DIY Hanging Air Plant Planter: A Mason Jar Project from Mason Jar Nation
Excited to share a fantastic DIY project straight from the pages of my book, MASON JAR NATION (Cool Springs Press, 2016)! This charming hanging air plant (tillandsia) planter is featured in the “Crafts” section and holds a special place as one of my personal favorites. In fact, the entire book is filled with projects I adore – after all, only the best made it into the final cut! This particular project falls into the medium difficulty range, mainly because it requires the use of a bottle cutter.
If you’re looking for the best bottle cutter, check out my reviews of some popular options here. But to save you some time, I highly recommend Ephrem’s Deluxe Bottle Cutter – it’s simply the best! And thanks to the generosity of my publisher, Cool Springs Press, I’m thrilled to share the complete project instructions directly from the book.
For those who enjoy a bit of botanical trivia, Tillandsia, commonly known as “air plants,” are classified as epiphytes. But don’t worry, there won’t be a quiz! The key thing to remember is that epiphytes don’t require soil to thrive. They absorb the nutrients they need from the air around them. When it comes to watering, a simple one-hour soak every couple of weeks or a light misting every few days is all they need. Rainwater is ideal, but distilled water or tap water that has been left to sit for 12 hours (allowing it to “off-gas”) also works well. These remarkably resilient plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. The unique growing requirements of Tillandsia make them a perfect match for Mason jars, as each complements the other beautifully.
— From MASON JAR NATION, by JoAnn Moser, Cool Springs Press 2016
Supplies You’ll Need
- 1 clear, quart-size Mason jar
- Bottle cutter and finishing equipment (We highly recommend Ephrem’s Deluxe Bottle Cutter)
- Painter’s tape
- Small paintbrush
- Etching cream
- Metal hole punch or drill and small bit
- 1 lid and band or 1 reproduction lid to fit the Mason jar used
- 1 small cotter pin
- 2’ of #16 single jack electro-galvanized chain
- Small washer with a small hole
- 18-gauge wire (approximately 8″)
- 1 tillandsia (air plant)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Hanging Planter
Let’s dive into the creation process! Follow these steps to craft your own unique hanging air plant planter using a Mason jar.
Step 1: Preparing the Mason Jar
Begin by cutting approximately 1 inch off the bottom of the Mason jar. This is where the bottle cutter comes into play. Refer to the technical instructions provided in MASON JAR NATION or the instructions that came with your bottle cutter for detailed guidance on achieving a clean and safe cut. Take your time during this step, as a smooth cut is essential for the overall appearance of your planter.
Step 2: Etching the Design
Now, let’s add a touch of elegance to your planter. Apply painter’s tape approximately ½ inch up from the newly cut bottom edge of the jar. This tape will act as a stencil, creating a defined area for etching.
Using a small paintbrush, carefully apply etching cream to the exposed area below the tape. Ensure you apply a thick and even coat for the best results. The thickness of the coat will directly impact the clarity and visibility of the etched design. Allow the etching cream to remain in place for the duration recommended on the product’s instructions. This is crucial for achieving the desired etching effect.
Once the recommended time has elapsed, thoroughly rinse off the etching cream under running water. After rinsing, carefully remove the painter’s tape. You should now see the beautifully etched design on the bottom of your Mason jar.
Step 3: Preparing the Lid and Chain
Take the lid of your Mason jar and, using a metal hole punch or a drill with a small bit, create a small hole in the center of the lid. This hole will be used to attach the chain for hanging your planter.
Thread the cotter pin through the last link of the chain. Then, carefully feed the cotter pin through the hole you created in the lid. This will secure the chain to the lid.
Step 4: Securing the Chain
Slip the small washer onto the legs of the cotter pin. This washer will provide additional support and prevent the cotter pin from slipping back through the hole. Bend the legs of the cotter pin open to secure it in place. This ensures that the chain is firmly attached to the lid, providing a stable hanging point for your planter.
Step 5: Preparing the Air Plant
Using a length of 18-gauge wire, gently wire up the Tillandsia air plant. Be careful not to damage the plant’s delicate leaves during this process. The wire will allow you to suspend the air plant inside the Mason jar.
Step 6: Assembling the Planter
Feed one end of the wire through the top of the Mason jar. Then, carefully screw the jar’s lid onto the jar. The 18-gauge wire is thin enough to allow the band to screw on securely. The wire should now be suspending the air plant inside the jar, creating a visually appealing display.
Step 7: Watering Your Air Plant
When it’s time to water your Tillandsia, simply remove the lid and carefully ease the plant out from the bottom of the jar. Remember to allow the plant to dry thoroughly after its soak before re-inserting it into the jar. This helps prevent rot and ensures the health of your air plant.
Feel free to share this tutorial from MASON JAR NATION on Pinterest!
There you have it! A stunning hanging air plant planter, handcrafted using a Mason jar. This DIY project adds a touch of green elegance to any space and is a testament to the versatility of Mason jars.
If you’re captivated by the world of Mason jars, be sure to explore the other 49 incredible projects featured in MASON JAR NATION. Order your copy today from Amazon or Barnes & Noble. You can also read more about my journey to publication on Curbly.
This project provides a sustainable and creative way to incorporate greenery into your living space. Enjoy the process of creating your own unique hanging air plant planter!