Irish Decor in a Vintage Mason Jar

Irish Decor in a Vintage Mason Jar

Back when I was 25-years-old, I treated myself to a trip to Ireland. I quickly fell in love with the entire country, but specifically a region called The Burren. For a girl from the Chicago suburbs, its pastoral simplicity was almost exotic. I made a mental note to somehow capture it in miniature to use as Irish decor for St. Patrick’s Day.

Irish countryside of The Burren in Ireland

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Fast forward a few years  and here I am, neither 25 nor in Ireland. BUT- I have the pictures cemented in my memory and a desire to capture holidays and seasons in vintage mason jars.

I did it for summer– so why not recreate that look of the Irish countryside inside a vintage mason jar for St. Patrick’s Day? I mean, already I had a green jar that would be perfect!

vintage green mason jar

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

This post contains affiliate links for your crafting convenience. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. All blue, bold, and underlined text is a clickable link, either to a product or to a related post.

Originally published on March 17, 2015, the post was recently updated with new photographs.

Memories of Ireland and Irish Home Decor for St. Patrick’s Day

To create the look the Irish home decor in my green jar, I decided to approach it in layers.

First, I added the “peat layer” that Ireland has with some reindeer moss. Besides, who doesn’t love reindeer moss?

Reindeer moss for St Patricks Day craft in a green jar

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

After selecting the pieces of reindeer moss that I wanted to use, I layered them in the bottom of the vintage mason jar.

Reindeer moss as the Irish countryside in a vintage mason jar

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Next, I needed to replicate the rolling hills of The Burren in Ireland. So, I acquired a few faux moss “stones” which were the right size and shape to fit inside the green jar.

Moss rocks to go in a green mason jar for Irish home decor

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

But then the moment came when I decided I wanted to add a stone wall to my rolling hills.

Maybe overkill, but it’s such an important aspect of The Burren in Ireland! So I needed to come up with something.

I headed to a local mulch/landscaping shop and after explaining my silly need for a wee bit of gravel, they graciously gave me a couple of handfuls! Local shops are slowly learning that I am harmlessly crazy in my crafty endeavors.

Gravel to build a miniature rock wall like The Burren in Ireland

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Then, it was just a matter of hot gluing the gravel pieces on the moss covered stones, to mimic the stone walls.

My idea was working, it was starting to look like the Irish countryside!

Maybe not your typical St. Patrick’s craft project, but I kind of like that about it.

Rock wall in The Burren to look like the Irish countryside

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Finally, it was time to add the Pièces de Résistance…

Needle felted sheep from Little Elf’s Toy Shop!!! Which I attached to the moss rocks with straight pins. Before doing so, I’d painted the tiny flat heads of the pins with cream-colored craft paint. That way, they blended in with the sheep’s’ wool.

Needle felted sheep as Irish home decor in a green jar

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

I carefully layered everything in the vintage mason jar using kitchen tongs and chopsticks. And just like that, the Irish countryside appeared inside the green jar.

Irish decor in a mason jar

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Irish Decor in a Mason Jar for St. Patrick’s Day

No Leprechauns, no gold coins or rainbows…just an ode to beautiful Ireland. Certainly an unusual craft project for St. Patrick’s Day, but this is more my speed anyway.

st. patrick's day decorations in a mason jar

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

I mean, COME ON. How adorable is that? I can’t handle the cuteness…it really does take me back to that wonderful trip to Ireland all over again. I love how it complements my pieces of vintage Belleek china, too!

tiny felted sheep on moss rocks

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Those teeny tiny felted sheep from Little Elf’s Toy Shop really were perfect for this project, eh? I’m so glad I found them; otherwise, this project never would have been so adorable.

miniature version of the irish countryside

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

And if you love all things miniature, perhaps you’d like to upcycle items from your junk drawer for you garden fairies?

Fairy garden furniture from the junk drawer

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…and Craft on!

S

Want to be notified when I publish my next upcycling project tutorial?

