Americana Mason Jar Lights

Happy Independence Day!
Today we are painting mason jars in the colors of the American flag!
And with lights inside, they will provide the perfect atmosphere for your bbq and dinner parties.

Supplies:

3 Mason Jars, any brand or size (I used 12 oz)
Americana acrylic paint in the colors White, Dark Red, and Navy Blue
contact paper or adhesive vinyl
star hole punch (or at least 12 star stickers)
1 in wide flat nylon brush
bristle haired brush
Cup of water/paper towel (cleanup)
Dark Blue Montana Spray Paint
Rubbing alcohol
warm white Firefly lights or battery operated tea lights


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First start painting stripes onto your jars. I started with the Dark Red, and using my 1 inch wide brush, I made markings about every other inch as to layout where my stripes will be.

Then once the red stripes are dry, add the white.

It's okay if your paint goes on thinly, with cracks or translucent patches. It's actually preferred, because you'll want the light to shine through the layers, so don't paint too many coats on your jars!  

Clean brush in cup of water and wipe with paper towel.


Then with your star punch, make about 12 stars from your contact paper or adhesive vinyl. (Alternatively, you can also use star stickers, but they will need to be smooth and sticky enough to seal completely to the glass.)

Then in no certain exact pattern, stick them to your last unpainted jar, making sure that all the edges are well sealed with the glass. Then take your rubbing alcohol and quickly wipe down the remaining visible surface of the jar. This will remove fingerprints and smudges that would otherwise become visible after being spray painted.

Let the Mason jar sit upside down on newspaper and spray the entire jar with your dark blue, making sure to get into the grooves of the top. Once you've completely coated the jar, let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

With your even darker blue acrylic paint, brush on in rough and uneven strokes over the jar to create an even more rustic look.

After the paint has completely dried for about 45 minutes, peel off the stars being careful not to scratch the painted surface. 
And ta da!
Place your Firefly lights or battery operated tea lights inside, and set them on your walkway, or on your dinner table. The glow will be perfect for viewing the fireworks.


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Have a great day everyone and happy crafting!

Bethany @ Enchanted Lake