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Summer is here and that means lots of DIY and craft projects around the yellow brick home! Today I will be sharing an easy mason jar makeover using chalk paint, which wasn’t even on “the list” of things to do, but it was so quick and fun and at least I got something accomplished! Gardens are in full bloom and it’s time to fill those quaint, old mason jars with beautiful blossoms. I recently found this large Atlas jar at a rummage sale for only $1.00, but no matter how much I scrubbed it would not come clean. Since I really wanted to use the jar for displaying some fresh hydrangeas from my yard, I decided to just paint right over the cloudy glass.

Here it is AFTER I cleaned it! I soaked it in soapy water. I tried glass cleaner and vinegar. I scrubbed and scrubbed but it just didn’t look clean even though I knew it was thoroughly sanitized. I had been wanting to try chalk painting a jar for a while anyway, so this was the perfect time to give it a shot.

I used the Americana Decor Chalky Finish chalk paint and a small paint brush. It literally only took a few minutes to paint and dry. I absolutely love this brand of chalk paint and will be buying up all the colors just to have in my craft stash! You can find this awesome paint in lots of beautiful shades! Shop for it here at Michael’s Craft Store. Look for a daily coupon at the top right of the home page!

Because I preferred the jar to look imperfect I didn’t worry about messing up. I just jumped right in and started dry brushing in vertical strokes.

I wanted some of the glass to show through so I used light strokes and purposefully left some bare spots. I also loved the rusty top so I just barely painted it and left a lot of the rust showing.

I continued painting until it was mostly covered and the cloudy glass inside was no longer noticeable. The chalk paint dries super fast!

I specifically wanted the jar to be chippy looking. After I had painted it I waited about three minutes to start “distressing.” I was too impatient to go get some sandpaper, so I just took a wet paper towel wrapped around my index finger and distressed random areas around the jar by scratching off some paint with the paper towel.

After about 15 minutes it was completely dry and ready for some fresh flowers.

Style Tip: For extra-shabby, farmhousey goodness, dress up a mason jar with pretty ribbon.

Here is the “new” jar, perfect for displaying a huge hydrangea from my yard!

I added a vintage skeleton key for a little extra charm. This easy mason jar makeover turned out so pretty!

Mason jars can often be found when thrifting (or cleaning out the garage or basement!)  Most of the time they can be cleaned up easily, but if not, no worries… just (chalk) paint away! The jar will only take a few minutes to dry and then you can add some pretty ribbon, twine, or even a jar “necklace” or beads.  Fill it with your favorite flowers to bring a little bit of summer indoors and enjoy!

Amber

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