Southern Junk Chic

Hi y’all! Painted mason jars are still very popular in the South, and are such a fun and easy project to do.

They are great for wedding decorations, table decorations, or as farmhouse décor for your own home!

Here’s what you need:

Clear mason jars, any size and style

Some type of Paint – either spray paint, acrylic paint, latex or chalk paint

I use spray paint because it’s easier for me and you can do a great ombre effect

Paint brush if not using spray paint, and a few sponges like you use in the kitchen or makeup sponges

Sanding sponge or sandpaper

Embellishments:

Hot glue gun

Flowers, jewelry, burlap, fabric scraps, twine, etc. whatever you want to add to your jars

You’ll need some table space to work, so I’d recommend covering it with something like a disposable tablecloth from dollar tree or a plastic trash bag.  I also use gloves or you're have lovely painted finger tips! 

I painted a bunch of jars at one time, so I set up an assembly line of sorts in the back yard. I used Krylon spray I purchased from Wal-Mart. You can use the cheap stuff, especially if you’re going to distress them. I noticed that the cheaper spray paints scratched and scuffed more easily than the more expensive sprays. And with the cheaper sprays, I think they only come in a gloss finish. Some brands offer a flat and a satin option. The flat options look very similar to chalk paint. You are also limited in color choices with the cheap brands (Dollar General has the basic colors), but if you’re adding lots of embellishments, it may not matter. I love the ombre look on the jars, so I used 2 and 3 different spray paint colors to create this look. I chose a white as the base color and then 2 shades of blues and pinks for the jars I created. If you don’t want ombre, you can just spray or paint the entire jar the same color. It’s really all what you want to do.

I ran the jars through the dishwasher to make sure they were clean of any grit and grime. Once that’s done, you’re ready to start painting. I sprayed the entire jar the white or cream. If you’re doing the ombre effect, whatever your lightest color is, use that. I learned that it was easier to place the jars upside down and spray them. This ensures that the sides and bottom all get sprayed. (The picture below was after I flipped them up and was ready for the ombre colors.)

If you’re using a brush for this step, I used an inexpensive chip brush from the big box stores, you can also use a sponge brush or even a makeup sponge. I have found that when using paint, you will see some brush strokes. If you don’t want those to show, you may have to paint it with 2 or 3 thin coats for a total coverage.

Once this coat dries, you’re ready to apply the middle color of the ombre. I usually hold the jar by the top opening, but you can also leave it sitting on a table – just make sure you watch your spray and don’t have other jars sitting too close. I eyeball and spray the middle of the jar, making sure to go all the way around. Also make sure you don’t get the spray can and the jar too close or the paint has a tendency to drip - hold it about a foot away. I don’t worry too much about getting full coverage on the lower/bottom part of the jar, just the middle for this spray. If you’re painting, a sponge will work best for this step.

Now you’re ready for the darkest color on the ombre. You can either hold the jar, or place it upside down on the table. But again, make sure you keep other jars at a safe distance so they don’t accidentally get sprayed.  I start spraying at the bottom and just barely meet the middle color, but you can spray the design whatever you like.  

I don’t spray or paint the inside of the jars, so they are safe for water or whatever items you want.

Once your jars are dry, you’re ready to embellish with whatever you like. I love the shabby chic look, so at this point I scuff them up with a sanding sponge, rubbing the raised edges of any wording and rims. I used a hot glue gun to add twine and acrylic gems and that worked great. You can also use mod podge or other glue.  I cut some one inch fabric strips and tied them around the rims to add a little extra color.

I hope this gives you some inspiration to create some fabulous painted mason jars!!  Thanks for reading ~

Jennifer