Pom Pom Flower Mason Jars

Can you believe it's August already?  For most, school is getting ready to start back up and although Autumn doesn't "officially" begin for another almost two months, there is just something about August that seems like fall.  Don't you agree?  It also means that I have less than 3 months to get everything in order for my son's birthday party.  Sure I promised my husband that birthday #2 wasn't going to be as themed/ornate/detailed (pick one) as #1 was but a crafty girl still needs a theme- am I right?  Plus, at the rate I do things I really should have started 3 months ago.

That reminds me- this summer I put together a bridal shower for my best friend from college.  She is pink-obsessed and the shower was held at a tea house (so quaint!)  Because the location already had it's own "decorations" I was limited on what to do.  However, I think I managed a few cute pieces and wanted to share one of them with you today.

This project is beginner level with an expert look!  It also takes no time at all and costs very little.  Here's what you'll need:

- mason jars
- 6 inch pom pom garland (I got mine at the Dollar Tree for $1 a package!)
- paint for the jars
- hot glue gun
- scissors

I couldn't find a stock photo online of the exact pom pom garland I purchased.  It came in different color options and the garland had 6 pom poms per garland (package).  You can pick up the same thing at Walmart, Joann Fabrics or similar stores as well (but it's much cheaper at the Dollar Tree!)

{Via walmart.com}

{Martha Stewart brand via joann.com}

The pom poms come flattened and all you do is open it up and fluff out the pieces of tissue paper.  Before doing any of this however, I cut my garland apart, leaving around 4 inches of string on each side so that I could tie them closed and (later) tie multiple pom poms together.  When you have three pom poms fluffed, start tying them together using the rest of the string from the 4 inches you left.  Only the top and sides will show so try to make them as close together as possible from the top view (the bottom will be glued down so it's fine if it's flat).

Meanwhile, pour paint into your mason jars and turn them around to cover all sides of the jar.  If you need to touch up spots with a brush that's fine too.  Leave the jars sitting over newspaper or parchment paper upside down so that the extra paint comes out.  I'll be honest, I didn't use special glass paint- just leftover paint from my son's high chair!

All your parts are done!  Now it's time to put it all together.

With a hot glue gun, glue the lid and ring from the mason jar together.  Don't get glue on the threading though because you will still need to put the lids on the jar.  Next, flip it over and cover the top of the lid with hot glue.  Quickly attach a 3-bundle of pom poms to the lid.  Press firmly and repeat until you have as many as you need.

{The glue doesn't need to be fancy, it just needs to hold}

That's it!

Screw the lids onto the jars and voila!  Easy and lovely jars for centerpieces, table decor, or whatever you want. I had so many people comment about how lovely they were and to think- they were just put together from leftover mason jars and dollar store garland!  I love those kinds of projects, don't you?

and a little closer up..