Creative DIY with mason jars

One thing that’s become really popular amongst DIYers in the last couple of years are antique mason jars. These old jars that were used to preserve food back in the days are now being used for all kinds of things – from tableware to decorations. With the jars having such a simple design they are very versatile, and if you fancy doing some mason jar DIY of your own, simply look at the ideas below to get inspired.

Decorative

The most common use for old mason jars is the decorative candle holder. Only your imagination is the limit! If you cover the jar in lace and pretty details, as in the picture, it would be perfect for a wedding reception table decoration, or for a shabby chic room.

         For the home

Mason jars are great for storing things in as well, and not just food – like they were designed for initially. Why not use your jar for a kitchen utensils, pens, makeup brushes, bathroom items such as cotton pads, sewing tools, or other small things that otherwise are easy to misplace.

       Lighting

Since mason jars are made of glass they’re perfect for using as lamps or lanterns, as the material can deal with high temperatures. Hang up a few mason jars with tea lights outside for a cosy source of light at your BBQ or garden party, or stick a light bulb or some fairy lights in one for a hanging window lamp.

     Food & drink

You can obviously use the mason jars as intended to initially as well – for food. But rather than preserving food in them, use them as serving dishes. A well-made dessert will look really pretty and appetising in a mason jar when you see all the layers. Or simply use the jars for yummy cocktails that you decorate with fresh fruit.

Gorgeous winter decorations for your home

 Winter isn't just dull and boring - it can be beautiful too! 

I'm all for decorating according to season, and using as much from nature as possible. You may not think there are a lot to use from nature at this time of year, but look a bit closer, and I'm sure you'll find some lovely things to use for your table decorations, etc. 

Just something simple as pine cones can really spice up your interior. Spray them with white or silver paint to achieve that really wintery look.

Another gift from nature is the birch bark. It looks the same in summer and winter, and can be used for lots of different things. Cut out little figures from the bark, or wrap the bark around a candle - really simple but pretty DIY decorations! 

Look below for other winter decoration inspirations for both inside and outside your home.

English cottage holidays in the north

Living in Yorkshire, I'm quite lucky to be surrounded by old, picturesque buildings - usually made of the traditional Yorkshire stone. Actually, just down the road from where I live is the beautiful country side hotel Oulton Hall. I've never stayed there (that would feel quite unnecessary) but I had dinner in one of their restaurants just a couple of weeks ago, and I was very impressed!

I would love to stay somewhere similar to Oulton Hall but a bit further away from home. Myself and my boyfriend often talk about going for a weekend away in the Lake District. It would be so lovely to stay in a traditional English hotel, or ever better – somewhere more private, like a cottage. Some “cottages” are more like mansions, to be fair. Just check out this mahooossive one!

 

But this lovely little cottage below would be more than enough for me. You could even rent it for your whole family.

I love the whole traditional look - it really reminds me of the Downton Abbey. Especially with the series being filmed here in Yorkshire! If I had lived in another era I would have loved to live around the early 1900's which is the time of Downton Abbey.

 

However, if the old fashioned style is not for you, there are more modern and contemporary cottages available to rent for a weekend away. The wooden one below looks so stylish, and if I could I would have built a whole house in this style! It kind of reminds me of a Swedish house. I know you read my rants about Sweden all the time, but their houses are just better! ;) 

The peaks about going for a mini break in England, and especially up in the north in the Lake District or even in the Yorkshire Dales, is that you'll definitely get your peace and quiet, and you get to wake up to amazing views like this!

 You can have dinner in your garden... (unless the furniture aren't occupied by extremely cute animals)

Or simply relax with your loved one by a roaring fire. I would definitely do that this Christmas if I didn't already have plans.

 What I'm trying to say is that you don't have to go far to enjoy the lovely side of England, and to get away from that everyday city life. I've come across a great infographic on the top 5 cottage holidays in England, which you can find at Cumbrian-Cottages.co.uk. Although, if you're all for bigger hotel stays that still have that country side feeling, I would definitely recommend my local hotel Oulton Hall. And their fillet steak is just out of this world!