21 Upcycled Mason Jar Projects

Upcycled Mason Jar Projects bring a warm, thrifty spirit to everyday spaces. I fell for upcycled mason jars after spotting a dusty crate at a neighborhood sale, each one begging for a new story.

From mason jar upcycling that brightens patios to mason jar projects that organize pantries, these little glass workhorses keep proving their charm.
A few weekends later, that crate became a glow of lanterns, a set of herb planters, and a cozy soap dispenser for the sink. Upcycled Mason Jar Projects turned scraps into keepsakes, and those upcycled mason jars now carry memories as easily as they carry tea lights and rosemary sprigs.

Rustic Herb Planter Trio From Upcycled Mason Jars

A trio of jars brings kitchen greenery within arm’s reach while honoring farmstand aesthetics. Clear or lightly tinted glass suits tender basil, thyme, and parsley, and a bed of pebbles adds a textural base that complements terracotta, galvanized metal, or reclaimed wood accents.

Natural twine, chalk tags, and a weathered board create a cozy display along a windowsill. Soft sage, olive, and cream tones pair well with brushed brass hooks or black iron brackets.

Packed as a housewarming gift, the set travels neatly with seed packets and a handwritten herb legend, ready to sit beside a sunlit sink or balcony rail.

Steps

1. Drill drainage holes in jar lids or plan a gravel layer to manage moisture.
2. Fill each jar with a thin layer of pebbles, potting mix, and herb starts or seeds.
3. Label jars with chalk tags and mount onto a reclaimed board with hose clamps or hooks.
4. Water lightly and place near bright indirect light for steady growth.

Solar Mason Jar Lanterns For Cozy Garden Glow

Clear jars transform into evening markers that cast warm patterns across patios and steps. Ribbed or smooth glass welcomes soft fairy lights or solar lids, blending with copper, aged zinc, or matte black metal for a relaxed outdoor mood.

Frosted inserts or translucent vellum create gentle diffusion, while sand, tiny pebbles, or glass beads anchor the base. Wrapped in jute, leather cord, or thin chain, the lanterns hang from branches or shepherd’s hooks.

Gifted in pairs, they arrive nested in kraft crinkle paper, perfect for backyard dinners or a low-key pathway glow along garden beds.

Steps

1. Clean jars and let them dry completely for clear illumination.
2. Fill the base with sand or glass beads to stabilize the lantern.
3. Fit solar jar lids or drop in battery micro-lights and secure the tops.
4. Wrap wire or jute around the neck to create a hanger and suspend outdoors.

Farmhouse Mason Jar Soap Dispenser With Recycled Lid

A kitchen or bath gains a clean, country note with a jar-turned dispenser. Clear, aqua, or milk-glass styles pair beautifully with brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black pump hardware.

A gingham ribbon or linen band around the neck adds a soft accent, while a small enamel tag sets a tidy label. Mildly tinted liquid soap shows through like a subtle gradient, creating an understated sink-side statement.

Packed as a hostess gift, the jar nestles in kraft shreds with a bar of handmade soap, ready for a tray beside a potted succulent and folded hand towel.

Steps

1. Drill a centered hole in a clean jar lid to fit a pump stem snugly.
2. File the opening smooth and insert a recycled or new pump through the lid.
3. Secure the pump with a waterproof gasket or epoxy and allow to cure.
4. Pour in soap, screw on the lid, and wipe the glass for a clear finish.

Beach Memory Jar With Layered Sand And Shells

A simple jar becomes a seaside keepsake, holding layered sand from travel days and tiny treasures like shells, sea glass, and driftwood shards. Soft neutrals mingle with ocean blues and pale greens, creating a calm gradient that pairs with cork, sisal, and weathered wood frames nearby.

A kraft tag records the beach name and date, tied with cotton twine around the rim. Displayed on a mantel or bookshelf, it lends gentle coastal character.

As a gift, it sits inside a woven basket with a small photo print tucked behind the glass, inviting memories of salt air and sun.

Steps

1. Rinse and dry collected sand and shells thoroughly to prevent moisture fogging.
2. Pour thin layers of different sands to create distinct bands.
3. Arrange shells and sea glass along the top layer for a focal point.
4. Cap the jar with a cork or lid and tie a labeled tag around the neck.

Mossy Terrarium In A Reimagined Mason Jar

Lush moss and miniature stones turn a jar into a calm green world. A base of charcoal and pebbles supports fresh sphagnum and sheet moss, while tiny figurines or a small quartz crystal add whimsy.

Clear glass with a wide mouth suits airflow and easy viewing, and a matte black or brass lid frames the top like a gallery edge. The palette leans foresty, favoring emerald, fern, and slate tones.

Gifted with a care card and a soft brush, the terrarium rests beautifully on a desk or nightstand beside a stack of nature notebooks.

Steps

1. Rinse the jar and dry it well for a clear view of the interior.
2. Layer pebbles, activated charcoal, and a thin bed of moistened substrate.
3. Arrange moss and small accents, gently pressing to set the landscape.
4. Mist lightly, cap loosely, and place near bright, indirect light.

Frosted Luminary Jars With Lace And Light

Soft frost on glass transforms jars into dreamy night lights. Sheer lace, doilies, or leaf silhouettes produce delicate shadows, while tea lights or LED candles set a cozy glow against matte, pearly, or chalky finishes.

Pale blush, fog gray, and winter white complement rustic tray displays and linen table runners. A narrow band of velvet ribbon or metallic washi adds polish without fuss.

Offered as a seasonal gift, a pair arrives nestled with extra candles and a note, ready to brighten a coffee table vignette or a bedside stack of books.

Steps

1. Clean the jar and apply a frosted glass spray in light coats, letting it dry.
2. Wrap lace or arrange leaf shapes on the exterior to create patterns.
3. Place an LED tea light inside and test the glow in a dim room.
4. Add ribbon or washi around the rim and set on a heat-safe surface.

Winter Snow Globe Mason Jar With Mini Figures

A tiny winter vignette rests inside the familiar silhouette of a jar turned upside down. Bottle-brush trees, a miniature house, and soft faux snow create a nostalgic scene.

Clear water with a touch of glycerin swirls glitter slowly, while a silver or white lid becomes the snowy ground. Red ribbon, buffalo check, or a sprig of cedar dresses the rim for holiday charm.

Presented as a seasonal gift, it arrives in a kraft box with tissue and a handwritten tag, ready for mantels, entryway tables, or a small shelf beside wrapped books.

Steps

1. Glue mini trees and figures to the inside of the lid and let cure.
2. Fill the jar with distilled water, a pinch of glitter, and a few drops of glycerin.
3. Seat the lid onto the jar, tighten firmly, and invert to check movement.
4. Add ribbon around the rim and shake gently to watch the snowfall.

Pantry Storage Mason Jars With Chalkboard Labels

Orderly shelves come alive with transparent storage that shows grains, beans, and baking staples at a glance. Clear glass pairs with black, cream, or brushed metal lids for a balanced pantry look.

Chalkboard labels and white ink create crisp names and dates, while a wooden crate or tiered stand gives height variation. Pops of color arrive through golden lentils, emerald split peas, and ruby quinoa.

Gifted as a set, the jars ride in a canvas tote with a small chalk marker tucked inside, ready to line a shelf beside measuring scoops and linen napkins.

Steps

1. Wash and dry jars thoroughly to prevent clumping of contents.
2. Apply chalkboard labels to smooth areas and write the item names and dates.
3. Fill with pantry staples and seal the lids tightly.
4. Arrange on shelves or in crates for clear, attractive storage.

Boho Macramé Hanging Vase Using Mason Jar

A web of cotton cord cradles a jar that becomes a breezy hanging vase. Natural ivory, terracotta, or dusty rose macramé flatters clear or lightly tinted glass, while dried pampas, eucalyptus, or fresh stems float inside.

Brass rings or driftwood dowels introduce warm accents that echo woven rugs and rattan furniture. Clustered at staggered heights, the pieces create a gentle rhythm across a bright window.

Wrapped as a thoughtful present, the hanger folds neatly alongside a small bundle of dried stems and a card, ready to sway near light-washed walls.

Steps

1. Cut equal lengths of cotton cord and knot them to a brass ring.
2. Create square knots to form a net that fits the jar’s belly.
3. Tie gathering knots beneath the jar to secure and trim excess cord.
4. Slip the jar into the cradle and add water and stems.

Twinkling Mason Jar String Light Party Garland

A playful chain of jars becomes a shimmering garland for patios, porches, or cozy dens. Small jars spaced along a string of warm LEDs scatter highlights across glass ribs and lids.

Color comes from translucent vellum inserts or tinted jars in amber, teal, and smoky gray. Weathered wood backdrops, metal hooks, and soft textiles finish the scene with relaxed charm.

Packed as a celebration gift, the garland coils into a round hatbox with tissue and a small card, ready for birthdays, late-night board games, or quiet evenings by the record player.

