It’s that time of year—you know, when Christmas is so close you can almost taste the peppermint bark, but somehow, there’s still a to-do list a mile long. Oy vey! We’ve all been there, which is why we’re sharing this fun tutorial to uplevel mason jars into gilded beauties in just minutes! ✨

Let’s be real—the last thing anyone wants is the added pressure of last-minute shopping. Instead, grab some mason jars (you probably have a few tucked away already), the Tinsel Gilded Transfer with its intricate calligraphy and shimmery details, and make something special in just a few minutes. For real, this one took us 10 minutes tops, and look at how adorable they turned out! Can you picture them filled with beautiful bath salts or ready made baking mixes as gifts? 😍

One final thought, these make lovely jars for a hot cocoa station.☕ If you’re hosting this holiday season, you might just want to keep them for yourself.😉

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• Tinsel Gilded Transfer

Other Supplies: 

• Mason Jars (they need at least one smooth side)
• Gold Leaf Paint

Step-by-Step Guide

STEP ONE: CHOOSE YOUR DESIGN

There are oodles and oodles of beautiful designs in the Tinsel Gilded Transfer so this may be a toughy! The first step is to sift through and decide on a few gold foil details for your mason jars. Cut out the pieces you’ve selected for your design and arrange them on your table (or wherever you're crafting). Maybe take a picture of your design to refer to later! It always helps us out when we have a visual to work from. 

STEP TWO: APPLY YOUR GILDED TRANSFERS

Next, you’ll apply your gold foil designs to the face of the mason jar. If you’re working with a mason jar that isn’t smooth on all sides, then you’ll want to pay close attention to applying your gilded transfer on the smooth surface.

We started with a row of trees along the bottom with snowflakes coming downward. Take your time with the curves of your jar, but don’t let it intimidate you! If you’re patient, you can get a smooth application. Next, we applied a poinsettia sprig and one of the typography labels, with our calligraphy “joy” in the middle. No need to seal when you’re transferring onto glass!

STEP THREE: PAINT YOUR LIDS

Next up, give those mason jar lids a little extra glitz with gold leaf paint. Our lids were solid, but the classic two-piece mason jar lids would work just as well (if not better). Just one coat did the trick, and we let them dry completely before moving on.

And there you have it—your jars are ready! We’re already picturing them filled with those nostalgic hard candies everyone seems to have around the holidays, mini marshmallows for a dreamy hot cocoa bar, or maybe even layered cookie mix for a thoughtful handmade gift.

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!