At a Glance: Painted Mason Jar Pen Holder
- Kids will enjoy painting mason jars in bright rainbow colors and adding kawaii faces.
- Children ages 6 and up can complete most of the steps themselves with minimal supervision.
- Total cost can be under $10 if you’re reusing mason jars you already have at home.
Is your child’s desk a jumble of loose pens, uncapped markers, and buried colored pencils? A painted mason jar pen holder is an easy, low-cost solution—and a fun project to do together. It keeps supplies organized while letting kids personalize their workspace.
What You’ll Need
- Mason jars (regular mouth pint size works best — one jar per color)
- Acrylic craft paint or chalk paint in rainbow colors: pink, orange, yellow, mint green, teal, lavender
- Black paint marker or fine-tip black Sharpie for drawing faces
- Pink paint marker or small brush with pink paint for cheek dots
- Foam brush or wide flat brush
- Optional: matte sealer spray to protect the finish
Before You Start — Read This
Two common issues to avoid:
Paint peeling off the glass. This usually happens when jars aren’t fully dry or when coats are rushed. Wash jars thoroughly, dry completely, and allow enough drying time between coats so the paint bonds to the glass.
Marker lines that bleed or smear. If you draw on paint that is still slightly tacky, the marker can smear. Wait at least 20 minutes after the final paint coat—longer if humidity is high—before using the marker.
How to Make a Painted Mason Jar Pen Holder
Step 1: Wash and dry the jars. Parents should handle this step. Clean each jar with soap and water, rinse well, and dry thoroughly. Any remaining moisture or grease will interfere with paint adhesion.
Step 2: Paint the first coat. Let your child paint the outside of a jar using one smooth coat. Brush strokes and thin areas are fine for this base layer. Set aside to dry for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Paint the second coat. Apply a second, even coat to make the color pop. Allow another 20 minutes to dry so the paint cures properly.
Step 4: Plan the face together. While paint dries, sketch simple kawaii faces on scrap paper. Curved lines for sleepy eyes, a “>” for a wink, a tiny mustache, or little cat ears are all easy and kid-friendly. Practicing on paper reduces pressure when working on the jar.
Step 5: Draw the face on the jar. Once the paint is fully dry, let your child draw the face with a black marker. Encourage confident, single strokes rather than sketching; slightly uneven lines add to the charm.
Step 6: Add the cheek dots. Add two small pink circles—one on each side of the face. Use a pink marker or a fingertip dabbed in pink paint. This small detail finishes the look and makes the jar extra cute.
Step 7: Seal it up. For best durability, let everything dry for at least 30 minutes, then an adult can spray a light coat of matte sealer. Allow it to cure for an hour. Sealing helps the jar withstand daily handling.
Step 8: Fill it up. Return the finished jar to your child and fill it with pencils, markers, and pens. A set of different colors makes a cheerful, organized desk display.
The Result
Create a set of jars in different colors, each with its own cute face. This project typically takes about an hour of active time, less if you make only one or two jars. Children around age 8 and up can manage steps 2 through 6 almost entirely on their own; younger kids (ages 5–7) can help choose colors, add cheek dots, and fill the jars while an adult handles the painting.
The finished holders are practical and sentimental—kids often keep them on their desks for months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of paint works best on a mason jar pen holder? Both acrylic craft paint and chalk paint work well on glass. Chalk paint offers a smooth, matte finish straight from the jar. Apply two coats and let each dry fully; a matte sealer spray improves longevity.
How do you make a mason jar pen holder step by step? Wash and dry the jar, apply two coats of paint allowing full drying time, draw a face with a black marker, add pink cheek dots, and optionally seal with matte spray. Total active time is under an hour.
Will the paint scratch off with daily use? Paint can wear if the jar is knocked or if it wasn’t fully cured. A light coat of matte sealer after everything is dry greatly improves durability.
Can you put painted mason jars in the dishwasher? No. Dishwasher heat and water pressure will strip paint even if sealed. Wipe clean by hand when needed.
What age is this craft suitable for? Children ages 6 and up can do most steps with light supervision. Drawing the face works best once kids can control intentional lines, typically around ages 7–8. Younger children can still participate in color choices, cheek dots, and filling the jars.