If you have been around here any time at all, you already know I love mason jars. Adding some color to those jars makes them even better sometimes. So I started playing around with some supplies sent to me by Plaid and came up with not one by FIVE ways to add color to mason jars! I am going to give y’all a tutorial to do all five yourself!
First of all , this box from Plaid arrived at my house packed with goodies. I had tons of ideas when looking through the box. I have already posted some projects here that have used some of the supplies. After all, who could make just ONE thing with a box this great??
How to Decorate Mason Jars: 5 Creative Techniques
1. Beach Themed Blue Ombre Mason Jar
Now let’s get crafty! First up is my ombre blue jar. This one screams “beach” themed to me. Perfect for decor in any room in your home. Ready to make your own?
You will need a jar for painting and ombre paints. The Folk Art Paints by Plaid
come in soooo many colors and the variety available at Walmart is amazing. I picked up some colors and used some I had at home.
come in soooo many colors and the variety available at Walmart is amazing. I picked up some colors and used some I had at home.
You will need a “drying rack” for a couple of jars I am going to show you. I used popsicle sticks and a paper plate. I illustrate this to show you that you don’t need anything fancy to make these.
Pour a blob of your darkest color in the bottom of your jar and start working it around.
I literally turned, tapped, pounded, etc until I got this.
Yes just let your paint flow on the inside of the jar. Then add in your second color on the side of the jar above the first. Again tap, shake, pound, etc.
Adding in my third color and letting the paint flow around the jar.
I then turned it up and let it dry. Gorgeous ombre.
Why paint on the INSIDE of the jar?? See that gorgeous Ball lettering? You don’t want to cover that up. So keep your paint on the inside…
2. Sunset Painted Mason Jar
I made the ombre version first and then got to dreaming about a brighter version. So I made this sunset version.
For my jar, I used two different reds, an orange, and a yellow.
I used the same type of technique but this time I did not worry about the paints mixing together. I let them run, mix, and create fabulous patterns.
What a great colorful storage solution…don’t you think? Again the paint is on the inside, so that gorgeous Ball lettering stands out.
3. Fabric Decoupage Mason Jar
For my next version, I grabbed the Mod Podge and some fabric.
and some fabric. 
Have y’all seen these pre-cut fabrics at your local Walmart. I love the color, variety, and convenience. I picked up some of those to experiment with on my mason jars.
For this first one, I cut the fabric into approximately 3-inch squares.
I then applied Mod Podge to the FRONT of my fabric square.
to the FRONT of my fabric square. 
I put the squares INSIDE of my jar and pushed them into place using a wooden skewer.
Two squares tall brought me up to the rim of the jar.
I found the rim area easier if I cut my square in half.
There will be some “bunching” on the rim area where the jar comes up to the neck.
I left my pieces long. Then after the jar had dried for about 24 hours, I just used a craft knife to remove the excess fabric.
I love how bright and colorful this jar is but it is so very easy! Layering in the fabric squares with Mod Podge is super simple. But what a look when you are done!
is super simple. But what a look when you are done! 
4. Fabric and Paint Decorated Mason Jars
My next thought was why not combine the two techniques. So using Mod Podge, fabric, and paint, I came up with this beauty…
I cut the fabric into circles around the existing fabric design.
I then used Mod Podge to adhere them to the inside of the mason jar. Again applying Mod Podge to the front of the fabric and using a wooden skewer to work them into the tough spots.
Then let all of that dry for about 24 hours. Take a paintbrush and apply white paint all on the inside of your jar. The fabric pieces were not completely sealed so the pour method of painting I used before will not work. This method is quick and easy as well though.
Allow your paint to dry then enjoy your colorful jar!
I am displaying this using flowers. I would seal the entire inside if I was going to add water. These are for display purposes only in my case. 🙂
5. Red, White, and Blue Patriotic Splattered Paint Jar
For my fifth and final jar, I wanted a patriotic themed jar for my summer decor. I came up with a fireworks mason jar…
You are going to need red, white, and blue Folk Art Paints by Plaid.
Do you recognize my next tool? Purchase or dig up a baby nose cleaner and get to work. NOTE: This can no longer be used for babies after this project. Suck up some paint in your bulb syringe.
and get to work. NOTE: This can no longer be used for babies after this project. Suck up some paint in your bulb syringe. 
Then SQUEEZE hard on the inside of your jar.
Hello fireworks!! Continue until your jar is just how you like it!
Stay tuned…that fireworks jar will be a part of my summer mantle which I will be showing you later this week!
There you have it…FIVE different ways to make yourself a colorful mason jar. Use them in your home decor, for storage, or just to make you smile. I want to know…which jar is your favorite?
They are all so simple, you can make your own five in an afternoon. Head to Walmart for your supplies from Plaid and your Ball jars…then get to crafting!
Want even more ways to decorate mason jars? Head on over and check out all of our mason jar crafts.
Love these ideas for decorating mason jars? Try these other links as well!
- Mason Jar Lighting Fixtures for Your Rustic Home
- Mason Jar Table Lamp: How to Make Your Own
- Mod Podge Ultra: How Does It Really Work?
- Mason Jar Wall Decor: Bathroom Organizer
- Baby Shower Favor in a Jar
A Year of Jar Crafts
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So pretty, Ange! Great ideas! I use plain ones for storage in my craft room. I think they need a makeover! 😉
These are awesome. I have painted jars before but never dawned on me to paint the insides of the jars. I love them all but my favorites are the blue ombre and the circle material. Thanks for sharing.
I’m here from Modge Podge Rocks! I love your ideas…My fav is the fabric covered mason jar!! I can totally do this. 🙂 I’m pinning to my pinterest board. 😉
WOW!! These are all so fantastic!! I have to try them all! LOVE this! 🙂
I love the fabric ones. They’re so beautiful. I find it hard to throw away jars. Now I know just what to do with them!
Very creative my friend! It makes me want to take out all my decorative fabrics and papers and get on the work!
Angie, these look incredible! Your tutorial is so thorough, you make this look way too easy! Off to save on Hometalk!
Wow! Those all look great. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas.
Now to find some jars in the garage!
Wow! Those all look great. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas.
Now to find some jars in the garage!
I just love your jars! They are all gorgeous! But the one with the fabric circles and the paint is my favorite 🙂
Love the jars; great colors. And the snot-sucker as a paint-sprayer is genious! I have some glass ball ornaments that I would like to do splatter paint in and that will do the trick just right!
Thanks!!
Can the painted ones be used to put candles in ? does the light come through or is the paint too thick ? i was thinking of doing the splatter design …. I have a party coming up and wanna put decorated jars out and around the back porch
love your jars and ideas. . . thanks for sharing
Great ideas, BUT….. I’ve dried using Folk art acrylics on mason jars, no matter what I do it scratches off so easy. Doesn’t matter if I use inside or out. And forget putting a second coat on, as soon as u try to brush or touch the first layer loosens and gets clumpy in the new paint.
Hmmm…I have had these for years with no issues. Something I would try is cleaning your glass well with rubbing alcohol before starting. It sounds like oils for your fingers or something that is preventing the paint from sticking.
genius <3
i love the fabric + paint combo. your collection of ideas adds so many more possibilities to my list of mason jar plans this year. thank you for sharing with us!
Hi Angie,
I’ve got a bunch of clean, plastic peanut butter jars. Do you think plastic will work as well?
BTW, I love buying those Hobby Lobby acrylic paints and use them often.
🙂
It should work fine!
LOVE!!!
can you do the fabric on the outside sealing with mod podge?
You could definitely try that, I haven’t yet 🙂