10 nifty mason jar ideas

10 nifty mason jar hacks

Easy frothed milk

You don't need a fancy machine, just a bit of muscle and a microwave. Use a jar with a lid and fill milk only halfway (to allow space for foam). With the lid off, microwave milk in the jar for about 30 seconds. Twist the lid on tight and shake for 30 to 60 seconds (use a towel or oven mitt if jar is hot) until milk is frothy and filling the jar. With the lid off, microwave for another 30 seconds to set the foam, then pour milk into your coffee and spoon foam on top—or give kids their own coffee-free cappuccino (Tip: Add a shot of vanilla extract and a bit of honey).

Find out how they did it: stressbaking.com> Photo: stressbaking.com via Pinterest

Kid terrarium

The kids will love this one: Send them outside to hunt for pebbles, twigs and acorns, and help them create their little worlds of wonder. The best part? No watering necessary. They look pretty cute on window sills, too. 

Find out how they did it: All parenting> Photo: allparenting.com via Pinterest

Overnight breakfast

For those groggy mornings (ie: every morning), this is a handy fast-track to your first meal of the day. Prepare chia pudding, oatmeal or hemp porridge the night before and grab it from the fridge before heading out the door. For those magical mornings you wake up bright and early, toss your fruit, nuts, oats, seeds and choice of milk into your jar, and it will transform into a pudding by the time you get to work!

Find out how they did it: Popsugar> Photo: popsugar.com via Pinterest

Layered salad

No more soggy greens! The secret of this mason jar hack lies in the layering. Dressing goes at the bottom along with heavier ingredients like grains and beans. Make sure your greens are tucked in at the top, along with any other items you want to keep crisp. When it's lunchtime, simply invert into a bowl and toss!

Find out how they did it: Huffington post> Photo: huffingtonpost.com via Pinterest

Herb planter

An easy kitchen herb garden will add colour to your space and freshness to your food. Create a base with an inch of rocks or marbles for drainage, then scoop in potting soil and transplant your favourite herb. Basil, parsley, cilantro, thyme, chives and rosemary all work well in jars.

Find out how they did it: eighteen25> Photo: eighteen25.blogspot.ca via Pinterest

Storage containers

It makes such a different when you can see what you've got—whether it's art supplies, toiletries or your baking cupboard. Mason jars will keep things fresh, dry and easy to spot!

Find out how they did it: Live Love DIY> Photo: livelovediy.com via Pinterest

Dessert in a jar

Layer in cake, icing and berries and you really can't go wrong. Change up the cake flavours or even use brownie or crumbled cookie. Swap icing for whipped cream, chocolate sauce or caramel and toss in any kind of fruit, sprinkles, candy or chopped-up chocolate bar. The possibilities are endless—and scrumptious!

Find out how they did it: Babble> Photo: babble.com via Pinterest

Ready-to-serve cocktails

Mix individual drinks in jam jars before guests arrive and you'll spend less time bartending, more time celebrating. Add pretty garnishes like sprigs of mint or citrus slices and twist the lids on tight. Pack jars into a large cooler of ice and invite guests to help themselves. 

Find out how they did it: Just Putzing Around the Kitchen> Photo: justputzing.com via Pinterest

DIY snow globe

These make the sweetest decoration, perfect holiday project or thoughtful, customizable gift. The lid of the jar is the perfect base to affix teeny figurines. 

Find out how they did it: Simple craves and olive oil> Photo: simplecravesandoliveoil.blogspot.ca via Pinterest

Candle holder

How's this for a bright idea: Dot a few jars with candles along a table, or group them together to create a flickering centrepiece. Experiment with different sizes of jars, use ribbon or twine to dress them up, anchor candles in sand or pebbles or float them in water.

Find out how they did it: diyweddingplanner> Photo: diyweddingplanner.hubpages.com via Pinterest