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You are here: Home / Maps / Make A Unique Map Mason Jar Bank For A Wonderful Gift

Make A Unique Map Mason Jar Bank For A Wonderful Gift

21st March 2018 by Claire Armstrong 68 Comments

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Upcycled Map Mason Jar Banks

With this craft, I have combined maps and with Mason jars to make a travel-themed Mason jar bank.

I’ve been wanting to do a Mason jar craft for ages. It totally amazes me all the different ways you can upcycle a Mason jar, Angie of Country Chic Cottage must be the queen of Mason jar hacks and crafts.

By the way, we call Mason jars, Kilner jars in the UK. As the jars here are made by the Kilner family and have Kilner embossed on the side but otherwise, they are exactly the same.

As usual, I couldn’t decide on just one map so I made two map mason jar banks.

One for my son who is saving up to go backpacking around South America. The other is for me and my husband to try and save for our next weekend city break.

When my friend returned from New York with a pack of city map paper napkins (Mapkins). I knew that I would eventually find something to make with them!

This is a very affordable craft that would make a fantastic gift for anyone with wanderlust. The Mason jar bank is also very simple and excluding drying time takes about an hour to make.

Saving money for your travels can be fun with a map Mason jar bank.  These gorgeous upcycled mason jars decoupaged with paper napkins would make a lovely gift for anyone with wanderlust.  #maps #masonjar #decoupage #modpodge #masonjarbank

This post contains Amazon affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to see my disclosure policy.

What You Need To Make a Map Mason Jar Bank

  • Empty Mason/Kilner jars – I just happened to have 2 very old ones at the back of my cupboard. You could just use some normal old food jars but you will need a Mason jar style lid (the ones with the removable silicone seals).
Mason Jar and map paper napkins
  • One map paper napkin per Mason jar bank – I used a world map paper napkin for one jar. For the other, I used some New York map napkins (Mapkins) (other cities are available).
  • Mod Podge Matte
  • Foam brush
  • Small piece of cardboard
  • Travel tag
  • Rotary cutter and mat
  • White spray paint

How To Make The Map Banks

1.The first thing is to spray paint the outside of the mason jar either white or cream.

This is because the paper napkins are very thin and the cream background will make them less transparent.

Spray painted mason jar

2. Next, whilst waiting for the paint to dry, using a rotary cutter and mat, cut paper napkins into strips about 1″ wide.

World map paper napkin cut

3. Then, separate the top printed ply from the other 2 plys of the paper napkin strips. You will only need the top printed ply.

Separating top ply from a napkins

4. Next, dilute the mod podge to a half and half water to glue mixture.

Then, cover the painted jar with the glue mixture and then carefully lay the paper napkins in strips onto the jar.

The jar is covered with the glue rather than the paper napkins because the paper napkins are so thin they would tear if it was done the other way around.

Decoupaging a mason jar with paper napkins

5. Then, use a dry clean foam brush to carefully press the paper napkin strip onto the jar.

By using a foam brush you will reduce the risk of the delicate napkin tearing.

Mason Jar Decoupage

6. Carry on adding the strips of paper napkin until the whole jar is covered. Take care to line up each strip in the right place.

Decoupage mason jar

7. Finally, once the whole jar has been decoupaged, cover the jar with two layers of Mod Podge. Make sure the first coat is dry before adding the second.

These layers of Mod Podge act as a protective varnish.

Making The Mason Jar Bank Lid

8. Remove the silicone insert from the Mason jar lid. Draw around it onto a piece of cardboard and cut out the circle.

Next, cut a coin slot into the cardboard piece and then decoupage it with a bit of the map napkin.

Drawing round mason jar lid
Mason jar map money box lid

9. To finish off make a luggage tag to add that personal touch.

You can get City Mapkins for lots of different cities so you might be able to find one for a particular city you’d love to visit.

What city would you choose?

New York Map Mason Jar Bank
Map mason jar bank 2 ways
Saving money for your travels can be fun with a map Mason jar bank.  These gorgeous upcycled mason jars decoupaged with paper napkins would make a lovely gift for anyone with wanderlust.  #maps #masonjar #decoupage #modpodge #masonjarbank

Don’t forget to check out all my other Map crafts and DIYs. Such as these stylish map covered repurposed empty cookie tins.

Repurposed map cookie tins

I have a few other mason jar crafts on Pillar Box Blue. These jars were featured in the A to Z of upcycling resources.

