Mason Jar Love

Posted by on Jan 26, 2015 in Design, DIY, Food, Front Page Featured

Smears-of-Jam-Lights-of-Jelly_MP_071_RGBMary Pratt, Smears of Jam, Lights of Jelly. 2007. oil on canvas 40.6 x 50.8 cm

I have been teased by multiple people on multiple occasions for my constant use of mason jars.  What can I say, I just love them.  They are cute, sturdy, functional and affordable.  I use them every day in my lunch, and if you ever came to my house you’d see them scattered all over the place holding things.  I cannot help it, I just love them.  And you should too!  Here are five reasons why you should love them:

  1. Because their original purpose was to hold yummy canned goods.  Canning is a way of preserving local fruits and vegetables for enjoyment later in the season.  The result, enjoying fresh and delicious pickles, jams, mustards, jellies. Yum!  Need I say more.

  1. Because they don’t leak.  They are the perfect lunch container, because they don’t leak!  The lids are meant to form a seal around the tops of them, so even when they are not properly sealed (to canning standards) they still stick to the glass and prevent leaking.  No leaking means they are perfect for bringing soups, water, juices, smoothies, or salads with dressing to work for lunch.

  1. Because they are green.  Since they are made of glass, they are both reusable and non-toxic.  And, when you decide you don’t need them anymore, they can be recycled.  Zero waste.  Zero toxins.  Who can argue with that!

  1. Because they are adorable and inexpensive.  You have to admit, mason jars are really cute.  They are also sturdy, timeless looking, and offer some rustic charm to a space.  And, the best part is that they are cheap.  Depending on the size, a case can range from $8 to $12 usually.  They come in a variety of patterns, sizes, and now colours.  They are an easy way to add charm and texture to a room.

  1. Because their possibilities are endless.  They can be used for just about anything.  My ever growing list of uses for mason jars include: homemade candles, bathroom organizer, vase for flowers, plant holder, individual pie holders, morning smoothie cup, leftovers container, utensil holder, savings jar, drinking glass, and spice holders. Online offers even more ideas, such as light fixtures, soap dispenser, lanterns, cute gift holders, photo frames, small sewing kits with pin cushion tops, or snow globes.  And now you can find a bunch of different lids for them (lids with a hole in the top for a straw, with support for plants to grow taller, with chains to hang from the ceiling), expanding their cuteness and functionality even more.

There you have it.  My rationale to justify my ever-growing collection of adorable mason jars.