Using Mason Jar Lids as Gift Tags

Those mason jar lids piling up in your kitchen drawer deserve a second life. They’re sturdy, perfectly sized, and surprisingly versatile. With minimal effort, they can easily become charming gift tags that stand out from paper alternatives.

This project works for any skill level and any occasion. Rustic weddings, holiday gifts, birthday presents, or simple hostess favors all benefit from this handmade touch. The tags double as keepsakes, which means your gift keeps giving long after it’s opened. Ready to raid your canning supplies? Let’s get started.

Step 1: Collect Your Supplies

You’ll need mason jar lids in whatever size suits your project. Standard mouth lids work well for most gifts. Wide-mouth versions offer more decorating space for detailed designs. Don’t worry if your lids have rust spots or water stains. We’ll address that shortly.

For decorating, gather acrylic paint, cardstock or scrapbook paper, and a fine-tip marker or paint pen. You’ll also need a hole punch, scissors, and ribbon or twine for hanging. A hot glue gun makes assembly faster, though craft glue works too.

Optional supplies may include stamps, stencils, letter stickers, pressed flowers, or small photos. Mod Podge seals and protects your finished design.

Step 2: Prepare the Lids Properly

Clean lids create better results. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water to remove any food residue. For stubborn stains or light rust, scrub with baking soda paste. Rinse well and dry thoroughly before decorating.

Separate the two-piece lids into their flat disc and ring components. You’ll primarily work with the flat disc portion. The outer ring can frame your finished tag or be set aside for other projects.

If your lids have significant rust, embrace it as character, or lightly sand them with fine-grit sandpaper. Sometimes imperfections add to the rustic appeal. At other times, a fresh coat of spray primer completely covers them.

Step 3: Create Your Base Layer

The flat disc needs a foundation for your design. You have several approaches depending on your desired look.

Paint offers the most flexibility. Apply two thin coats of acrylic paint, allowing each coat to dry completely. White creates a clean canvas. Metallics such as gold and copper feel festive. Chalkboard paint lets recipients personalize or reuse the tag later.

Paper circles provide pattern and texture without painting. Trace the lid onto cardstock or scrapbook paper. Cut just inside your traced line so the circle fits neatly within the rim. Adhere with glue, smoothing out any bubbles.

Fabric works beautifully for a soft, textured look. Cut your fabric slightly larger than the lid. Wrap it around the disc and secure it on the back with hot glue. This technique pairs perfectly with farmhouse or cottage-style gifts.

Step 4: Design Your Tag Message

Now add the details that make it personal. The recipient’s name is essential. You might also include a short message, the occasion, or a meaningful date.

Hand lettering creates an intimate, personal feel. Practice your message on scrap paper first. Use a fine-tip paint pen for crisp lines on painted surfaces. Brush pens work well on paper bases.

Stamps provide consistency when making multiple tags. Alphabet stamps let you customize each name while maintaining a cohesive look. Rubber stamps with phrases such as “For You” or “Happy Holidays” expedite the process.

Letter stickers provide a foolproof option for neat text. Arrange them before committing to placement. Peel and apply one at a time, pressing firmly to prevent lifting. 

It can also be a good idea to leave some white space in your design. Overcrowded tags feel cluttered rather than charming!

Step 5: Attach a Hanging Mechanism

Your tag needs a way to connect to the gift. Punch a hole near the edge of the lid using a standard hole punch. Position it at the top of your design so the tag hangs correctly.

Thread ribbon or twine through the hole. Cut at least twelve inches so you have room to tie a bow or wrap around a package. Jute twine suits rustic themes. Satin ribbon elevates elegant gifts. Baker’s twine adds a playful, casual vibe.

For an alternative approach, skip the hole entirely. Use a short loop of ribbon hot-glued to the back instead. This works well when your design extends to the edges, and you don’t want a punch mark interrupting it.

Some crafters attach a small magnet to the back. The recipient can display the tag on their refrigerator afterward.

Step 6: Add Final Embellishments

Small details create memorable tags. A tiny dried flower tucked under the ribbon adds natural beauty. A miniature charm dangling beside the tag reflects the gift theme.

Washi tape borders frame the design without overwhelming it. A dab of glitter glue catches light and draws the eye. Rhinestones or tiny pearls work for wedding or anniversary gifts.

Seal your finished tag with Mod Podge or clear acrylic spray. This protects the surface from fingerprints, moisture, and general handling. It also gives paper elements a more durable, finished quality.

Let everything dry and cure completely before attaching to gifts. Rushing this step risks smudges and sticky disasters.

Tips for the Best Results

For the best outcome, make sure to read through these tips first:

• Batch your work by step rather than completing one tag at a time. Paint all lids, then cut all paper circles, then letter all names. This assembly-line approach saves time and creates consistency.

• Test paint pens and markers on a practice lid first. Some don’t adhere well to certain surfaces. You'll avoid frustration by discovering this before you finalize your piece.

• Store finished tags flat in a single layer. Stacking can smudge designs or crush delicate embellishments. A shallow box with tissue paper between layers works well.

• Consider making extras. Once you’ve set up your supplies, producing a few additional tags takes minimal extra effort. Keep them on hand for last-minute gifts throughout the year.

• Match your tag style to your wrapping. A rustic burlap-wrapped package pairs beautifully with a simple kraft paper lid tag. Elegant white boxes deserve metallic painted lids with satin ribbon.

Elevate Your Presentation

Mason jar lid tags bring handmade charm to any gift. They’re sustainable, creative, and genuinely memorable. 

When time is short, or the occasion demands something more refined, beautiful packaging does the heavy lifting. Hammont’s gift boxes pair perfectly with handmade touches or stand elegantly on their own. Either way, your gift is bound to make an impression!