DIY Watermelon Mason Jars

DIY dollarstore crafts

The Spruce / Caylin Harris

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 12 hrs, 30 mins
  • Yield: 1 watermelon glass
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5

We all know that some of the best parts about warmer weather are hanging outside with friends and family. Make an impromptu BBQ or picnic even more fun with easy-to-serve summer cocktails with these playful watermelon themed mason jars. Endlessly useful, these jars can be used to hold party favors, corral silverware, or for pre-mixed cocktails or mocktails. After all, watermelon is the unofficial fruit of summer, so why not use it as part of a party theme?

While this is not the only way to create these mason jars, this method yields the best results. While you could use craft paint instead of spray paint, it’s hard to paint on without leaving streaks. Spray paint allows for a smoother and more durable overall finish.

Materials for watermelon mason jars
Caylin Harris / The Spruce

The below materials are what we used for this particular look. While spray paint is always pretty durable, we’d recommend using outdoor spray paint for this project for that extra protection. A coat of primer will also help the paint adhere to the glass better and will hold up longer when/if the jars get wet.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Scissors

Materials

  • Glass mason jars
  • Painter’s tape
  • Spray primer (optional)
  • Spray paint
  • Black paint pen

Instructions

  1. Apply Painter's Tape

    There’s more than one way to create the watermelon design on the mason jar. The two most popular methods are: painting the green on the bottom of the jar or painting the lid green.

    But before you even look at your spray cans, you’re going to want to figure out what your plan is. We decided to paint the lid green and do the entire body of the jar pink.

    Warning

    Do not spray paint on the lip of the jar, where someone would potentially be drinking from. Tape off to cover from the spray primer and spray paint because this product is not food safe.

    Taped jar
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris
  2. Apply the Spray Primer If You Choose

    Okay–let’s preface this by saying that many people don’t understand why primer is necessary. And yes, it’s an extra step. But even if your spray paint boasts that it’s a paint and primer in one, it never hurts to have a little extra adhesion. Primer works as a grip-y first layer that will bond to the glass. Making your paint adhere better to the glass too. Depending on how you use your mason jars, if you do end up serving premixed cocktails, you’ll be thankful for the extra protection. Exposure to water or condensation will make these glasses susceptible to chipping or peeling without primer. And even with the primer, we don’t recommend soaking the jars in water or running them through the dishwasher.

    In a well-ventilated area, carefully prime the jar and lid until they’re covered in an even coat of primer and let them dry completely.

    Primed mason jar
    The Spruce / Caylin Harris
  3. Spray Paint Lid and Jar

    Spray the jar a pretty shade of pink—you can even find a watermelon colored spray paint—again in a well-ventilated space using even strokes, holding the spray can far enough from the jar so the paint won’t drip. Follow the instructions on your spray paint for the best results. The lid (painted green) will be a little trickier because of its shape. Work slowly and carefully, and if needed, wait for pieces to dry and then flip and finish painting. If needed, do a second coat on each.

    Spray painted mason jar
    Caylin Harris / The Spruce
  4. Paint on the Seeds and Enjoy!

    To be on the safe side, give the jar at least a half-day to dry. Once the jar is completely dry, using your paint pen, draw on some black watermelon seeds. If you’re worried about messing up at this final stage, you can create a template for yourself using painter’s tape. Stick it on, draw the seed in and move as needed until you’re satisfied with the look of the entire jar. You can also draw them on freehand with your paint pen too. It’s all about your comfort level.

    If you’re making a set, just up the number of jars you’re using. You’ll be surprised how much you can get out of these cans of spray paint. If you’re not into watermelon, you can use this same technique but just switch up the colors you’re using to represent your favorite fruit or veggie.

    Cheers to a fun summer!

    Apply the seeds
    Caylin Harris / The Spruce