When you see a blue glass Ball jar, you may just think that it’s only use is for canning, but lo and behold let me show you that these beautiful glass jars can be so much more! Birthday parties, fresh flowers, mementos, Fourth of July – all play host for the perfect use of the blue Ball glass jar.
History
The Ball brand of jars were made in several different colors, but one of the most beautiful is the characteristic “Ball blue” or aqua color. These jars were produced from about 1910 to 1930. Dating these jars can be quite difficult, as the logos changed several times. This chart below is a handy resource from this very helpful article.
Where to find:
Blue glass Ball jars can be found anywhere. I have seen them at antique stores, thrift stores, garages sales, and auctions. Prices can range depending on the age of the jar. I have seen some as low as .50 cents and upwards of $30. I always love when I can pick up a jar that has the blue glass lid as well. WINNING!
How to use for decor:
The possibilities are endless here. My absolute favorite way to use these jars is for patriotic decor. The blue color is so great with any red, white, and blue decor piece. Grouping a large assortment of jars together has a profound impact. It’s so easy to pop a little flag in each one or a few hydrangeas and call it a day. God Bless the USA!
Another use for these jars is to display for use as a shadow jar. I absolutely love using these jars to store mementos from all of our ocean visits; sand, shells, rocks, and a little ocean air. Just kidding….that has to stay at the beach. The blue hue lends the perfect ocean vibe for these shadow jars.
This year for St. Patrick’s Day, I made a small mason jar diorama. It was the Irish countryside scene in a blue Ball jar and it was the perfect spot for the stunning scene. Almost like a snow globe, but a little more Irish! I have seen really cute ideas for these for the holidays too! Think glittery snow inside a blue jar with maybe a few vintage Christmas trinkets, PERFECTION. I need to put that on my list for the holidays!
And I forgot, I did do this last year, but I used my vintage Atlas jars (they are slightly larger). Nonetheless, same concept, stellar effect for a winter scene.
Last but not least, throw a few fresh flowers in any blue Ball jar and you have instant beauty. The contrast of lilacs and aqua is my favorite combination. I used baby’s breath in these “NEW” aqua ball glass jars. So if you can’t find any vintage ones, you can still have the same effect with these beauties, that you can find by clicking here!
So the next time you see that shimmer of blue in a box at a rummage sale, RUN, don’t walk because these vintage jars are definitely fun to decorate with for any season or occasion!
“Tangled up in Blue” ~ Bob Dylan
