Summer is more than just sun and fun and shorts and bathing suits and getting the perfect tan. Summer is also about the red, the white, and the blue. I mean, just think about it …

We unofficially officially kick-off Summer on Memorial Day Weekend. A weekend we hang out our American flags. And dress our backyard barbecue get-togethers in …. you guessed it …. red, white, and blue!

Then there’s the 4th of July. Again, flags are hung. And, again, red, white, and blue is worn and celebrated and used to dress up our tables …

Finally (and sadly) we close out the Summer season on Labor Day. Another celebration punctuated by flags and patriotic colors …

So in honor of Summer’s reds and whites and blues, I’ve created a set of stars and stripes mason jars. A set, when put together, creates an American flag …

stars & stripes mason jars HOW TO

1. Getting Started.

I started by painting two jars white and one blue using craft store acrylic paint (Americana Snow White, Primary Blue, and True Red) …

2. The Stripes.

I used Washi tape to tape off the stripes because painter’s tape was too sticky and took off the paint. I removed the tape immediately after painting and touched it up with a paintbrush.

3. The Stars.

I made my own star stamp using rubber stars I found in the kid’s craft section of JoAnn’s. I just glued a few on top of an old wine cork and stamped away …

… and went back afterwards with a small brush and white paint for a little touch up …

4. Distressing & Sealing.

Then I distressed them using sand paper. I also used an emery board on the smaller spaces around the raised lettering …

To finish them off, I gave them a coat of clear enamel spray paint …

And now they’re ready to add patriotic spirit to all your summer gatherings …

P.S. If you’re not up for this DIY, I can always make a set for you! I sell them in the Shop …

P.P.S. For even more red, white, and blue mason jar ideas, click here and here … * * *