  • Pinecone Fall Mason Jar
  • Denim Hanging Mason Jar Vase


Filed Under: Crafts, Maps Tagged With: bank, decoupage, map, maps, mason jar, money box, new york, paper napkins, world map

Previous Post: « How To Make A Stylish DIY Floor Pouf
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria

    23rd January 2020 at 1:45 pm

    This is fabulous! You got me inspired!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd January 2020 at 4:36 pm

      Thank you, that is lovely to hear.

      Reply
  2. Linda at Mixed Kreations

    22nd January 2020 at 1:48 pm

    I love Mason jars and maps! This would be a fun project and super cute! I bet my grandson would love a bank like this.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      22nd January 2020 at 7:58 pm

      Thank you, it does look good in my son’s room and he does actually use it.

      Reply
  3. Skaie

    12th January 2019 at 3:03 pm

    What a darling, meaningful idea! I love how clever and sweet this idea is and kids and adults can both do and use this cute craft project! I’d find a map of New Zeland and add a tag that reads, “Dream Trip: Coins for traveling!” Bravo!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      12th January 2019 at 3:25 pm

      Thank you! New Zealand would also be a dream trip for me too, it’s somewhere I’ve never been but would love to go.

      Reply
  4. Shibhion Simone

    4th June 2018 at 7:48 pm

    What a great idea. I have a case of Mason jars that I picked up to do some canning one summer. Who was I kidding , right? Any who, still have the jars ans lots of really nice napkins. I have a pack of lovely peacock napkins that I plan to use for this project.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      5th June 2018 at 9:38 am

      Thank you. I’m sure the Peacock napkins will look lovely on a mason jar.

      Reply
  5. Rosie (@greenrosielife)

    6th May 2018 at 4:24 pm

    I use mason jars for all sorts of food storage and a few other items too but never thought to take them to a new money saving level like this. I might see if the boys would like to create something similar so they can save up for future trips. #GoingGreen

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      7th May 2018 at 5:35 am

      Thank you, my son loves his saving jar.

      Reply
  6. Scarlet

    8th April 2018 at 5:43 pm

    What a super fun idea. I love how well they came out and doing the lid to match was just a great touch too. Such a great gift for map lovers.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      8th April 2018 at 8:19 pm

      Thank you. I just love maps.

      Reply
  7. Kids of the Wild

    6th April 2018 at 8:13 pm

    Love these, what a great idea for holiday savings, kids leaving home etc. Great post #GoingGreen

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      6th April 2018 at 9:05 pm

      Thank you so much.

      Reply
  8. Name*

    4th April 2018 at 4:01 pm

    These are just brilliant, such a clever idea and they look really good. Might have to give these a try.
    Thank you for sharing.

    #goinggreen

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      4th April 2018 at 6:29 pm

      Thank you so much, good like with it.

      Reply
  9. Gina Caro @ Gypsy Soul

    4th April 2018 at 3:18 pm

    These are really lovely. What a great way to reuse an old jar. They’d fit in nicely in our ‘travel’ themed downstairs toilet. #GoingGreenLinky

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      4th April 2018 at 6:28 pm

      Thank you, a travel themed toiletsounds interesting!

      Reply
  10. chickenruby

    3rd April 2018 at 12:29 pm

    fab idea, i guess i could use christmas, birthday wrap etc jars to save for different occasions, i’ve got quite a few jars without the glass lids i could epicycle #goinggreen

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      3rd April 2018 at 6:26 pm

      Thank you, Christmas and Birthday wrap would work well too. You can buy replacement lids.

      Reply
  11. Nanci Ring

    2nd April 2018 at 2:40 pm

    What a great technique! I didn’t have any napkins, so I tried it with gift wrap and it worked perfectly! Thank you!❤️

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      2nd April 2018 at 2:46 pm

      Thank you, glad to hear it worked well with gift wrap too.

      Reply
  12. Susa

    1st April 2018 at 2:09 am

    I adore these map jars. These would make great party favors. I can’t wait to start making a bunch of my own.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      1st April 2018 at 7:17 am

      Thank you so much. Happy Easter.

      Reply
  13. Sharon@bluewillowhouse

    31st March 2018 at 5:13 pm

    You combined two of my favorite things maps and mason jars. Thank you for sharing at Snickerdoodle and I am featuring your map banks at the party today.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      31st March 2018 at 9:06 pm

      Thank you so much for the feature.

