DIY Mason Jar Baskets

Hi Baycreek readers Mike here.

Today we are going to talk about our DIY Mason/Ball Jar Baskets. This project came about when we posted photos of our painted Mason jars. Jeanette purchased a basket as a prop to display them in and a client wanted to purchase two of them. She loved the mason jars in the vintage basket. The problem was we had bought the basket, so to sell the two sets was not profitable. It was an expensive basket so we DIYed!

Our purchased mason jars basket. Our inspiration

Our DIYed built basket

Here goes….

FYI- You can a acquire your lumber two ways.The thrifty way is to get a old pallet and dismantle it. Or you can go to your big box store and purchase rough sawn lumber. Dog eared privacy fence would be ideal for this application.
Your supply list-

-one- 1inch thick by 6inch wide by 8ft long board. or just a pallet or two.

-one- 3/4 round doll rod.You will only need 12inches but I believe they come in 4ft to 8ft rods.

-one- box of screws or finish nails 1 1/2 inches long. we used a pneumatic nail gun. (air powered)

-one- piece of 200 grit sand paper.

Tools needed-

-Miter box or circular saw

-tape-measure

-pencil

-jig saw or scroll saw

Building Instructions-

Step (1) You will need to figure out your pattern. ours is basically shaped like a bowling pin. but square at the bottom 4inches for mounting the sides to. the height of ours is 14inches, for clearance of the mason jars.

Step (2) cut two pieces of your boards to 14inches with your miter box, then cut the width to 5 1/2 inches with your circular saw. Next draw your chosen pattern these will be your sides. make sure you draw the pattern from top to bottom of the 14inches.

Step (3) cut your pattern out with the jig saw. try to stay on your line the best you can. for a quick sanding job later.

Step (4) Using your 1inch by 6inch piece cut two pieces at 12inches with your miter box.

Step (5) Now you need to make your two 12inch by 6inch pieces you just cut, into 12inch by 4 1/2 inch pieces you can use a jig saw or circular saw for this. either way be carful. the reason for this is to show off the label of the jars.

Step (6) sand all the rough edges of your wood pieces to remove splinters.

Step (7) start attaching your sides to the basket ends.You will be nailing through the pattern pieces into the 12inch by 4 1/2inch piece. making sure the bottoms and sides are flush with one and other. if screwing pre drill so the wood does not split. if nailing by hand start at the ends to manipulate the piece as you go.

Step (8) adding the bottom you should have a space that is 12inches by 4 1/4. double check and then cut that piece with your miter box and circular saw. the piece should fit right in the space nail or screw through all four sides 3nails per side would hold good. use your judgement.

Step (9) Cut your doll rod down to 12inches and nail through the sides of your patterns use at least to nails so the handle will not roll when you grab it. one screw per side would be fine.

Step (10) Paint your basket and add mason jars!

finished building

first coat of paint is white

second coat of paint is a grey wash (a wash is made by mixing half paint and half water. A 50-50 ratio) this is painted on and wiped off

third coat of paint is the grey wash left on to dry

last step in the finish is to sand to make the basket look vintage. let the 3 colors show on the wood

Please be safe as you build and always feel free to comment or ask questions.

Tell your friends to check us out over here at Baycreek

We are Linked up! Check it out below

http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/07/11/link-party-diy-inspired.html

Thanks for reading.
Mike and Jeanette Marie.