To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the “Perfect Mason Jar”, Ball has released limited edition blue Heritage Collection Pint Jars. Even if I can’t think of something to use them for right now, I need to get a case of these…for future decor emergencies.
They’re embossed with the vintage Ball logo on the front and anniversary dates on the back. Ball has also released an interesting video which gives a snapshot into how these glass jars are made.
Of course they are meant for canning, but I always think they’re too pretty to keep tucked away in a pantry.
In recent years, vintage blue Ball mason jars have been showing up on Etsy, Ebay and in vintage markets, and have become quite the collector’s item. Ball reported a 31% increase in jar sales in 2012, which can be mostly likely attributed to the popularity of using them in home decor and crafting.
Did you know that the original blue tint was used because it was believed to block some light from reaching the food inside, and thus preserving it longer? Amber, dark green, milk glass and black are even more rare.
More and more often, we’re seeing these classic blue jars show up in decor. It’s a fun little punch of colour and maybe a nod to simpler times too.
Now we even have jewelry and artwork honouring this classic symbol of country life. Homes and restaurants alike are using them as drinking glasses.
Katie Daisy is one of my favourite contemporary artists, and even she has been bitten by the blue mason jar bug. You can check out come of her prints in our Gallery Wall.
On on vacation to Fort Myers, Florida this February, I spotted some original blue jars at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The just fit in right at home in this turn of the century kitchen.
If you’re unable to order the new jars and can’t find any of the vintage ones, you can create your own! Using glass paint diluted in acetone, you can stain regular glass jars, making it waterproof to use them as vases. I’ve also seen a tinted mod podge method which works great for decor items, but cannot get wet.
I’ve seen some fantastic ideas on how to use mason jars in pantries, baking and storage, but I still think they look great in decor, especially with flowers. I used them as vases for DIY Wedding Flowers my mother and I made for a friends’ wedding. I have a couple of stems of hydrangeas sitting on my kitchen table in a mason jar right now!
To prevent all your flowers flopping over to one side, slip a piece of chicken wire in under the lid, to act as a grid for your flowers placement.
Mason jars also make great votive holders. These jars use beans as vase filler and were hung from trees with twine. A beautiful way to guide guests to a backyard party or wedding.
There are also some great tutorials on how to turn mason jars into solar lights for you patio.
I saw these jars last week. They are a different shade of blue than the vintage ones. They also cost about twice as much as the clear ones. I’m not sure I want to spend more for them.
I just found about 5 dozen of the older blue perfect mason jars . What are they worth today
What a great find! I’ve come across the older blue mason jars from $5 to $25 depending on the condition, size, etc. Take a look at Etsy or Ebay and you’ll get a sense of what others are selling them for.
Thank you very much. I also found some 2 quart pickle jars with the wire handle on them , I think I will display them