Painted Mason Jar Vases

What's up?!  Last week I showed you the fun distressed coral mason jar vases that we used in the centerpieces at a bridal shower, so today I thought I'd share the details on how these beauties came to be.

Not that there are many details to tell, because the beauty of this project is that it could not be more simple.

(In my head, I emphasized that exactly like Chandler Bing.)

I started with a quart-sized mason jar, and brushed paint 3 coats of chalk paint on the outside of the jar, allowing the paint to dry completely between coats.  I used American Paint Company's chalk paint in Coral Reef.  I tried using both a foam brush and a standard paintbrush, and found that both left brush marks on the jar.  In the end, I decided that the brush strokes simply added to the vases' charm and decided to be OK with them.

Once the jars had dried for 24 hours, I took a sanding block and distressed them by rubbing the sandpaper over the raised parts.  This rubbed the paint from the letters, numbers and a few other areas on the jar, leaving them looking worn, distressed and awesome.  

Left unsealed, chalk paint has a tendency to look....well, chalky.  I wasn't sure if that was the look that I was going for, so I decided to try out a few finishes in order to figure out which one looked best.  I sprayed one vase with polycrylic, waxed one with Country Chic Paint's Gold Wax, and left the third natural.  

Ultimately, I decided that I liked the paler color of the natural jar the best.  The downside is that the paint wears a bit when handled, but I didn't find that to be a problem.  

They looked so cute at the shower.....

....and have added fun, fresh touches around our house!  

In fact, I'm feeling a little painted mason jar obsessed!  I have a few more variations in mind, and can't wait to see how they turn out!