Turn an old glass jar into a charming patriotic vase with Dollar Tree window clings, paint, and Mod Podge. This easy upcycled craft is perfect for Fourth of July decorating!
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How to upcycle a glass jar into a patriotic 4th of July vase
Looking for an easy patriotic craft that won’t break the bank? This adorable DIY vase transforms an ordinary glass jar into a festive red, white, and blue decoration using Dollar Tree window clings, paint, and Mod Podge.
I love projects like this because they give new life to something that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin. Whether you’re decorating for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or simply love Americana decor, this simple vase is a fun afternoon project that looks great on a tiered tray, dining table, mantel, or entryway table.
Video Tutorial: Patriotic Window Cling Jar Vase
Watch this quick video to see how this craft came together:
Patriotic Window Cling Jar Vase
Create a budget-friendly patriotic centerpiece with an upcycled glass jar, window clings, and twine. This easy DIY vase is perfect for summer and Fourth of July decor.
Materials
- Empty glass jar (spaghetti sauce jar, salsa jar, mason jar, etc.)
- White spray paint
- Light blue acrylic craft paint
- Dollar Tree patriotic window clings
- Matte Mod Podge
- Twine
- Silk flowers or fresh flowers
Tools
- Paintbrush
- Smoothing tool, Cricut scraper, gift card, or old credit card
- Scissors
Instructions
- Watch the video. Follow along with the video tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough of how to make your own 4th of July upcycled jar vase.
- Prepare the Glass Jar. Start with a clean, empty glass jar. Remove any labels and wash away any sticky residue. Apply a light coat of white spray paint to the outside of the jar. This doesn't need to be perfect coverage. It's simply acting as a primer to help the acrylic paint adhere better. Allow the spray paint to dry completely.
- Paint the Jar. Paint the entire jar with your chosen base color. I used a light blue craft paint because it coordinated nicely with the patriotic window clings I selected, but you can choose any color that complements your design. Apply additional coats as needed until the jar is fully covered and allow it to dry completely.
- Apply the Window Clings. Choose the largest window cling first and decide where you want it positioned on the jar. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the painted surface where the cling will be placed. Carefully press the window cling onto the wet Mod Podge.
- Smooth Out Any Bubbles. Use your fingertips or a smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles trapped beneath the cling.
- Seal with Mod Podge. Once the window cling is in place, brush a coat of Mod Podge over the top. Continue adding additional window clings to fill empty areas around the jar. When you're happy with the placement, cover the entire outside of the jar with a coat of Mod Podge. This creates a consistent finish across both the painted areas and the window clings. Allow everything to dry thoroughly.
- Add a Twine Bow. Wrap twine around the neck of the jar several times. Tie the twine into a simple bow and trim the ends to your desired length.
- Add Flowers. Fill your finished vase with fresh flowers, faux florals, greenery, or even small American flags.
Tips for Success
- Matte Mod Podge photographs beautifully and helps reduce glare.
- If you plan to use fresh flowers frequently, consider using a water-resistant Mod Podge formula.
- Window clings are thicker than napkins, making them very beginner-friendly for decoupage projects.
- Save jars from pasta sauce, salsa, pickles, and other pantry items to keep this project nearly free.
The Finished Vase
This easy patriotic vase proves you don’t need expensive supplies to create beautiful seasonal decor. With an upcycled glass jar, a few Dollar Tree window clings, and some Mod Podge, you can create a festive decoration that’s perfect for Memorial Day, Independence Day, or all summer long.
If you love quick and budget-friendly Dollar Tree crafts, this is definitely one to add to your crafting list!
PIN this 4th of July craft for later:
More Patriotic Craft Ideas You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this patriotic upcycled jar vase, check out these other red, white, and blue craft projects: