In the absence of National Mason Jar Day, what would DIYers be doing with their spare time? The handy jars we use for storing our canned specialties do more than just hold our canned goodies. A quick search on the Internet, think Pinterest, brings up more arts and crafts ideas. From a decorated pen holder for your home office desk to Gnomes who hold the secret of an all-in-one baking treat. You really are only limited by your imagination.
Food Uses
Banana Bread in a Jar – Whether you use this for a gift or just for fun, the bread is delicious and makes the person eating it feel warm and fuzzy. Homemade gifts are most times easier on the budget.
National Mason Jar Day Breakfast to Go – Easy to make! You can store in the fridge for multiple servings. You can also use this as a premade breakfast you just need to heat up in the microwave on that busy morning.
Mason Jar Parfait – These treats can be used for breakfast on the go or in a lunch box as a healthy treat. Make what you need for the week on Sunday and then store in fridge for use as needed.
Overnight, No-Cook Refrigerator Oatmeal – Easy to assemble, eat to easy! One of the healthiest breakfast in a jar ever.
Non-Food Uses
- Make a candle. Using a four inch mason jar, insert a wax candle with wick into the jar. Screw the lid on and voila! Instant present. You can also get scented wax and a piece of wick from your local craft store. Melt the wax according to the instructions. Tie the wick around a pencil and lower the wick into the wax. Allo to cool. Cut off excess wick. Another idea is to wait until the wax has become a little more solid. Using an appropriate utensil such as a small screwdriver, place sea shells, rocks or even fall leaves into the thickened wax. Screw the lid on and tie a ribbon around the top.
- With a little more effort, you can create a biosphere. In the bottom of the jar, add some moss or lichen. Then add things like a tiny house, or a miniature mouse to create the look and feel of the gift. Mist the contents well with water. You’ll need to add additional water as it disappears.
- A pen/pencil holder is a nice gift for a teacher. Wrap the outside of the jar with some hand-drawn art. Add some pens and pencils to the jar.
- As I find more and more ways to use mason jars, you’ll see them added here.