Steps

1. Drill small holes in jar lids to pass individual LED bulbs through.
2. Seat the bulbs inside each jar and secure the lids onto the strand.
3. Test the garland, spacing jars evenly for balanced light.
4. Hang along a beam or fence and plug in for a warm glow.

Sewing Kit Mason Jar With Pincushion Top

A compact sewing station fits neatly on a shelf, with needles, buttons, and thread visible through glass. The lid holds a cushy top covered in gingham, linen, or velvet, framed by a vintage brass band.

Inside, petite spools and a tape measure keep tidy company with small snips and pins. Soft shades of cherry, mustard, and denim blue bring a nostalgic palette.

As a gift for a crafty friend, the kit rests in a tin with a thimble charm and a tiny card, ready to live beside a basket of fabric scraps and pattern books.

Steps

1. Cut a circle of fabric and batting slightly larger than the lid insert.
2. Wrap the fabric over the batting and press into the lid ring, securing with hot glue.
3. Fill the jar with sewing notions and screw on the pincushion lid.
4. Stick a few pins on top and add a label to the glass.

Copper-Topped Mason Jar Cocktail Shaker Conversion

Bar carts gain a dash of vintage sparkle when a jar becomes a shaker with a copper finish. Clear glass shows citrus and ice, while a perforated cap turns the action into a small performance.

Leather wrap accents or etched lines add grip and style. A palette of amber, verdigris, and charcoal pairs with smoked glass tumblers and a marble tray.

Given as a host gift, the shaker arrives with a sprig of rosemary, a tin of salt, and a recipe card, ready to mingle beside a citrus bowl and a jigger.

Steps

1. Drill ventilation holes in a spare lid and sand edges smooth.
2. Fit a copper shaker cap or sleeve over the modified lid.
3. Add a silicone gasket inside the band for a tight seal.
4. Assemble the shaker, test with water and ice, and adjust fit if needed.

Rustic Mason Jar Bird Feeder With Seed Window

Garden visitors gather around a jar that dispenses seed through a small base. Clear glass displays striped sunflower kernels and millet like natural confetti.

A wooden platform, metal lid, and jute hanger create a cottage look that blends with fence lines and trellises. Greenery frames the scene as finches and sparrows stop by.

Gifting this feeder feels charming wrapped in burlap with a scoop and a small sack of seed, ready to dangle near lilacs or a kitchen window for daily birdwatching breaks.

Steps

1. Drill feeding holes in a metal lid and attach it to a small wooden base.
2. Fill the jar with seed and screw it onto the modified lid assembly.
3. Wrap wire or jute around the neck to create a sturdy hanger.
4. Hang from a branch or hook and check the flow of seed.

Desk Organizer Caddy From Clustered Mason Jars

Workspaces feel calmer when pens, brushes, and rulers settle into clear compartments. Three to five jars gathered in a wooden tray or metal caddy create a tidy lineup, each one holding a different tool family.

Matte labels in cream or slate keep visual order, while the glass offers a subtle sparkle under task lighting. The neutral palette pairs with walnut desktops and black lamps, though pastel lids bring a playful twist.

Wrapped as a new-job gift, the caddy carries fine pens and sticky notes, ready to live beside a laptop and a small potted plant.

Steps

1. Arrange jars inside a tray and mark positions for stability.
2. Add felt pads or adhesive dots to keep jars from sliding.
3. Apply labels to the glass fronts and sort supplies into each jar.
4. Set the caddy on the desk and adjust spacing for reach.

Bathroom Storage Canisters With Coastal Mason Jars

Soft hues bring a spa mood to bathroom shelves when jars become canisters for cotton rounds, swabs, and bath salts. Clear or sea-glass green glass pairs with brushed nickel or bamboo lids.

Etched wave motifs or linen-wrapped bands introduce texture that play nicely with white towels and stone tiles. A small shell or driftwood charm dangles from the rim for a gentle coastal nod.

Bundled as a guest bathroom set, the trio arrives in a woven basket with a tiny scoop and sachet, ready to sit near a candle and a ceramic tray.

Steps

1. Clean jars and dry completely for a spotless finish.
2. Apply subtle decals or etching cream to create coastal motifs.
3. Fill with bathroom essentials and cap with matching lids.
4. Arrange on a shelf or tray with a small scoop and label tags.

Slow-Drip Cold Brew In A Mason Jar

A jar becomes a compact brewer that highlights amber coffee tones against clear glass. A fine mesh insert or cheesecloth pouch holds coarse grounds, while a second jar or bottle catches the brew.

