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Mason jars are not just for canning anymore. They have become very popular for crafts, centerpieces, décor, storing dry goods and so much more. In this post, I will share with you how versatile they are and how I use in my home.
Mason jar collecting
Mason Jars have become increasingly popular over the last few years and my collection keeps growing and 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/thrifting, they are the first thing I look for. My collection consists of all shapes & sizes and you will find jars with glass or metal lids with a rubber gasket for sealing. Nowadays, if you are thinking of canning or using it for crafts, you can find an assortment of Ball jars right in your local store, including many accessories for them.
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 there was a shortage of crops. 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 them as drinking glasses! This is a new trend that 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.
Growing up, my grandmother spent many hours in her kitchen making delicious preserves that she would gift to family and friends. And because they were given in mason jars, it was a gift that kept on giving as the receiver now had a mason jar to store food or to add to their drinkware collection.
I am not skilled in canning, however, one day I hope to challenge myself to learn. You can read more here on 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 is 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 for how I use my mason jars. One of my absolute favorites is the pretty blue jars with glass lids.
I would love to hear how you used your mason jars.
Xo,
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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.