The Mason Jar Trend

I’ve been noticing a trend lately in the world of Pinterest/Crafting/Decorating, and I have to say, I am really excited about it.  I am seeing Mason jars (or more specifically, Ball jars) being turned into all sorts of artsy, decorative pieces.  Why am I so excited about it?  Well Ball jars in particular have a lot of sentimental value to me.  I grew up in Muncie, IN, where these jars used to be made.  My grandfather worked for Ball Brothers (the glass manufacturing company) for years, and my most vivid memories of him growing up were seeing him come home from work with his work shirt and hat on, both with “Ball” logos plastered across them.  My grandma had a room in her basement where she stored all of the vegetables she spent countless hours canning, so there was always a huge wall filled from floor to ceiling with Ball jars.  We even drank out of Ball jar mugs growing up.  My Alma mater is Ball State University, and the Ball family for which my school was named was very influential in my hometown.  So I get a little nostalgic anytime I see a Ball jar.  In fact, I can’t bring myself to buy any other brand, even for crafting!

I didn’t realize until recently that there could be so many decorative uses for something generally known for just storing food.  So far, I’ve only used mine as a vase which has often served as the centerpiece on my dining room table.

Now that I have discovered so many other ideas for them, I am tempted to go out and buy a bunch and start making all sorts of things!  The great thing is, they only cost a couple bucks each, and they come in a variety of sizes.

Check out this article for 50 more uses for Mason jars!