Kathryn of the blog The Pickled Herring has come up with a darling and practical idea for the great chalkboard paint. She uses it on jar lids to label and date its contents.
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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.