There was a time in my life when I heard "DIYer" used to describe someone and I would catch myself daydreaming about the skills required and how that would probably never be a word used to describe me.
The first few years I was on Pinterest, I used it solely for locating decorating, clothing and hair styles that I liked (slightly embarrassing to admit). The thought of recreating or trying my hand at the DIY projects I was pinning didn't really take hold until my husband and I bought our first home together. I wanted our home to be filled with things that we love, and yes I will admit it - look like the pages of a Pottery Barn catalog. But that pesky budget was really my driving motivator to become a DIYer. Little did I know, I would enjoy the process of working with things we already owned and turning them in to something else.
Fast forward a few years and many DIY projects later: these hanging mason jar vases were originally an item I coveted from someone's Etsy site. I really wanted 2 of them to be on the wall right beside our entryway, but I didn't want to spend the money. I dissected the picture from that lovely person's shop and wrote down all of the things I needed to make these. The only thing on my list that we didn't already own were the 2 hanging plant hooks. Genius! I was going to get my hanging mason jar vases at a fraction of the cost.
What You Need To Make 1 Hanging Vase:
1 - Pint Mason Jar
1 - Piece of Wood cut 12" long (I used standard decking wood because that is what we had on hand, but you can use other types, I just suggest it is 5 1/2" wide x (at least) 1" thick and cut to 12" long)
1 - 6" Hanging Plant Bracket (I found mine at Lowe's for $4.98/each)
2 - D-Ring Picture Hangers, size small, screws included
8" length of twine
30" length Florist Wire
Sample size paint in your color choice
Sand Paper
2 - Nails or Screws for hanging
Make It:
1. Using your measuring tape and ruler mark the 12" length on your piece of wood and cut with a circular saw. Sand both ends to remove any splinters and until smooth to the touch.
2. Take a damp rag and wipe entire surface area of wood clean.
3. Paint wood and let dry. Repeat with a second coat if needed.
I ended up using 2 different colors and did the first coat in a shade of gray and a second coat in a shade of blue. When the second coat was dry, I did a rough sand to distress the paint and bring out some imperfections. I have been told chalk paint is fantastic for DIY projects involving wood. If you know and like chalk paint, I think it would be perfect for this project.
4. Once you are sure the paint is completely dry, turn over your piece of wood to mark the placement for the D-ring picture hooks.
Using your measuring tape, mark the point that is 1" in from the right side and 1" down from the top. Repeat on the left side. This will give you the top most point of your D ring hook. Attach both hooks to the wood by using the screws included. Be sure to double and triple check your measurements so that you will have a straight, even line when your wall vase is mounted on the wall.
This 6" scroll hanging plant bracket came from Lowe's.
5. Now that your hanging hardware is attached, turn your piece of wood back over to measure and mark the placement of the hanging plant bracket.
Depending on the exact size/type of wood and hanging bracket you are using, your measurements may be different than mine. What you want to ensure is that when you hang your mason jar from the hook, the bottom of the mason jar will not dip below the bottom of the wood.
You will need to measure and mark the exact middle line of your piece of wood. And you will want your hanging bracket to be installed on the top half of the piece of wood. My hanging plant bracket measures 3/4" down from the top and is centered on the block of wood.
6. Using wire cutters, cut a length of florist wire long enough to wrap around the lip of the mason jar three full rotations - approximately 30" of wire. Twist a few times at the back of the jar to hold wire together. Trim any excess.
7. Cut a length of twine 8" and tie both ends securely in knots around the florist wire.
8. Hang that bad boy on the wall, add water to the mason jar and get yourself some flowers!
9. Stand back and relish in the fact that you just made yourself this amazing piece of wall decor. Or better yet, invite your neighbors over to show it off and brag on yourself a little bit.
These hydrangeas came from our backyard. I can't wait until summer hits and I get to clip them for my vases again!
Happy DIY-ing! I hope you enjoy the process of making these wall vases. I would love to hear how yours turn out - please feel free to comment below!
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