic Decor, Clever Storage, Inventive Lighting and Much, Much More

Lauren Elise Donaldson

Text and photographs copyright 2013 Lauren Elise Donaldson. Design and concept 2013 Ulysses Press and its licensors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Published in the U.S. by

Ulysses Press

P.O. Box 3440

Berkeley, CA 94703

www.ulyssespress.com

ISBN: 978-1-61243-202-1

Library of Congress Control Number 2013931797

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Acquisitions Editor: Kelly Reed

Managing Editor: Claire Chun

Editor: Lauren Harrison

Proofreader: Elyce Berrigan-Dunlop

Design and layout: Michelle Thompson | Fold & Gather Design

Distributed by Publishers Group West

IMPORTANT NOTE TO READERS: This book is independently authored and published and no sponsorship or endorsement of this book by, and no affiliation with, any trademarked brands or other products mentioned or pictured within is claimed or suggested. All trademarks that appear in directions, photographs, and elsewhere in this book belong to their respective owners and are used here for informational purposes only. The author and publishers encourage readers to patronize the quality brands and products mentioned and pictured in this book.

As a kid, I eagerly observed as my grandma and aunt preserved their homegrown vegetables and fruit in canning jars. They packed them away in their cupboards only to have them reappear at the most opportune times, transformed as marinara sauce on pasta or berry jam on scones. For me, the jars stood for little more than delicious meals made with love. Years later when I started blogging in 2010, I was introduced to these jars again. Now far removed from the kitchen, the same Mason jars from my youth were presented in an entirely different light. The jars may have looked the same but they were new, exciting, something I had never seen before.

In fact, Mason jars have changed relatively little since the 1850s when they were invented. The classic shape and iconic lettering is truly timeless. Even the new jars have that vintage charm, and yet the simplicity feels modern. The dualism of old and new may seem like a happy accident but, like all good design, this deliberate union is what makes the Mason jar great. I believe this is the reason for its surge in popularity over the last few years. Anyone with an appreciation for design and a creative mind will see the Mason jar for what it really is: a blank canvas.

With the widespread use of blogs, photo-sharing social media, and websites like Pinterest, creative ideas can spread like wildfire. As a blogger, I first began noticing Mason jars used at weddings and other events. Without the preserves, the jars were free to act as drink glasses, candle holders, and candy dishes. But that was just the beginning. As I explored further, I found jars transformed into coffee mugs, chandeliers, soap dispensers, flower pots, lamps, and organizers, to name a few. I began experimenting with them on my own, and Mason jars quickly became a staple in my craft toolkit. I continue to use them constantly and find I never regret having a variety of sizes on hand.

The projects in Mason Jar Crafts were written with the dreamer in mind, someone who does not just see a canning jar but an opportunity. Explore this book and allow these unique projects to ignite a passion for these jars. The craft techniques found within will not only encourage you to make these specific projects but also serve as catalysts for future artistic endeavors. Originally I understood canning jars little beyond the realm of my grandmas kitchen. They stood for family, nourishment, and love. To me, they still represent those ideals. But the definition is an extensive one. Instead of being defined in a single manner, I believe Mason jars symbolize uninhibited creativity. What will these jars mean to you?

Enjoy!

Lauren Elise Donaldson

Ball and Kerr Mason jars are still manufactured today. New jars are readily available for purchase. Along with a plethora of online vendors, many other retailers carry Mason jars; look in local grocery stores, craft stores, home improvement stores, and warehouse food supply stores. New Mason jars are significantly cheaper than vintage ones; they often can cost less than $1 each.

Although manufactured by the same company, Ball and Kerr jars vary slightly in their logos and details. Ball jars often have fruit printed into the glass; they also list measurements along the side, similar to a measuring cup. Kerr jars are simpler with just the Kerr label. For certain projects, it is easier to work with Kerr jars. Use them if you need a smooth, flat surface.

Mason jars come in regular and wide-mouth varieties. Wide-mouth jars have a straight silhouette while regular-mouth jars taper in at the top. The opening in regular-mouth jars is approximately 2-1/2 inches in diameter and in wide-mouth jars, approximately 3 inches in diameter. Quart, pint, and half-pint are the most common sizes. A quart jar is 32 ounces, a pint is 16, and a half-pint is 8. All three have the option of regular or wide-mouth.

Wash Mason jars with water or wipe clean with rubbing alcohol before painting. This ensures that grease and other impurities are removed.

Baking Mason jars in the oven could potentially result in cracked glass. Be aware of this and proceed with caution. Always bake jars on a tray to catch glass in case it breaks. Drastic temperature changes will increase the possibility of cracks. To avoid this, put jars in a cold oven and slowly bring it up to temperature. When you are finished, allow jars to cool down in the oven before removing them.

When drilling into the jars, be aware that this can cause cracks. The drill bit gets hot and exposes the glass to extreme temperatures. In some cases, the entire jar can shatter. In case this happens, you need to be protected, so always work with gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask. Follow the steps outlined on and proceed slowly. Steady drilling and water will keep the temperature down and preserve the glass

Various Mason jars

Metal lids & bands

Butcher paper