Mason Jar Lamp Tutorial
If you love mason jars you’ll want to check out this Mason Jar Lamp Tutorial! If you love crafts, this is an adorable way to showcase your collections. I personally have a deep love for seashells, so I piled some into the mason jar for this lamp. But whatever you collect, whatever your hobby, this is a great way to personalize a lamp… and it’s an easy DIY lamp project too.
What You Need
You only need a few items to make your own mason jar lamp.
Affiliate links are provided for your convenience.
- Mason Jar
- Drill
with a large drill bit (needs to be larger than the base of your socket in your lamp kit) - Lamp lighting kit
- Lamp Shade
with a large drill bitYou can purchase a lamp lighting kit at your hardware store, craft store, or online (click the link above).
How to Turn a Mason Jar into a Lamp
I hope these instructions are easy for you. I think this is such a fun and easy DIY Mason Jar Lamp. You can pick whatever size mason jar you want to use. Your local thrift store is a great place to find mason jars too.
Drill a Hole
The first step is to drill a hole in your mason jar lid that is large enough to slide the base of the light socket through it. You won’t really see the hole, so no need for the hole to look pretty, but you can always cover it with painter’s tape prior to drilling to keep the hole cleaner.
Mason Jar Ring
Then slip the mason jar ring and the decorative base over the end of the socket.
Attaching the Lamp Kit
Finally, slip the mason jar lid onto the end of the lamp socket by inserting the end of the socket through the hole you just drilled. Finish by twisting on the washer and nut.
Assembling the Mason Jar Lamp
Screw the mason jar lid to the glass jar and twist on your mason jar lid ring to complete your beautiful lamp.
Super easy, right!!! Now how will you decorate your lamp? You can show off your style with your lampshade and what you put inside your mason jar for display. It’s ready for a light bulb and all you need to do is plug in the cord and you’ve created a beautiful lamp.
What Will You Fill Your Lamp With?
This lamp is in my oldest daughter’s bedroom on her bedside table. I filled the base with seashells to fit in her beachy bedroom and I think I’m going to finish it with a burlap shade. Here are some other ideas to fill your mason jar with.
- acorns (in the fall)
- wine corks (from special occasions)
- small pinecones (in the fall or winter)
- shells
- starfish
- smooth rocks
- coral
So many options you can do with this easy lamp tutorial.
Other Great Mason Jar Projects
I really like this idea as I recently found over. 100 mason jars in a old house I was tearing down about a dozen were bicentennial jars .I know the cord does not come out the side of the lamp socket.so lm assuming another hole should be made but it’s avreat idea and I was at Ollie’s last week thay had lamp rebuild kits that I’ve seetat Walmart for 20 bucks Ollie’s had them for less than 3 bucks cord included great deal
I use the jars for multiple things.The most colorful thing is vintage (80 yr old) multiple colored marbles that are regular and Jumbo sizes in a clear jar. Add a shade and the light makes it very colorful. Cute anywhere. PJV
Please tell me what size mason jar you used. I tried it with a 24ounce and the shade hung to far down over it. Also what size shade did you use.
Maybe this is a dumb question.. but how does the lampshade attach?
I have a lot of small lamps you use the lightbulb after you place the shade on you screw the lightbulb in it holds the shade in place if you don’t have a small lamp you can get the small lampshade at a dollar general or any type of store similar pick one up for 5$ or less hope this helps
Buu a clip on lamp shade
I love this idea. I am going to make this for my kitchen and use either whole coffee beans or wine corks in place of the shells. Thank you.
I love this Maryann! I am sending to my mom- it would go perfectly in her coastal guest room!
Hello, thank you for sharing your tutorial. I love the idea. I found a box full of mason jars last weekend at a yard sale and I was looking for some ideas to use them for crafts. And I stumbled upon your blog. I have included a link to your page from mine. I do hope that is ok. If not please let me know I will have it removed. Thank you again for the great post!
Kind regards,
Heather
Okay, this is really cool!
🙂 Linda
This is so creative and pretty – love the shells inside! I actually featured it today on my mason jar light round-up 🙂
https://upcycledtreasures.com/2013/08/25-creative-ways-to-light-up-mason-jars/
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures
Love this idea. I can’t find the shade. Could you please send a link.
Thanks
Here you go Sandy: https://www.domestically-speaking.com/2013/02/washi-tape-lamp-shade.html
Pure awesomeness!!!!!
Yet ANOTHER reason to love Mason Jars!
Thanks so much for the tutorial, Maryann. I bought one years ago and have antique buttons in it in my craft room ~ now I can make another one and save some cash. You are so creative.
Oh my, I love this! I just got some awesome vintage jars from the flea market and this would be perfect =)
Oh that would be gorgeous Kristin!
Mason jars are like drop cloth, they can be used for so many different projects. This one is super cute, thanks for the tutorial 🙂 Hugs, Teresa
Totally agree Teresa ~ I think they can fit into any decor style.
Ah I love mason jars, lamps and shells. How did you know? 😉 Such a great project!
Thanks Steph! I can't get enough of them either!