One of my favorite summer accessories is the classic mason jar. They are the single most useful item in my house, serving as vases, baking supply holders, money jars, even Christmas light storage. But my favorite use is the wine glass. It reflects my country sensibility with a twist, fragile ladylike glasses are not for me. I drop things, I trip frequently and I am quite forgetful sometimes. This means that when I forget my glass outside (often), it needs to withstand the elements! Plus, it’s got a screw top lid that keeps fruit flies and bees away.
My sister bought me my first glass as a joke when I bought my first travel trailer. It instantly became a staple; I used it for coffee, iced tea, wine. As exhibited below where I am enjoying wine, quite literally in the middle of the county in Crab Orchard, NE, on a lakeside deck!
I decided when I got back from out West, I’d buy a full set for my friends to use when then visited. Then I calculated the price, and I thought about the simplicity of the design. Surely I could make this, right?
I stumbled a bit when deciding what to use as a base, I knew there would be something perfect but I couldn’t figure out what to use. Then literally, it came to me in my sleep, and I woke up with a cheap answer: dollar store candlesticks.
This is what you need:
Mason jars of your choice (I’ve seen smaller ones used as margarita or martini glasses)
Dollar store candlesticks
Silicone (clear)
Wet cloth
Something to weigh it down
Plastic gloves if you prefer
Clean the jars and candlesticks with the wet cloth, and keep it close at hand, you’ll need it later. Trust me on this! Line the top rim of the candlestick with the silicone, careful not to leave any gaps where water can get in.
Turn the mason jar upside down (bottoms up) and carefully align the stick with the center of the jar, pressing into place once it’s centered. Place something heavy on top to weigh it down, and wipe off any excess silicone that exists. Leave it to dry overnight.
And that, my friends, is it. I don’t have a dishwasher, so mine have always been hand washed. I have no idea how they would handle a steamy dishwasher, so proceed with caution.
This may be the most simple DIY you’ve ever done, and well worth it. The cost per glass lands around $3, versus the $15-20 they charge in stores. They make an excellent Redneck wedding shower favor as well, or as a take home gift after a garden party.
Enjoy!
