When summer hits and my flowers are blooming I like to make bouquets to give away. And that means that I will need vases to put those flowers in. Throughout the year I will save glass food jars to use for my flowers. But just giving a bouquet of flowers in a pickle jar is not very attractive. So over the years I have found ways to make these simple containers special. Here are some of my favorite ideas for diy flower vases.
How to diy flower vases for your bouquets…
Start with the right size container
Use a jar that will fit the amount of flowers you are using. You don’t want a massive jar for a small nosegay sized bouquet. And you don’t want to cram too many flowers into a jar that is too small. So find a jar with an opening that gives the flower stems a little space without being excessive.
Add fabric or decorative paper to the outside of the jar
I like to create an attractive sleeve to tape onto the outside of my jar. You can use craft store decorative paper, book pages, burlap or other fabric to cover the outside of your jar. To make it waterproof you could even use some oilcloth. Cut the paper or fabric to fit the flat part of the jar and then tape it or hot glue it to the back.
Add a ribbon or twine on top of the sleeve
Wrap contrasting ribbon, raffia, twine or even fabric strips around your jar and tie into a knot or bow. Cut the ribbon long enough so that it can trail down the vase.
Attach a tag or label to the ribbon
I like to add a tag, label or decorative item to the ribbon front for additional interest. A little chalkboard label with a sweet saying or a tag labeled for the season can add a special touch. You can tie these into the ribbon, hot glue them to the bow or attach with a mini clothes pin. A simple label is fine but this is where you can use your creativity to add something special.
Put a decorative flag in the vase
Another way to create additional interest in your bouquet is with a little flag. Use craft papers to cut a shape such as a triangle. Punch 2 holes in the end and slide a chop stick or dowel through the holes. Pop this into your finished vase for a colorful contrast to your flowers.
A few other ways to spruce up your containers…
- Slide the jar into the sleeve of an old sweater for a winter vase
- Wrap the jar with twine, hot gluing as you go (thick for nautical look and thin for garden style)
- Paint the jar seasonal colors
- Create a mercury glass finish on your jar
- Cover with twigs from your backyard for rustic appeal
- Decoupage with pictures, maps or mementos
- Hot glue cinnamon sticks or pencils to the outside of the jar
- Decorate your jar with washi tape
You’ve worked hard to grow the beautiful flowers in your yard and cutting garden. Now it’s time to display them and give them away. But finding inexpensive vases to can be difficult. That is why I like to recycle glass jars that have come through my kitchen. It doesn’t take much effort to spruce them up and then you have a one-of-a-kind flower vase. And these diy flower vases are quick and easy to make.
