13 of Our Favorite Crafts Made from Recycled Jars

By Emily Goldman
Updated August 19, 2020
Credit: Alexandra Churchill
From mason jars to used jam jars, these DIY projects range from holiday fun to self-care essentials.
Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Affordable, sustainable, and easy to source, recycled jars are a great medium for a DIY project. Not only will you save time and money on your latest craft, but you'll also help the environment by reducing waste. Plus, jars are endlessly adaptable and versatile enough to be used in a number of our favorite crafts. From the backbone of an intricate centerpiece to the vessel necessary to house a sweet-smelling body scrub, like the one pictured here, jars lend themselves to a number of different crafts. Our ideas range from quick and easy to make to involved labors of love worthy of gift-giving.

The jar craft ideas we're showing you how to make use everything from used jam jars to mason jars. For a festive DIY that's sure to delight, make our Snow Globes. Create your own unique winter scene with our simple tips and display the finished product on your windowsill throughout the season. Another festive DIY is our Pumpkin-Spice Candles, and any size jar will do the trick, so you can make what's soon to be your favorite fall scent as big or as small as you'd like. And once you've mastered the art of making your own autumnal candle, you'll want one for the spring, too. Go ahead and craft our Lavender Candles when the temperature starts warming up.

We also have educational jar craft ideas for the kids. Gather the little ones and watch as plants sprout in our Super Sprout activity. Beans and lentils come to life after some water and sunlight work their magic. Children will love to watch science take its course, while you'll love the teaching opportunity. Another kid-friendly DIY is our Animal X-Ray Jars. Apothecary jars brim with anatomy cards of your kid's favorite critters. Have them guess which skeleton belongs to which animal for an enjoyable afternoon. From educational to luxurious self-care, these jar craft ideas are the perfect way to spend your afternoon.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Green Tea and Rose Sugar Body Scrub

Credit: Anusha Rajeswaran
Get the Green Tea and Rose-Sugar Body Scrub

Get smooth, exfoliated skin by using body scrub, which can be housed in a mason jar. Whiffs of green tea and rose make this skincare essential extra inviting.

3 of 13

Fairy Light Jars

Credit: JOHN ARMITAGE
Get the Fairy Light Jars How-To

A set of sparkling lanterns made from string lights, mason jars, and paint instantly updates (and illuminates) a space.

Advertisement

4 of 13

Flower Vase Napkin Fold

Credit: Janelle Jones
Get the Flower Vase Napkin Fold How-To

While the jar in this craft is hidden, it's the backbone that holds up this creative fold that makes for the perfect centerpiece.

5 of 13

Lavender Candles

Get the Lavender Candles How-To

Smell the sweet scent of lavender whenever you light these delightful DIY candles. All you need are a few ingredients, including a jar, wax, a scent, and our directions.

6 of 13

Pet Paw Balm

Credit: Chloe Mackintosh
Get the Pet Paw Balm How-To

Perk up your pup's paws with a jar filled with soothing balm. The small jars make this DIY look like you picked the balm up at the apothecary, not made in your home.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Animal X-Ray Jars

Credit: Addie Juell
Get the Animal X-Ray Jars How-To

Kids will love these spooky animal skeletons. Anatomy cards are slipped into apothecary jars for a kid-friendly craft.

8 of 13

Snow Globes

Get the Snow Globes How-To

The perfect mason jar craft for winter break, make this DIY with your kids for a fun-filled afternoon.

9 of 13

Pumpkin-Spice Candle

Credit: Alexandra Churchill
Get the Pumpkin-Spice Candle How-To

Ring in autumn with the season's most popular flavor (and scent), pumpkin. Easy to make and using only a handful of materials, you'll love making your own candles.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Hanukkah Menorah of Crayon Candles

Credit: Debi Traub
Get the Hanukkah Menorah of Crayon Candles How-To

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with this DIY menorah made from glass votives or small jars.

11 of 13

Super Sprouts

Get the Super Sprouts How-To

An environmental science experiment meets kid's DIY project in this fun jar craft. Place beans and lentils in a jar filled with a moist paper towel and place it sunlight to watch the beans sprout.

12 of 13

Sea Glass and Milk Glass Hanging Votives

Credit: John Armitage
Get the Sea Glass and Milk Glass Hanging Votives How-To

Upcycle canning jars into colorful hanging votives. These make for great summertime patio décor.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Bath Fizzies in a Jar

Get the Bath Fizzies in a Jar How-To

Give these bath fizzies-filled jars as a gift this holiday season. It's easy to make and will look great as a stocking stuffer.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Emily Goldman