Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway: Country Living Christmas Joys: Decorating, Crafts, Recipes book

by

Screen Shot 2015-10-15 at 4.07.37 PM

Giveaway- Country Living Christmas Joys: Decorating, Crafts, Recipes

Leave a comment in today’s post by December 1st, 2015 and you are in the running for this AWESOME Christmas craft, decorating and recipe book.

Open to U.S. residents only please.

More about the book from the publisher Hearst Books:

“Make this Christmas the best and brightest yet, with hundreds of gorgeous decorating ideas and delicious recipes. From holiday house tours and ways to deck the halls to handmade gifts and festive feasts, this beautiful book will help you celebrate Christmas in Country Living style. Create stunning wreaths, turn saltshakers into sparkling snow globes, craft Advent calendars from tiny envelopes, bake gourmet-store-worthy cookies, and more to make a truly happy holiday.”

Related Posts:

Comments

  1. This book reminds me of something I’ve said many times, even if you can’t show people you love them with homemade gifts, you surely can with homemade food.

  9. I have just discovered your site and I plan to be a frequent visitor. Thank you for all the great ideas. This book looks awesome and I would love to have it. Merry Christmas!

Have you read?

DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with Rustic Stems – Upcycled Farmhouse Decor

If you love sunflowers but wish they could last longer than a week in a vase, I have just the project for you. With a handful of thrifted mason jar lids, a little paint, and a dash of creativity, you can make your own DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with rustic stems — the kind that brighten your home all year long.

This project blends farmhouse charm with eco-friendly upcycling, making it perfect for crafters who love to give old materials a new life. Whether you display them in a vase, turn them into a wreath, or pop them into potted plants, these handmade sunflowers bring sunshine into any space.

Why You’ll Love This Sunflower Craft

  • Budget-friendly: Most supplies can be thrifted, recycled, or found at home. 
  • Customisable: Change the petal colour, stem style, or centre texture to suit your décor. 
  • Durable décor: Unlike fresh flowers, these won’t wilt or fade. 
  • Eco-conscious: A clever way to upcycle mason jar lids and scrap fabric. 

Supplies You’ll Need

To make your own mason jar lid sunflowers, gather these simple materials:

  • Mason jar rings (any size – thrifted or recycled) 
  • Yellow spray paint or acrylic craft paint 
  • Brown felt, burlap, or textured fabric for the flower centres 
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks 
  • Wooden dowels, sticks, or recycled chopsticks for stems 
  • Green floral tape or green craft paint 
  • Optional: raffia, ribbon, faux greenery, grapevine wreath form 

Step-by-Step: How to Make DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with Rustic Stems

Step 1: Prep Your Mason Jar Lids

Wash and dry the lids thoroughly. If they have rust spots, give them a quick sanding for a smooth surface. This will help your paint adhere better.

Step 2: Paint the Petals

Lay out your lids on newspaper or cardboard. Spray paint them in a bright sunflower yellow. Two light coats give the best coverage.
 Tip: For a more natural, layered look, dry-brush with mustard or orange tones after the base coat dries.

Step 3: Create the Sunflower Centre

Cut a circle of brown felt, burlap, or textured fabric slightly larger than the inner opening of the lid.
 For extra detail, glue on small black buttons, beads, or seeds for a realistic sunflower centre.

Step 4: Assemble the Flower

Flip the lid over and hot glue the centre fabric to the back so it fills the ring’s opening.
 Press firmly to make sure it’s secure — especially if you’re making these for a wreath or outdoor display.

Step 5: Add the Stem

Glue a wooden dowel, twig, or recycled chopstick to the back of the lid.
 Wrap the stem in green floral tape for a smooth, finished look — or leave a twig unwrapped for a more rustic, natural style.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Tie a bow of raffia or ribbon around the stem. Glue on a couple of faux leaves for extra charm.
 If you’re making a bouquet, vary the stem lengths for a more natural arrangement.

Creative Ways to Use Your Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers

  • Rustic Vase Display: Arrange several sunflowers in a ceramic jug or glass mason jar. 
  • Farmhouse Wreath: Glue the flowers to a grapevine wreath form and hang on your front door. 
  • Garden Accents: Seal with an outdoor spray and stake in flower beds or planters. 
  • Gift Toppers: Make mini sunflowers for wrapping embellishments or party favours. 

 Tips for the Best Results

  • Use different jar ring sizes for varied petal shapes in your bouquet. 
  • Dry-brush the petal edges with orange paint for added depth and realism. 
  • Mix in a few “wild” stems with curled raffia or greenery for a fuller, more natural look. 

The Beauty of Upcycling

This DIY mason jar lid sunflower craft is proof that everyday items — even something as humble as a jar lid — can become something extraordinary.
 It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about crafting something with a story, saving materials from the bin, and adding a burst of joy to your home.

So next time you spot a box of old jar lids at a thrift store, don’t pass them by. Pick them up and turn them into sunshine that never fades.