What Do You Fill A Mason Jar Lamp With?

Why Mason Jar Lamps are So Popular

Mason jars have become an increasingly popular DIY decor item in recent years. Their versatility, classic look, and inexpensive price make them the perfect vessel for a variety of projects. One of the most common ways to repurpose mason jars is to turn them into beautiful, rustic lamps.

Filling a mason jar with interesting materials and pairing it with a simple lighting kit allows you to create a custom lamp on any budget. The transparent glass jars enable light to shine through the fillers, resulting in a gorgeous ambiance. You get to choose fillers that match your style and space.

When creating a mason jar lamp, it’s important to pick materials that complement each other visually. Layering translucent and opaque fillers together creates depth and interest. Natural materials like rocks, sand, seashells, and dried flowers work especially well. Make sure any liquid fillers like glitter and water are sealed tightly to avoid leaks. Get creative with different shapes, textures, and colors!

Sand

Sand can be a beautiful and visually interesting way to fill a mason jar lamp. Using layers of different colored sands allows you to create custom designs and patterns. Here are some tips for filling mason jars with sand:

Try using different natural sand colors like tan, white, black, pink, and even blue. You can find colored craft sands at most arts and crafts stores. Layer the sands in stripes, swirls, or other patterns for a decorative effect.

Add thin layers of sand, about 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch deep at a time. Tap the jar gently to pack down the layer before adding the next color. Repeat with various sand colors until the jar is filled.

Consider using fine sand so it pours more easily. Add some glitter or small beads between the layers for some extra sparkle.

Once filled, seal the lid tightly so the sand stays in place. Display the sand-filled jar by placing a battery-operated tealight or string lights inside to create a glowing lamp.

Rocks

Rocks can add an earthy and natural element to a mason jar lamp. Popular types of rocks to use include:

• River rocks – These smooth, rounded rocks come in an array of sizes and colors. River rocks look great layered at the bottom of a mason jar.
• Gemstones – Sparkling crystals or gems like amethyst, quartz, and tourmaline make for a glamorous lamp filled with light refracting stones.
• Pebbles – Small pebbles in shades of grey, blue, white or tan create a beachy vibe.
• Tumbled stones – These are rocks that have been tumbled and smoothed in a rock tumbler. They have a soft, polished look.

Before adding rocks to a mason jar lamp, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Allow them to fully dry before placing them in the jar. You may also want to check for any sharp edges and sand them down.

To fill the jar, pour some rocks in first to cover the bottom. Then insert the lighting element through the open top before topping with more rocks to cover and stabilize it. Alternate different colors and sizes of rocks for visual interest.

Shells

For a beachy look and feel, seashells make a lovely addition to a mason jar lamp. Small shells like sand dollars, scallops, clams, and cockles work well. Larger shells like conchs can be used as statement pieces. Crushed shells in neutral shades also add subtle texture and natural color. Be sure to thoroughly clean and dry any shells before adding to the lamp.

To arrange shells in a mason jar lamp, start by layering a base of small shells. Place them so they lie flat, filling in gaps. Then add slightly larger shells in a visually pleasing composition, turning them different directions. Finally, top with one or two larger shells for accent. For crushed shells, gently pour them in to completely cover the base. The key is alternating sizes and shapes for an organic look. Just be careful not to overfill the jar, allowing room for the battery and light.

Flowers

Dried flowers and flower petals can add a pop of color and beauty to a mason jar lamp. When working with dried flowers, it’s important to carefully arrange them in a way that maintains their delicate shape and form.

Start by choosing flowers that are fully dried and will hold their shape when handled, like lavender, rosebuds, or chamomile flowers. Avoid using very delicate or crushed flowers, as these may fall apart when layered in the jar.

To fill the jar, first add a thin layer of sand, beads, or marbles to the bottom. This will help prop up the flowers and hold them in place. Next, use a pair of tweezers or forceps to gently place each flower in the jar, rotating their position and alternating heights as you build layers.

