So if you remember - I am working on updating "The World's Smallest Patio Ever". Now, I don't have a big reveal for you today ... but I do want to share with you one of the projects I am putting together! Every space needs a little lighting and I knew when I saw these in the Pottery Barn catalog that they were just what I wanted. However, the $7.50 price tag seemed a little pricey for a Mason Jar and some wire.
So here is my knock off version! The rest of the post is my tricks and tips on how I got this done! First, I started with some Mason jars from Goodwill - 99 cents a piece. Then I used some 18 gauge galvanized steel wire that we had to make the rest.
Hanging Mason Jar from Pottery Barn
So here is my knock off version! The rest of the post is my tricks and tips on how I got this done! First, I started with some Mason jars from Goodwill - 99 cents a piece. Then I used some 18 gauge galvanized steel wire that we had to make the rest.
The biggest trick on making this look authentic is being able to get the wire wrapped uniformly. I am sure there are machines that do this for the big guys - but for you and me - we have to figure out other means! The trick to keeping it uniform is to keep tension on the wire while you wrap. So I used the inside of a door hinge to wrap my 18 gauge wire on.
Now that little loop at the top that you use to wrap it around the top of the hinge is important so don't straighten it out ok!
Instead use that to make a wrapped loop.
Then trim the edges with wire cutters.
Pull the wire through your loop to make a lasso of sorts and tighten around the top of the jar.
Wrap around to the other side, hold tight and make another loop to finish the handle.
Ta-da! Don't you just love it!!! I filled them with some river rocks we had from an old aquarium - soaked in a little Dawn with Bleach to get rid of any fishy smell. I then added a citronella votive that I got in a pack of six for $1 at a dollar store. So these beauties only cost me around $1.20 a piece!
What do you think? Is it worth the $6.30 savings or would you just buy them? I would love to know!
Now that little loop at the top that you use to wrap it around the top of the hinge is important so don't straighten it out ok!
Instead use that to make a wrapped loop.
Then trim the edges with wire cutters.
Pull the wire through your loop to make a lasso of sorts and tighten around the top of the jar.
Wrap around to the other side, hold tight and make another loop to finish the handle.
Ta-da! Don't you just love it!!! I filled them with some river rocks we had from an old aquarium - soaked in a little Dawn with Bleach to get rid of any fishy smell. I then added a citronella votive that I got in a pack of six for $1 at a dollar store. So these beauties only cost me around $1.20 a piece!
What do you think? Is it worth the $6.30 savings or would you just buy them? I would love to know!
Oh ... and if you were seeing my tweets this weekend about building something, I thought I would give you a sneek peek at another thing I am working on for the patio. I am loving how these are turning out! Stay tuned for a big reveal next weekend!
Linking this up to
DIY Day with Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land
Get Your Craft On with Kim @ Today's Creative Blog
Penny Pinching Party with Jen @ The Thrifty Home
Show and Share Day with Chris @ Just a Girl
Frugalicious Friday with Jane @ Finding Fabulous
Also linking this up for The CSI Project's Pottery Barn Challenge
DIY Day with Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land
Get Your Craft On with Kim @ Today's Creative Blog
Penny Pinching Party with Jen @ The Thrifty Home
Show and Share Day with Chris @ Just a Girl
Frugalicious Friday with Jane @ Finding Fabulous
Also linking this up for The CSI Project's Pottery Barn Challenge
19 frugal friends said ...
These turned out so cute! I will totally have to give these a try when were in our new place...our deck definitely needs some more light and cuteness! :)
love these. I did something silimilar with baby food jars when I had a garden party. But these are a keeper. Good job.
visiting from
creationsbyladeeda.blogspot.com
I will also find you on blog frog! yay!
Jess, you're brilliant ! What an eye you have !
Kate
Great Job- looks amazing- and just in time for the summer.. What a cute gift to give someone as a thank you-housewarmer-or hostess gift- I just love unique one of kind home made gifts- LOVE it...
Karryann
Very cool! I see brides going hog wild over mason jars and I am thinking,"you know Wal-mart has those, right?"
Very cute! I will have to try this out, it looks great.
I think they turned out amazing, why pay more for what you can make, plus knowing you actually MADE them, so much more satisfying! They are going to look gorgeous lit up outside.
tracey
Very creative! I think I would make them just because it would be fun and satisfying, even though going to the store would be quicker and easier;)
You did a great job with those.
Thanks for stopping by my SITS day yesterday. :)
Great job! I'm definitely going to make these. Thanks for the tutorial!
Stopping by from SITS.
Make them or buy them? Make them, absolutely!! I mason jars in a few rooms, and change the contents according to the season - usually. Right now they a tea light candle and still have red & white glass in them, from February! I would love to have some to hand outside. Thanks for mentioning the guage wire you used.
What a great idea. I remember once seeing an image in a magazine where someone used dozens of those in the trees around their patio during a party. I'll bet that would look so pretty all lit up at night.
I love the mason jars. Great tutorial! thanks for sharing.
gail
We had these decorating the barn for our wedding reception. We used the older mason jars that come with glass tops and the metal hardware to hold the tops on. We just used the hardware and filled them with some sand, add some tea lights and it was the perfect lighting for the barn (as long as we kept a close on them). LED lights would work well too for an evening.
Yet another reason to go to G.W. I am so making these. I saw them in Pottery Barn and loved them too.
These are fabulous! I would definitly make these over buying them. Would love to have you stop by the Sunday Showcase Party if you get a chance. Amazing job on the trellis planter too! Love it! Hope you are enjoying your weekend! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Love this idea! I am definitely going to have to try it on my patio this summer!
In my opinion when you can use what you already have to reinvent something.........then its worth it!! A penny saved is a penny earned!
I think you could use a drill the spin the wire evenly. I'm going to give this idea a try. THX so much for your post.
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