My Vintage Mason Jar Collection

Hey Foxy friends! Since so many of you tuned-in when I pulled out all my mason jars in that Facebook live video, I thought I would take some extra pictures to share what I did with them.

Something so fun about mason jars, is that because they are so affordable, it’s easy for most of us to be able to own a few. Over the course of a few years, I’ve been able to accumulate a decent mason jar collection. Small to some I’m sure, but just right for me! I concentrated mainly on the Ball jars in that covet-able color. Aqua. While collecting, I wasn’t so much concerned with how old they were, as I was with how affordable they were. Out picking barn sales, tag sales and even antique stores, I was especially drawn to the pretty shades of blue – from watery pale blue… to vibrate, rich turquoise that reminded me of far off seas.

My collection had been tucked away for the Winter, but when the sun started to shine again, I felt the pull to get them out, dust them off, and find them someplace to gather together. 

The apothecary cabinet in our sun room was practically made to display them! I’ve placed a few on it here & there over the years, but I’ve never put them all there at once. I removed all my white ware and relegated it to the bottom shelf of the little wood cart, and started piling them on. And I loved it! 

The second shelf just accommodated the smaller jars. That was such a lucky fit! And Jimmy turned the beautiful wood platter that the glass dome is sitting on. We may just have to invest in a lathe upgrade for him. He is making the most beautiful things! 

Some of my fist finds, when I started what I didn’t know then, would become a collection, are gathered on the bottom shelf. All tucked-in together in the old metal basket that used to be in a vintage chest freezer. I’ve got 3, and I love those baskets. Often times, my cheapest, most random finds are my favorites.

A few years into collecting jars here & there, we happened upon an out of the way tag sale. That is where I acquired my older, more unique mason jars.

The ones with the sloped shoulders, air bubbles, and barely there logos. The really unique ones. 

I’ve never spent for than 5-8 dollars on the smaller jars, and no more than $10-$12 on the larger. Though I’m sure there are a few in the mix I got for as little as 50 cents. 

I still see them when we are out treasure hunting but don’t feel the need to simply own more, so I’ve stopped buying them. I am most content with the pretties I have, and leave those for the next hunter to come across them.

I’ve always been of a mind that when you gather a collection together it has more impact and really draws you in to look at and appreciate it… I don’t know why it took me so long to practice it in my own home. 

My plan is to leave them here thru Summer, but of course, I’m not always the best planner… so we’ll see? 

Here’s to enjoying our collections, whatever they may be!

xo Shannon

PS: If you collect, here are some handy images that can help you identify your jars.

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