Turn Old Glass Jars Into A Boho-Style Vase With A Simple DIY

Sometimes, you get your hands on a glass jar that's just too nice looking to put in the recycling bin, like a pretty jam jar or sauce jar with interesting details. While clear glass jars can come in handy when you want to store leftovers, it's possible to collect too many of them. Rather than stick yet another pretty jar in your cupboards, give it a makeover and a new life as a vase with a simple DIY.

On Instagram, shemark_crafts demonstrates how to transform a plain glass jar into a vase that's perfect for using with dried florals as fall decor. She uses a sponge and dabs white craft paint over the outside of a clean, empty jar. She then uses a brush to create a spatter effect with black paint before hot gluing and tying jute around the opening of the jar to finish the vase.

To do something similar with your stash of empty jars, choose a paint that works well on glass, such as a chalk paint, which doesn't require a coat of primer first. Clean the jar thoroughly before painting, making sure to remove any stuck-on glue and paper label. Use soap and water, let dry, then wipe the glass with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or lingering dust.

The beauty of this DIY is its simplicity, and the fact that you can customize it pretty easily. Choose your favorite color as the base or use a mix of two colors when you sponge paint. Alternatively, give the finished vase a distressed look by painting two colors one on top of the other. Apply a coat of one color of paint, let dry, then apply a coat of another color and let dry. Use sand paper to buff away the second coat of paint in places, letting the first color show through.

Sponge painting the glass gives the vase texture, and makes the DIY easy, since you don't have to worry about getting a smooth finish. But, if you don't love the look of sponge paint, skip it and either spray paint the jar or use a brush instead. Or, try stained glass paint for a stunning DIY decor.

As for the finishing touch, you can use rough jute string for a boho look around the jar's opening, but really, anything goes. For a more delicate looking vase, pick a grosgrain ribbon to glue around the opening. Think about how you plan on using the vase before choosing what you put around the opening — jute works well with dried flowers and if you plan on using the jar to propagate pothos cuttings in water. A satin or grosgrain ribbon will also pair nicely with fresh cut flowers.