Spray Painted Mason Jar Vases

I’m looking forward to another sun shiny Saturday coming up, and also looking ahead to all of the special events I have approaching in a very short period of time! I have at least one birthday a month for the next four months for the special people in my life, Father’s Day, a baby shower for my sister and long-awaited nephew (not to mention his literal birth-day in July or August!), birthday parties for baby cousins, and so much more! It’s all so eventful, and exciting…and expensive! I was looking for something simple and beautiful for the sunshine in my life (my glowing sister), and I've officially that decided I’m going to make her a special present this year. I happened upon a favorite Etsy find of painted mason jars are wedding favors or centerpieces. I decided I’m going to try my hand at a similar idea to add a personal touch (and to hopefully save a dollar or two while I’m at it).

To start we'll need to grab:

• Mason jars: now I’m probably going to grab an actual canning pack from Target, but you can use vintage jars from flea markets or fancier mason jars from craft stores.
• High quality spray paint, preferably an indoor outdoor variety if you’d like to ensure a little more of a waterproof quality to use it as a vase. Some people use glosses, other use Mattes. I’m going to use Matte colors for a more pastel, beachy theme.
• Newspaper
• Optional: nail file and/or crystal clear acrylic spray paint for a top coat.
   
  

So this project is supposed to be so simple that I'll be mad at myself for ever buying a set of jars (which you know I have, I’m an etsy-aholic). Make sure that your jars are very clean and very dry. Flip them so that the mouths of your jars are on the newspaper and its bottom is up, and then spray them until your hearts content. Just FYI: this project is definitely best performed outside, or at least in a very, very well ventilated area. Let the jars stand to dry, at least 10 minutes, and you’re finished! If you’re feeling fancy I’ve seen some instruct you to rub the paint off of the lettering and chosen spots with a nail file for an “antiqued appeal.” Others suggest a crystal clear topcoat to keep your paint from scratching. I think I’m going to leave them as it. I am going to grab a bag of potting soil, though, and fill them ¾ of the way full. I’m going to add a couple houseplants that don't need a lot of attention, but you can add any variety of indoor flowers. Just remember, with a plant in them (that will inevitably need watering) you’ll likely see the paint start to ware after a while. Easy-peezy: transplant your houseplant (if it’s still alive) into a temporary home and restart the simple process. 

(Pictures are the jar I BOUGHT ;-) from this wonderful shop)