There are a ton of mason jar snow globes out there but I thought I would put a summer spin on the idea. These beach mason jar terrariums are a fun-in-the-sun addition to your home decor! Whether you add them to a nautical-themed room for kids or even a bathroom, these mason jars are sure to pack a tropical punch. So, grab a few supplies and make your own in just minutes!

This one was originally posted over at Crafts Unleashed but I am posting it here in case y’all missed it. This is part of a series of mason jar crafts that I am sharing all week. You can see more from my partners for this series at the bottom of this post.

Items needed to make your own beach mason jars:

Mason Jars (I used wide mouth pints and regular mouth quarts – look for ones with smooth sides to make it easier to see inside)
Various Miniatures (links to specific miniatures below)
Diorama Palm Trees (if desired)
Drink Umbrellas (if desired)
Sand
Clay or Styrofoam Balls (see two different methods below)
Decoupage medium
Hot Glue + Glue Gun

Beach miniatures, mason jars, glue, and sand to make a beach jar terrarium.

Methods for making your beach mason jars

I am going to start with the first of two methods for making these beach terrariums. Start with air dry clay and sand for the first method. Spread the clay out onto the mason jar lid as shown below and allow it to air dry.

NOTE: Add hot glue to the bottom of the clay piece if it wants to lift off of the mason jar lid.

Next, cover the clay with a decoupage medium and adhere white sand to the surface. Allow it to dry completely before continuing.

Sand glued to the clay on a beach mason jar

Add a variety of miniatures to your sand using hot glue. Sometimes you have to stick the miniatures with hot glue a few times as they do not want to stick to the sand. However, I did manage to get everything to work after a few tries.

Miniature umbrella and beach flip flops on top of clay in a mason jar

The other method is if you want a higher surface or multi-level look inside your beach mason jar. If so, the Styrofoam ball is the way to go. You can cut it in half and adhere it to the mason jar as shown below. This will give a “hill” or sand dune type appearance inside your jar.

A styrofoam dome adhered to a mason jar lid with hot glue

You can also cut a bit off of the top and bottom of the ball to make a flatter raised surface. I just used a serrated knife to cut the Styrofoam. Just adhere either one to the mason jar lid with hot glue, cover with decoupage medium, and add sand just as you did with the clay. Allow the entire thing to dry before continuing.

Beach Mason Jar Terrariums

There are a ton of mason jar snow globes out there but I thought I would put a summer spin on the idea. These beach mason jar terrariums are a fun-in-the-sun addition to your home decor!

Equipment

Decoupage medium
Glue gun
Hot glue

Supplies

Mason Jar (I used wide mouth pints and regular mouth quarts) (look for ones with smooth sides to make it easier to see inside)
Sand
Clay or Styrofoam Balls (See two different methods)
Various Miniatures Use miniatures of your choice, but I have a few suggested below.
Diorama Palm Trees If desired
Drink Umbrellas If desired

Instructions

I am going to start with the first of two methods for making these beach terrariums.

Method One: Air Dry Clay

Start with air dry clay and sand for the first method. Spread the clay out onto the mason jar lid as shown below and allow it to air dry.
NOTE: Add hot glue to the bottom of the clay piece if it wants to lift off of the mason jar lid.
Next, cover the clay with a decoupage medium and adhere white sand to the surface. Allow it to dry completely before continuing.
Add a variety of miniatures to your sand using hot glue. Sometimes you have to stick the miniatures with hot glue a few times as they do not want to stick to the sand. However, I did manage to get everything to work after a few tries.

Method Two: Syrofoam

If you want a higher surface or multi-level look inside your beach mason jar, the Styrofoam ball is the way to go. You can cut it in half and adhere it to the mason jar as shown below. This will give a "hill" or sand dune type appearance inside your jar.
You can also cut a bit off of the top and bottom of the ball to make a flatter raised surface. I just used a serrated knife to cut the Styrofoam. Just adhere either one to the mason jar lid with hot glue, cover with decoupage medium, and add sand just as you did with the clay.
Allow the entire thing to dry before adding your miniatures/decorations.

Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!

My beach mason jars!

Now, let’s look at each of the beach mason jars that I made for my home. First up is the gone fishing mason jar.

Beach mason jar with a gone fishin' sign inside

For this version, purchase the miniature tackle box and fishing rod. This one would make a great Father’s Day gift as well y’all!

Miniature tackle box and fishing rod in a mason jar

Next up – the flip-flops on the sand beach mason jar. This one would be great in a little girl’s room.

Miniature umbrella and flip flops on fake sand inside a mason jar

Just add one of the drink umbrellas linked above plus a pair of miniature flip flops.

Close up angle of mini umbrella and flip flops inside a beach mason jar

Have someone that loves to dig in the sand? This next beach mason jar terrarium is perfect!

A beach mason jar filled with fake sand, a mini palm tree, and mini shovels and buckets.

Start with one of the palm trees linked above. You will have to cut it off some in height to fit in the mason jar. Then add in the miniature red bucket and garden tools. You can add a bit of decoupage medium and additional sand to the tools and bucket to make it look like they are being used.

Close up on miniature palm tree, shovels, and buckets.

If you love to sit on a beach chair and relax, try using miniature chairs in your beach mason jar.

Miniature pink beach umbrella with two lounge chairs beneath it in the mason jar.

Grab one of the drink umbrellas plus two of the miniature lawn chairs to complete this fun craft project.

Close up angle of the mini umbrella and beach chairs in the mason jar.

Finally, there is the “which way is the beach” mason jar. A fun beachy jar with miniature signs.

A beach sign inside a mason jar terrarium with a mini palm tree.

Start with one of the diorama trees cut off in length. Then add in the miniature seagull and signs. I just wrote on the signs with a Sharpie marker.

Miniature signs for the beach and snack shack alongside a mini palm tree.

Your turn to make your beach mason jar!

Which of these fun beach mason jars will you try to make for your home? I love all five, and the beauty is that there are so many miniatures that you can absolutely come up with your own combination.