Upcycler Transforms Old Glass Jars Into Stunning Statement Vases With A Clever DIY
Whether you're a passionate crafter or an eco-conscious maximalist who can't bear tossing out a perfectly reusable glass jar, you might have an overflowing collection that you're not sure what to do with yet. TikTok user @jackkinsey_ offers a solution, transforming empty jam jars into beautiful vases with little more than assorted candlesticks, glue, and spray paint.
Depending on what you have on hand, this DIY may require a visit to your local craft or home decor store for candlesticks and spray paint. You'll also need glue to attach the glass jars to the candlesticks. Jack doesn't specify the type of adhesive he uses, but original Gorilla Glue or a strong craft adhesive like E6000 are both good options if you have wooden candlesticks like he does. Keep in mind that wood is a porous material that absorbs glue but glass is non-porous, so check the instructions on your glue of choice to ensure it will bond both materials. That said, if you only have glue for nonporous materials, you can also seal the wood beforehand by brushing on Mod Podge or white glue with a small amount of water added and allowing it to fully dry first.
Creating beautiful jam jar floral arrangements
Jack starts by cleaning the jars and removing the lids, then he glues them on top of candlesticks. He finishes with textured sand-colored spray paint and creates a series of beautiful floral arrangements, varying the heights of his candlesticks for added visual interest. He also shares a handy tip for holding the flowers in place: Simply grab a netted fruit bag (a great excuse to pick up some clementines at the grocery store), attach it to the lip of the jar with a rubber band, and trim off the excess. You can also cut off a chunk of dry floral foam to keep dried or faux flowers in place, or wet floral foam for fresh flowers. The latter will absorb water and help the flowers hold moisture for longer, but note that it isn't reusable or compostable and can break apart if it's overworked.
@jackkinsey_ OMG do not throw away your old jam jars!! 🌸✨ I've turned a handful of old jars into the prettiest statement vases and I genuinely love how these turned out. All I did was clean them up, remove the lids and attach them to old candlesticks before giving everything a quick coat of spray paint. Such a simple way to turn something destined for the recycling into something really beautiful. And here's a little flower arranging hack 🌼 Using a piece of netting secured over the top with an elastic band creates a simple grid that supports your stems and makes getting that full, arranged look SO much easier. I wanted the flowers to feel like they'd just been gathered from an English country garden, so I started with wispy cow parsley before layering in daisies and one of my absolute favourites, scabiosa. I kept the palette really delicate with soft blues, pinks and creamy whites which look so beautiful against the rich green walls. I think it's the different heights that make these feel so striking together, especially knowing they started life as old jam jars! Would you try this one? 🌸 Love Jack x @Plants and Flowers Foundation
You can also customize this project in plenty of ways. Experiment with thrifted candlesticks in your collection that you don't mind sacrificing for this craft, or change the spray paint to suit your home's aesthetic. For optimal adhesion when painting glass jars, lightly sand the glass before you paint.