12 | Greenstone holidays
december 2017
Mason jar Christmas crafts
Intended for canning, mason jars serve a different purpose come Christmas! As food
gifts, candle holders, and more, this vintage kitchen staple will keep you crafting through
the holidays.
T
he holidays are a friendly, festive, happy time – a time for traditions, making
memories and spreading joy. With all the shopping, parties, and just plain
running around that goes along with this holiday, it is always good idea to
try to set aside some quality time with the kids, and what better way to enjoy
each others company than by making some Christmas crafts? Some of the
crafts can be gifts, some decorations, and sometimes just a fun way to spend
an afternoon.
Christmas mason jar crafts are fun to create and fun to receive as
Christmas gifts and you can buy the jars online or anywhere that sells crafts or canning
products. Mason jars were invented in 1858 by a Philadelphia tinsmith named John
Landis Mason. They are made of soda-lime glass and come in a variety of volumes.
Decorating jars is limited only by your imagination. Jars can be painted in solid colours
or with holiday designs, if you are feeling artistic. Matte acrylic paint is recommended.
Jar lids can be covered with circles of burlap or festive fabrics and tied with raffia, twine
or holiday ribbons. Messages can be attached as tags around the lid, or glued to the
outside of the jar.
Decorated jars make great vases and containers. They are perfect for holding Christmas
greenery, plastic party ware, candy canes and candles. You can make a delightful scene
by placing whimsical elements inside a jar, such as tiny trees and reindeer. Epsom salts
makes great snow, while a visit to your local craft store will provide you with additional
inspiration.
If you are hosting Christmas lunch or dinner at your house this year, for a perfect gift,
why not fill your jars with tasty treats? Fill a mason jar halfway with hot
chocolate mix and top off with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. For
extra cheer, tie a small bottle of Baileys to the jar.
An M&M Christmas – Merry and Magical!
Ingredients
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup M&M’s
Directions
Combine the white ingredients, except the sugar, and pour into the bottom of
a 1 quart Mason jar. Top with M & M’s, then brown sugar, then granulated
sugar.
Decorate the jar and attach recipe: Pour the contents of the jar into a large
bowl and stir. Add:
• 1 stick melted, unsalted butter
• 1 beaten egg
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stir until combined. After chilling for 30 minutes, drop dough by heaping
tablespoons onto lined baking sheets. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 8-10
minutes. You’re on your way to creating heart-warming gifts for your family
and friends!