How To Make Chalk-Top Mason Jar Glasses

So long as you don’t have a penchant for amputating appendages when you use power tools, these glasses are incredibly easy to make. This can be done with any size mason jar. If you plan to paint a portion of the glass (in addition to the lid) make sure you choose mason jars with a smooth glass side.

Take care when attempting this project as the metal can become very sharp while drilling and filing the straw hole. Be sure to remove all filings or bits of metal that may still be attached to the lid before drinking from the jars.

    Print The Recipe    

Chalkboard Mason Jar Glasses

Yield: 12 Mason Jar Glasses
Project Time: 1 hour
Drying Time: 12-24 hours

Tools:
Power drill
5/16th inch metal drill bit
Needle nose pliers or metal shears
Metal file
X-acto knife
Masking tape

Supplies:
12 Mason Jars, any size
Black chalkboard spray paint
Striped paper straws
Instructions: 
1.  Separate the pieces of each mason jar. Lay the lids on a flat, thick piece of wood (one you don’t mind drilling into). Using care, hold the edges of the lid to keep the lid from spinning around (you may also use a clamp here), and drill into the center of each lid. Drill at a moderate speed as drilling too fast or too slow may cause the edges of the straw hole to be uneven.

2.If there are any pieces of metal hanging on to the lid, use needle nose pliers or metal shears to remove them.

3. Using a thin, small metal file, file the edges of the straw hole from the top to smooth out any rough or sharp edges.

4. If you plan to paint a portion of the jar, tape the entire jar (including the top to keep paint from getting to the inside) and use an x-acto knife to remove tape in the shape of the area to be painted.

5. In a well ventilated area, preferably outside on a dry day, lay all the pieces out on newspaper or a tarp. Spray a thin layer of paint completely covering the tops of both lid pieces, and the expose glass on the jars. If necessary repeat and apply a second coat.*

6. Leave the painted pieces out to dry overnight.*

7. Wash all the pieces by hand with mildly soapy water. Hand dry and assemble.

*Always follow the instructions on the paint can. When using spray paint, it is best to move the can and nozzle from side to side, painting in horizontal stripes. Take care not spray paint in one are too long as it may run.

Russell van Kraayenburg is Editor-in-Chief at The Boys Club and blogger at Chasing Delicious.