Minimalist labels, black bands, and a matte lid complement a modern kitchen. The palette leans coffeehouse: espresso brown, cream, and brushed steel.

Gifted with a bag of beans and a wooden spoon, this setup settles into a fridge door, waiting to pour over ice into a short tumbler beside a breakfast pastry.

Steps

1. Place coarse coffee in a mesh filter or cloth pouch and seat it in the jar.
2. Add cold water, stir gently, and cap to rest in the fridge overnight.
3. Remove the filter and decant into a clean jar for storage.
4. Label the date and enjoy over ice with milk or simple syrup.

Cookie Mix Gift Jar With Ribbon And Tag

Layered ingredients look like dessert art inside glass walls. Flour, cocoa, sugar, and chocolate chips stack into tidy bands, punctuated by chopped nuts or sprinkles for color.

A kraft tag ties on with striped baker’s twine, listing baking notes and a friendly message. Gingham, velvet, or satin ribbon crowns the lid, while a wooden spoon slips under the tie.

The palette plays with cream, caramel, and chocolate tones, perfect for gifting teachers, neighbors, or coworkers. It rests beautifully on a kitchen shelf until baking day arrives.

Steps

1. Measure dry ingredients and pour in layers for clean stripes.
2. Tap the jar gently to level each band and avoid gaps.
3. Seal with a lid, tie on ribbon and a recipe tag.
4. Add a small spoon under the bow and gift in a box.

Tiered Spice Rack Carousel With Small Mason Jars

A compact carousel corrals spices in clear, matching jars for easy scanning. Metal or wooden tiers set a tidy stage, while black-and-white labels keep names crisp against warm paprika, green herbs, and golden turmeric.

Magnetic lids or chalk circles add a modern twist, and the carousel spins near a stovetop like a tiny apothecary. Gifted to a food-loving friend, the set arrives pre-labeled with a few favorite blends, nestled in a round box with tissue and a small funnel, ready to park on a counter beside a mortar and pestle.

Steps

1. Fit small jars with shaker or solid lids and wipe glass clean.
2. Fill each jar with a single spice and apply uniform labels.
3. Arrange jars on a tiered stand or lazy Susan in flavor groups.
4. Place the carousel near prep space and refresh contents as needed.

Vintage-Style Mason Jar Olive Oil Lamp

A throwback glow returns with a jar turned into a gentle oil lamp. Clear glass shows pale gold oil, while a brass or black burner cap and cotton wick provide a classic profile.

Pebbles or dried botanicals at the base create subtle decoration. Set on a metal tray with matches and a snuffer, it anchors a candlelit table alongside linen napkins and a ceramic pitcher.

As a gift, the lamp arrives with a small bottle of lamp oil and a care card, ready for quiet evenings and stormy nights alike.

Steps

1. Fit a lamp burner collar to the mason jar lid and secure tightly.
2. Thread a cotton wick through the burner and trim to height.
3. Fill the jar with clean lamp oil and attach the lid and burner.
4. Let the wick soak, then light and adjust flame to preference.

Photo Frame Centerpiece Inside A Mason Jar

A cherished snapshot finds a new home inside glass, protected yet playful. A small print slips against a backdrop of dried petals, fairy lights, or paper confetti, turning the jar into a tabletop frame.

Neutral lids and simple twine keep the focus on the image, while a small easel or wood slice base raises the display to centerpiece height. The palette skews warm and nostalgic, pairing well with farmhouse tables and lace runners.

Wrapped as an anniversary keepsake, it arrives with a spare print and a handwritten message, ready for a shelf or wedding table.

Steps

1. Trim a photo to fit the jar’s interior curve without buckling.
2. Insert the photo and secure with a clear sleeve or clip.
3. Add dried petals or micro-lights behind the image for depth.
4. Close the jar and stage on an easel or wood slice base.

Self-Watering Mason Jar Planter With Cotton Wick

A tidy hydro setup keeps small houseplants happy with minimal fuss. A cotton wick travels from soil to the water reservoir below, drawing moisture upward through capillary action.

Clear glass reveals the water level, while an inner cup or net pot holds the plant and soil. Soft botanical greens pair with matte white pebbles and a simple kraft tag noting the plant’s name.

Presented as a thoughtful plant lover’s gift, the jar comes with spare wicks and a tiny bottle of nutrients, ready for a windowsill or desk ledge.

Steps

1. Punch a hole in an inner cup and thread a cotton wick through.
2. Set the cup inside the jar so the wick dips into the water below.
3. Add soil and plant to the inner cup, letting the wick rest in the root zone.
4. Fill the jar with water and monitor the level over time.