5 Patriotic Mason Jar DIYs That Make The Perfect Fourth Of July Decor

The humble mason jar has been an American tradition since 1858, when the first one was patented by John Landis Mason. These glass containers have been useful for canning fresh vegetables and fruits for over 150 years, but nowadays people have so many more uses for them. It's very easy to DIY your own budget-friendly Fourth of July decor with mason jars. To create the perfect old-fashioned decor to celebrate the Fourth of July, grab some spare mason jars, a few craft supplies, and perhaps some patriotic tunes to listen to while you work. 

Mason jars are very versatile for crafting because they are durable and come in a range of sizes. You can find them new in the store, buy a bunch at your local thrift store, or raid your grandmother's pantry. If you truly love the vintage look, keep your eyes out for the name 'Ball' on the side of the glass jars. The Ball Corporation is credited with popularizing John Landis Mason's jar design, making Ball jars synonymous with Mason jars. It's hard to get more American than these classic products, manufactured in America's heartland. Adding DIY decor with mason or Ball jars is a great way to give your home or party an antique, folksy feel for Independence Day.

Give your July Fourth celebrations the perfect centerpiece with a simple vase made with a mason jar. Keep it basic by adding red and white fresh flowers to the jar and a little American flag for an extra touch. Or you can give the jar additional festiveness with food coloring in the water. Use blue and red dye in separate jars along with some white hydrangea flowers for an easy way to decorate for the Fourth of July. For a longer-lasting look, use fake flowers in red, white, and blue colors.

Grab red, white, and blue acrylic paint to turn plain jars into festive receptacles. A quick option is to paint three jars red, white, and blue, along with adding a ribbon around the neck of the jar. To elevate this DIY, paint the stars and stripes on the jars, using stencils or painters' tape if needed. When you're done, it's easy to pair this painted jar DIY with another budget-friendly DIY to create customizable Fourth of July flag decor. Stick these miniature American flags in your newly painted jars to add an extra touch of classic Americana style.

Light up your kitchen or an evening Independence Day party with beautiful DIY fairy lights. Taking several mason jars, use Mod Podge to add designs out of tissue paper or paint designs on the side. You will need small strands of LED lights to place carefully inside each jar. Try Yayfazy 4th of July Decorations Outdoor/Indoor Timer Fairy String Lights for $5.99 from Amazon to match the jars with red, white, and blue lights. These fairy lights make great tabletop decor during the day or the night.

Medium-sized glass jars can be ideal for propagating basil or cilantro seeds, but a little TLC will turn a plain glass mason jar into an Americana-style herb container. All you need is paint and maybe a twine ribbon. And if you like the idea of greenery growing in this folksy decor, but don't have the time or desire to grow herbs, you can buy fake greenery bundles like 12 Bundles Artificial Plants for $15.99 from Amazon. Simply fill the jar with foam or pebbles and stick the end of a fake plant inside.

You don't need to get messy to decorate mason jars for July Fourth. A simple trick to make the perfect decor starts with a clean mason jar. You'll also need a votive candle, either real or flameless, some white rice, and some food coloring. Assembling this DIY votive candle holder is easy. First, dye some of the dry rice red and blue using food coloring, vinegar, and a plastic bag. Then layer the rice in each jar, alternating red, white, and blue. Finally, place your candle at the top for a picture-perfect DIY lantern.