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What is so special about Mason Jars

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Mason jars are not just for canning anymore. They have become very popular for crafts, centerpieces, décor, storing dry goods, etc.  In this post, I will share with you how versatile they are and how I use them in my home.

On the top of the pie cabinet is a variety of vintage mason jars, also a tool caddy of smaller glass vintage mason jars.

Mason jar collecting

Mason Jars have become increasingly popular over the last few years, and my collection keeps growing. If I’m being honest, I lost count! I think I may even be obsessed! Is there a support group for that?  But really, it is no secret that I have an obsession with collecting them, and if they are vintage, I hit the jackpot! My collection of vintage jars started over 20 years ago.

Where to find Mason Jars

When I’m antiquing or thrifting, jars are the first thing I look for. My collection consists of jars of all shapes and sizes, with glass or metal lids and a rubber gasket for sealing. Nowadays, if you are thinking of canning or using them for crafts, you can find an assortment of Ball jars right in your local store, including many accessories for them.

Clear & Blue Mason H=Jars filled with chia seeds, walnuts & other dried goods on top of the cabinet.

What is the purpose of having so many mason jars?

For many generations, they were used for canning food and storing for long winter months, especially when crops were scarce. Actually, canning is still a common practice used today by many. You can imagine how many jars are needed to store food for those long winters.

What do you use your mason jars for?

They are not just for storing food but are great for storing just about anything that needs a place.  We store our nuts & bolts, or anything small, on our worktable in the basement. Mason jars are also wonderful for storing dry goods, preserves, coffee beans, spices, etc.  The list goes on & on, and the possibilities are endless. Make sure your jars are see-through so it’s easier to find things. 

Here is another fun idea

Mason jars are great to use as drinking glasses! This new trend seems to be catching on to so many today & it’s inexpensive drinkware that is trendy and timeless. We use ours all the time for beverages. I love using Atlas mason jars, another brand available, for drinking water.

A clear mason jar with a pink lid & straw filled with water.

Growing up, my grandmother spent many hours in her kitchen making delicious preserves that she would gift to family and friends. Because they were given in Mason Jars, the gift kept on giving, as the receiver now had Mason Jars to store food or add to their drinkware collection.

I am not skilled in canning; however, I hope to challenge myself to learn one day. You can read more about how to preserve food with canning here.

Even though I use mason jars for storing my dry goods and other things, I have some in my collection that are from the mid-1800s, which I only use for decorating. Not because I am worried about lead or anything leaking into my dry goods, but because they are over 100 years old. I only handle them when it’s absolutely necessary. Check out the photo of my shelf showing how I use my Mason jars.  One of my absolute favorites is the pretty blue jars with glass lids. 

A wood wall mounted shelve holding a variety of home decor, vintage mason jars, a basket ith an American flag & a moka pot.

I would love to hear how you used your mason jars. 

Xo,

Name image for Dusty at Linen and WildflowersIf you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

4 Comments

  1. Mason jars are work horses in my kitchen. I love your collection. I use them mostly for storing leftovers in the fridge and drinking glasses. I found some at an estate sale that are extremely old and display those. You have some very unique ones, that gives me ideas what to look for. Thanks for sharing.

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