The mason jar.

The Mason jar

Yes, today I am writing a whole post devoted to the Mason jar! I do love them so! Mason jars were invented in 1858 by John L. Mason and remain a staple around our house.

Di sold these lovely vintage mason jars on atouchofvintage.com If you ever see this style be sure to scoop them up- they are treasures!

They are inexpensive, plentiful and effortlessly classic. They change to fit whatever environment they are in. They can be used for just about anything, not just the canning and preserving that they were intended for. (Although that is seriously back in vogue these days. More on that later.)

A little bargain shopping.

Sure you can spend lots of money on high-end containers, but you can also go to your local thrift shop and get some mismatched mason jars for a quarter or two. They’ve got charm!

A little scrub and voila!

Bring them home, polish them up and you have containers for grains, cereals, teas, pastas, nuts- you name it.

On display.

Use them for cutlery and chopsticks- they sure look swell on the counter top.

Sweet smelling.

Flowers always look so fresh and lovely in mason jars.  So unassuming and quietly elegant; they let the flowers take centre stage.

Buttons

They make great storage for sewing notions or in your workshop for nails or screws. You never have to guess what’s in there- just take a look!

Office helper

In the office they make pens, pencils, thumbtacks, paperclips easy to reach.

Water jug

They are an alternative to re-usable water bottles. Many of them have measurements on the side of the jar so you can gauge your h2o intake. They sure look pretty with a bit of lemon, lime or mint floating in them. I definitely drink more water in a day when I am using a mason jar.

Patio season at night.

My favorite use for the Mason jar is for candles, outdoors in the summertime. So pretty!

Fill it up with rainy day ideas

The Mason jar is also great for craft projects like the rainy day jar that was posted months ago- take a look!

Mmmmm beets

But let’s get back to the original purpose of this wonder jar: canning and preserving.  Over the last few years, interest in canning and preserving has been enjoying a resurgence amongst a new generation of people.

Here are a few links to organizations that are hosting canning and preserving workshops or have hosted them in the past. Google “canning/preserving” in your part of the world and see what you come up with. Nothing prettier than mason jars full of sweet goodness that you grew, harvested and canned yourself. Have a great week!

Everdale farm

Evergreen Brick Works with presenter Not far from the Tree

Toronto Community Garden Network

You Grow Girl- the last workshop was in May, but check out the site to see if/when they are hosting another session.