Aim for both visual interest and stability. Focus flowers in the center and gradually build outward. To finish, you can top with filler like gypsum, beans, or crystals to help hold everything in place.

With careful arrangement and selection of durable dried flowers, you can create a gorgeous and long-lasting mason jar lamp filled with botanical beauty.

Herbs and Spices

Dried herbs like lavender and rosemary can provide a pleasant aroma in a mason jar lamp. The dried flowers and leaves will add texture and color as well. Popular herbs to use include lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, and sage. The herbal hues will complement the lamp light.

Spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, curry powder, paprika, and cayenne can also add warm colors and interest to a mason jar lamp. Cinnamon sticks in particular will unfurl when heated from the bulb, creating intriguing shapes and silhouettes. Whole cloves and star anise also have distinctive forms. Just a tablespoon or two of spices is usually enough for a mason jar lamp to make an impact.

Fairy Lights

Battery-operated fairy lights, also known as string lights, are a beautiful and magical way to fill a mason jar lamp. The soft glow creates a whimsical ambiance perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces.

Opt for fairy lights with small bulbs that will fit through the opening of the mason jar. Make sure the battery pack is small enough to be hidden or fit inside the jar. Look for waterproof lights if using outdoors.

When arranging the fairy lights, start by threading the end through the opening and around the inside of the jar. Let the lights gather and pool at the bottom, twisting and draping them loosely to create a dreamy effect. Avoid packing the lights too tightly or they may overheat. Leave a little slack near the opening so you can securely fasten the lights in place.

Fairy lights in a mason jar create a gorgeous glow perfect for mood lighting and ambiance. They’re versatile and can be used in any room of the house or in outdoor spaces like patios, porches, and gardens.

Glitter

Filling a mason jar lamp with glitter is a fun way to add some sparkle and color. Glitter comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you can match any decor. Some popular choices are fine glitters in red, blue, purple, silver, gold, and multicolor mixes.

To get an even and clean fill of glitter:

• Start by putting a small amount of clear glue into the bottom of the jar and swirl it around to coat the bottom. This helps the glitter stick evenly.
• Pour glitter into the jar, adding 1-2 tablespoons at a time. After each addition, gently swirl the jar to help the glitter settle evenly.
• Continue adding glitter and swirling until you’ve reached your desired fill level.
• Tap the jar gently on a hard surface to help settle the glitter and fill in any gaps.
• You can top it off with an extra pinch of glitter for a topped-off look.

The glue base helps the glitter adhere cleanly and evenly to the inside of the jar for a very sparkly lamp!

Maintaining and Caring

Mason jar lamps require some maintenance to keep their contents looking their best. Here are some tips for cleaning and care:

Keeping Layers Separated

If you’ve used multiple layers of fillers in your lamp like sand, glitter and flowers, it’s important to be gentle when moving the jar so the layers don’t mix together. Sudden movements or shaking could mix everything up into an unattractive mess. Carefully pick up and set down the jar when needed.

Cleaning Dust and Debris

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on the inner surfaces of the jar and filler materials. Give your lamp an occasional gentle shake over a trash can to dislodge dust and dirt. For a deeper clean, empty the contents into a bowl, wipe down the inside of the jar with a soft cloth, replace the filler materials one layer at a time, and refresh with any flowers or herbs that need replacing.

Decorating Ideas

There are many ways to make your mason jar lamps stand out and fit your decor by adding your own creative touch. Here are some decorating ideas to spark your inspiration:

Painting the Jars

Painting the outside of the mason jars allows you to match any color scheme. Use spray paint for an even coat, or acrylic craft paint to create designs. Let the paint fully dry before adding lights.

Adding Ribbons or Raffia

For a rustic or country look, tie ribbons or raffia around the rim of the jar. Choose solid colors or patterns that go with your room’s style. You can leave the ends long, trim them short, or tie them into bows.