How To: 13 Unexpected to Downright Crazy Uses for Mason Jars

Invented by Philadelphia tinsmith John L. Manson in 1858 for canning and preserving perishables, mason jars are experiencing a major resurgence in the DIY community. In addition to being a handy storage device for both food and non-food items, its old-timey, quaintly antiquated look also makes for good drinking glasses, candle holders, flower vases and eye-pleasing decorations.

Want to get more crafty with mason jars? You can make a snow globe or submerge a photograph in a mason jar full of olive oil for a truly unique photo display. You can even make battery-powered speakers with mason jars using electronics from RadioShack. For survival purposes, you can use a little bit of water in a jar and direct sunlight to start a fire, or construct a DIY emergency oil lamp in case of a power outage or natural disaster.

If you aren't intimidated by the prospect of donning safety goggles and using methanol and long matches for a crazy science experiment, check out this science experiment by Justin Meyers on his many attempts and ultimate success in creating a pulsing jet engine in a jar (complete with captured video footage!). For a more kid-friendly science project that demonstrates how clouds are formed, try making a cloud in a jar.

Other useful links found in past Secret Tips From The Yumiverse posts:

• How to Hack a Blender with a Mason Jar
• How to Build Your Own Terrarium
• 4 Crafty Ways to DIY Emergency Oil Lamps

Got your own favorite uses for mason jars? Share with us by commenting below!

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