If you’re a regular reader of this blog, then you already know just how much I love mason jars. But what’s not to love? These beautiful and iconic containers are as American as apple pie, and today I’m sharing a simple DIY mason jar dispenser that makes them even more useful!:-)
A Brief History Of Mason Jars
While there are those who appreciate mason jars mainly for their aesthetic appeal, these iconic glass jars are as useful today as they ever were! Those of us who own, use, or appreciate mason jars today owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. John Landis Mason of Vineland, New Jersey, who invented and patented his screw-threaded glass jar all the way back in 1858.
Mason jar production and home canning both had their heyday during World War II as Americans grew “victory gardens” and preserved their harvests for extra food. After the war, advances in home refrigeration nearly made canning jars obsolete (though canning did enjoy a limited resurgence in popularity due to the Do-It-Yourself movement of the ’60s and ‘70s.)
But within the past two decades or so, mason jars have made a major comeback in popularity that is only partially related to a renewed interest in home canning. Today, we also use mason jars as charming drinking glasses, practical storage containers, attractive flower vases, and even handy dispensers!
Which brings us back to today’s post, because I’ll be showing you how to make one of my favorite mason jar innovations: the DIY mason jar dispenser! I’ll show you how to make your own perfectly pourable mason jar lid using the pour spout from an empty milk, juice, or broth carton. Here’s how it’s done! :-)
How To Make A DIY Mason Jar Dispenser
You’ll need:
- Empty carton with a capped pour spout
- Mason jar with canning ring
- Pencil
- Scissors
Directions:
Start by ripping open the glued portions of the the empty carton and lay it out flat on your work surface.
Next, grab your pencil and canning ring, and use the canning ring to trace a circle around the capped spout.
Use your scissors to cut out the circle you just drew, then press the carton section into the canning ring with the capped spout facing outward. Screw your new pour spout onto your mason jar, and you’re done!
All that’s left to do is to figure out what you’re going to store inside it! ;-) Read on for some ideas of how to use it!
How To Use It
You can use your DIY dispenser to store almost anything you could consider “pourable.” I have one at home that I’ve filled with baking soda, and it makes it so easy to sprinkle a bit of baking soda onto grimy cookie sheets, oily stains, and other household messes.
In addition to cleaning powders like baking soda, these mason jar dispensers could be equally useful for storing dry ingredients and pantry staples. Fill it with chopped nuts or chocolate chips to use in baking projects, or fill it with your favorite powdered coffee creamer or sugar substitute and store it with your coffee supplies.
The possibilities for your DIY mason jar dispenser are virtually endless, and I’d love to hear back about how you end up putting yours to good use! :-) Leave a comment below, or shoot me an email at jill@byjillee.com. (My inbox is always open!)
What would you store in a DIY mason jar dispenser?
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