Hey Friends!
Remember the Mason Jar Chandelier I created for the first week of the So You Think You’re Crafty Competition: In the Kitchen…
What a challenge…so many possibilities! My biggest challenge was narrowing down what I wanted to create. I love my kitchen, but I did not love the chandelier in the dining area. It was definitely time for a makeover! So I decided to give my existing chandelier an update and create a Mason Jar Chandelier!
I started with a basic chandelier. I was not in love with it and never have been. When we remodeled our home, the lighting was one of the last things we purchased. We happened to have this one on hand, so rather than spending any more money, we just hung it up.
Here’s the details…
First, I had my dear Hubby take it down. Then I cleaned it off…I had no idea how much dust was hiding in there! I covered the candlesticks with Press and Seal to keep them from being sprayed.
Next, set the mason jar with lid attached inside the round arm of the chandelier with the view of the side of the jar you want to see facing outward. {Actually, I did not do this, but should have. I made a couple oops along the way…I was making the mistakes so you won’t have to!} Make a small mark on both the lid and chandelier base to indicate where they should line up. Take the lid off of the jar and adhere into place lining up the marks. {I used E6000 Adhesive} This way your jar will face the way you want it to. I did not do this and now I have all different views of my jars, when I really just want to see the Ball side. Am I taking it apart and fixing it? Um…NO! I just strategically placed the chandelier so I look at the globes I like the best.
Then I sprayed the chandelier with cream spray paint. I used Krylon dual primer and paint in ivory…My new favorite! The coverage is amazing and no drips or streaks.
Next step was to paint the candlesticks. I used some leftover chalkpaint I had used on a couple other projects in the same space.
Okay…Now the base is complete…Time to take the mason jars from ordinary canning jars to vintage turquoise!
I researched many ways of tinting mason jars, but none of them ended up working out with the exact look I was going for. I wanted a color that would coordinate with the other turquoise items in my home and be a close match to the store bought 100 Year Anniversary Mason Jars I picked up at Target this Summer.
Here’s the Recipe that worked for me:
Per Quart Jar, mix 2 Tbsp Mod Podge and 1-2 Tbsp water. Add food coloring to create the color you like. It will dry lighter than it goes on now. Also, the more water added, the lighter the color on the jars will be. I added 1 Tbsp, but wish I would have added a bit more water.
Pour into jar and swirl around until the inside is completely covered.
Then turn the jars upside down and allow to dry thoroughly. I set them on a cooling rack with wax paper underneath….FYI: Do not use good cooling racks you plan to use again with cookies. I still cannot get some of the mod podge off!
When the jars have dried completely, bake up side down at 375 degrees for 10 -15 minutes, then turn right side up and bake another 30-40 minutes. I found that the longer they baked, the more clear the color became. I’m not sure I would bake much longer than this, though. Ovens vary, so watch the jars and bake accordingly.
Remove jars and allow to cool.
Twist into place and now you have a Perfectly Charming Chandelier!
It took a little tweaking and a bit of trial and error to make it all work together, but Oh How I Love It Now! It adds just the amount of added color and charm this space was lacking!
What have you made over lately?
Sharing with…Made to be a Momma, DIY Show Off
Oh my goodness! This is a great idea to replace that nappy, stained glass “fruit” fixture I’ve got over my kitchen table. You did a great job explaining your process too.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Ashley @ 3littlegreenwoods
Thanks…You really should try it! It was so much simpler than I anticipated. Love to see photos of what you come up with!
Happy Day!
Ariean
I need to make those jars for my bathroom!
Oh they would be perfect in a bathroom! I’ve been wanting to make some for my craft room too. Love to see what you do!
Happy Day!
Ariean
hi, don’t the bulbs get too hot for the jars? I love the look of this but worry about that. thanks
I was worried about that too. The bulbs are a low watt (25), so they haven’t gotten that hot. I also drilled a small hole in the base holding each jar which allows the heat to escape. So far, so good!
This is so awesome. I have a link party every Wednesday. I would love to feature this. www(dot)seasoned homemaker(dot)com.
Thank you so much! I’ll be sure to link up this Wednesday…Thanks for the invite!
Happy Day!
Ariean
This is exactly what I’ve been looking & looking for to with my chandelier. Thank you so much. I knew when I saw it that would be it!!
Oh, I’m so excited! It really was fairly easy to make. I would love to see a photo of yours!
Hope you have a creative week!
Ariean
Now that yours has been up for a couple of years, how are the jars holding up? I’m wondering how tough it would be to drill a couple of vent holes in the glass?
The jars held up perfectly! We did add vent holes in the bottom of the chandelier connection, which helped to allow the heat to escape when the lights were on. We also only used low watt chandelier light bulbs. Hope this helps!