Mason jars are great in so many ways. Today, we’re turning them into pretty painted mason jar drinking glasses. But you can turn them into nightlights, herb gardens, and even wall decor. 

Painted Mason Jar Drinking Glasses

I’m always on the lookout for mason jars. I love to make luminaries from them, but I noticed that my kids were using them occasionally as drinking glasses.

My kids are teens and up, so they like the heavier, sturdy glass over a plastic cup. Plus, I think they believe that the jars actually hold more.

That gave me an idea. Painted mason jars.

A few years ago I picked up a box of drinking glasses at the thrift store. I painted them (tutorial – Crystal Enamel Drinking Glasses), and they were great, and really pretty, for a while. Not because of any problems with the paint, the glasses were thin and delicate and it didn’t take long before they were all broken.

But, when I noticed the kids drinking from mason jars, I thought they would make really pretty cups for a summer barbecue. I had stopped at a garage sale recently that had some nice big jars for 50 cents each. So I cleaned them up and went to work!

I used the same type of paint I used for the glasses a few years ago. Americana’s Crystal Gloss Enamels.

Keep in mind that this is not a “paint them today use them today” type project. The paint needs 4 days to cure. So please plan ahead!

As always, a full printable supply list and instructions are at the end of this post.

For this project you will need the following supplies:

• Glass wide mouth mason jars (mine are quart size)
• Paintbrush

Crystal Gloss Enamels:

• Pink
• Turquoise
• Orange
• Purple
• Yellow
• Citron

Once your jars are nice and clean, paint a coat of Citron (green) onto the body of the jar, up to about the spot where the glass begins to curve.

You don’t want to paint too high, in order to leave room for the flowers. But more importantly, while this paint is non-toxic, it is not approved by the FDA to touch food. So you don’t want to paint the rims where your lips will touch the jar.

Use the handle end of your paintbrush dipped in the different colored enamels and dot on flowers. Couldn’t be easier! Use a different color to dot on the centers. You may notice the petals dripping a little. If they do, just “draw” circles with your paintbrush handle in the petal to spread it around a little. You can also turn the jars upside down for five minutes then right side up for five minutes, and alternate now and then to keep gravity confused. ;-)

This step is important. Now that you are done painting, the paint needs to cure for FOUR DAYS. Just put them somewhere where they won’t be bothered.

After the four day curing period, follow the instructions on the back of the paint bottle for baking them. Then you are good to go!

Next step is to have a barbecue and invite me. :) And don’t forget to make my mason jar lid coasters! Have any leftover wine bottles you’d like to upcycle? Try these pretty Painted Wine Bottles! They’re perfect to use as a centerpiece with flowers or as home decor for around the house!

More mason jar crafts

I love to craft with jars. You can see all my jar crafts here, or here’s a few I’ve hand picked for you below. And don’t forget to print my free mason jar spice labels!

Beaded Frost Luminaries

Make Your Own Confetti Party Ware

Striped Beach Luminaries

Print Project

5 from 1 vote

Painted Mason Jar Drinking Glasses

These pretty Painted Mason Jars make for great drinking glasses! This kid-friendly craft is quick and simple to do over the weekend

Prep Time40 mins

Crafting Time4 d

Total Time4 d 40 mins

Age Group: Adult

Supplies

• Glass wide mouth mason jars mine are quart size
• Paintbrush

Crystal Gloss Enamels:

• Pink
• Turquoise
• Orange
• Purple
• Yellow
• Citron

Instructions

• Once your jars are nice and clean, paint a coat of Citron (green) onto the body of the jar, up to about the spot where the glass begins to curve.
• You don't want to paint too high, in order to leave room for the flowers. But more importantly, while this paint is non-toxic, it is not approved by the FDA to touch food. So you don't want to paint the rims where your lips will touch the jar.
• Use the handle end of your paintbrush dipped in the different colored enamels and dot on flowers. Couldn't be easier! Use a different color to dot on the centers. You may notice the petals dripping a little. If they do, just "draw" circles with your paintbrush handle in the petal to spread it around a little. You can also turn the jars upside down for five minutes then right side up for five minutes, and alternate now and then to keep gravity confused. ;-)
• This step is important. Now that you are done painting, the paint needs to cure for FOUR DAYS. Just put them somewhere where they won't be bothered.
• After the four day curing period, follow the instructions on the back of the paint bottle for baking them. Then you are good to go!

Expert Tips & FAQs

You will need 4 days drying time for this project, so please be sure to plan ahead!

This post originally appeared here on Jul 9, 2014.