      Reply
  14. Natasha

    30th March 2018 at 7:25 pm

    What lovely old jars! It’s neat that you didn’t have to age the lids yourself to match the maps’ vintage feel.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      30th March 2018 at 7:54 pm

      Thank you, Natasha. The lids had just rusted all by themselves naturally.

      Reply
  15. Donna of Funky Junk Interiors

    30th March 2018 at 6:31 pm

    These ‘travel jars’ are so gorgeous! Love how you’ve joined the map together, so clever!

    I’m featuring this project this weekend on DIY Salvaged Junk Projects. Thanks for linking up! 🙂

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      30th March 2018 at 7:14 pm

      That’s awesome, thank you so much Donna!

      Reply
  16. Maria

    28th March 2018 at 4:14 pm

    I love anything with maps and this is a delight!
    Maria

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      28th March 2018 at 5:02 pm

      Thank you Maria. There is something about maps that just makes them so appealing.

      Reply
  17. Julie

    27th March 2018 at 10:44 pm

    Someone bought you map napkins??? How brilliant, I guess all your friends know how brilliant you are with maps! These are perfect, love them.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      28th March 2018 at 6:18 am

      Thank you. All my friends and family know about my map,obsession, it’s pretty obvious when you walk in my house.

      Reply
  18. Caro | The Twinkle Diaries

    27th March 2018 at 5:10 pm

    Oh I LOVE these! And — I know that you said you found the jars at the back of the cupboard but I LOVE the rusted lids!! They wouldn’t look half as effective if they’d got shiny lids. Aaah they really look fab Claire — thanks so much for sharing!! Cxx #HomeEtc — PS is Modge Podge the same as PVA?

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      27th March 2018 at 5:16 pm

      Thank you, Caro. In most cases you can use PVA instead of Mod Podge and I often do but it’s slightly different. Mod Podge is especially designed for decoupage crafts. In this case you will probably be ok with PVA or a decoupage glue.

      Reply
  19. Cecilia

    26th March 2018 at 2:42 am

    These are so fun, Claire! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm–pinned!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      26th March 2018 at 6:17 am

      Thank you, and thanks for the share.

      Reply
  20. Audra @ Renewed Projects

    25th March 2018 at 11:11 pm

    These are amazing!!! The rusted rings add a charming element to the jars. Thank you for suggesting Mapkins, heading there now.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      26th March 2018 at 6:16 am

      Thank you, I hope you find some Mapkins for the city you want.

      Reply
  21. Chas

    25th March 2018 at 12:41 am

    I really love these. They turned out so beautifully! Great job and thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      25th March 2018 at 7:08 am

      Thank you so much, I’m also really pleased how they turned out. I think the trick was doing the napkins in strips.

      Reply
  22. Michelle Leslie

    24th March 2018 at 4:56 am

    Those turned out so amazing Claire. Cutting the Mapkins into strips like that finishes it off beautifully. I never realized you could actually get something like that either. I’ll have to go see if they’ll ship to South Africa. I don’t recall seeing them in any of the crafts stores here

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      24th March 2018 at 6:16 am

      Thank you, Michelle. You’re more likely to find the napkins in tourist souvenir gift shops than craft stores, so check there first.

      Reply
  23. Condo Blues

    23rd March 2018 at 1:40 pm

    What a fantastic idea! Thank you so much for sharing it at the Friday Favorites Linky Party. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      23rd March 2018 at 2:28 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  24. Julia - Vintage with Laces

    22nd March 2018 at 5:05 am

    I’ve never seen map napkins before. They’re awesome and I love your jar banks, Claire.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      22nd March 2018 at 7:29 am

      Thank you, Julia. I’m on the look out for some Hong Kong city Mapkins

      Reply
  25. Jane Taylor

    21st March 2018 at 6:00 pm

    They look so effective! Great idea for a money box. Thanks for sharing. #HOMEETC

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      21st March 2018 at 10:40 pm

      Thank you Jane,

      Reply
  26. Barbara

    21st March 2018 at 1:26 pm

    I had no idea that one can purchase map napkins. What a great idea. Your project instructions are very easy.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      21st March 2018 at 2:08 pm

      Thank you. You can get them for quite a few different cities.

      Reply
  27. Victoria @DazzleWhileFrazzled

    21st March 2018 at 12:35 pm

    Great idea, especially to teach kids how to save $ for something they want. Love how rusted the caps of the jars are.

    Reply
    • Claire Armstrong

      21st March 2018 at 2:09 pm

      Thank you, Victoria. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to raid, just take the lid off.

      Reply

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