Please subscribe here.

Join me on Social Media:

please follow sadie seasongoods on facebookplease follow sadie seasongoods on instagramfollow sadie seasongoods on pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 
PIN ME!

upcycle a vintage mason jar to hold an irish scene

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

 

the essence of ireland in a mason jar

Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.

Website | + posts

Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.

Comments

  1. Love this. I tried to pin but Pinterest says there are no images.

  2. Absolutely adorable! I visited Ireland many years ago, but traveled only in the North. It was truly beautiful, the people were so kind . . . . but while in Belfast I did get myself in a bit of trouble (as an American) when I stepped out into the main street to take a picture of the British soldiers driving by in their tanks. Fortunately for me, they believed me when I told them I was visiting and staying in the home of a local farmer. That is definitely a trip that I will remember for the rest of my life! Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop sponsored by Katherine’s Corner. Nina @ Vintage Mama’s Cottage

  3. Vianne North says

    Cutest thing I’ve ever seen!

  4. What an awesome project to have a reminder of your trip to Ireland. Thank you for sharing with Idea Box link party! Have a great weekend 🙂

  5. this is adorable! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog Hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo

  6. Love this! I think this will be part of my St. Patrick’s Day decor next year.

  7. Oh! How the wee people rejoice at the sight of their homeland in this far away country! What a smart lass ye are to have finagled a bit of the old country into your evr’y day simple life! We be thanking ye for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again next week. 🙂 May the Luck o’ the Irish be with ya Lass!

    ~Lorelai
    Life With Lorelai

  8. My Irish family would looove this! We hope to one day go with our kids to Ireland, and of course the Italian in me says we make a stop over in Italy! 🙂 Love that you shared this on Making Memories Mondays! Yeah!
    Cathy

  9. This is such a cute way to remember a trip. Love how you create a small scene in the jar.

  10. Oh my GOODNESS those sheep. This is amazing. Can’t wait to see what you bring to Idea Box this week!!

  11. That is so cute!! I can’t stand it! Unique, clever, and adorable. Love your style!

  12. Such a cute way to commemorate a valuable experience! Thanks for sharing this post at the #PureblogLove Link party! The party begins againThursday night at 8 p.m. We hope you plan to link up again. We’d love to see more of your fantastic ideas!

  13. What a great way to remember your trip to Ireland! I love those little sheep too! Thanks for sharing this project at The Pin Junkie. It’s one of the features at this week’s party.

  14. Jann Olson says

    Ireland is on my list of ‘must go to’ places. Your little jar is so sweet!! Thanks for sharing it with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  15. How adorable and it instantly conjurs up Ireland…so sweet those tiny sheep and the stone hedge…Num…wish I were on my way THERE! Thanks, Sandi

  16. Cuteness overload! The sheep just make it. I would love for you to share this gem of a post on Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

  17. oh my god..it’s super cute, Sadie..I don’t know whether I have the same patience as yours but you’re doing a great job indeed 🙂

  18. How sweet. I love this idea! Pinning it for later.

  19. Sadie this is really cute! I love that you made a crafty item based on some sweet memories.

    Thanks for joining us at TOHOT. Pinned. 🙂

  20. This is just precious! This would be a fun project to do with the grand sugars!

  21. So clever and the wee sheep–love it!

  22. Hi Sarah! This is one of the sweetest things I have seen in a while 🙂 What a fun idea and one that can be used for any trip. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with Roses of Inspiration….you definitely inspired me 🙂 Hugs!

  23. This is so darn cute. Great project for this week. Thanks for this.

  24. It certainly IS adorable! Thanks so much for sharing with us on Throwback Thursday! Hope to see you next time!

    Mollie

  25. DARLING! I want one!

    I’ve wanted to go to Ireland ever since PS I Love You came out. This post did NOT HELP! hahaha do you crave going back?

  26. Good Morning,
    This is just so pretty, sweet and creative.
    We would love for you to share this precious project with us this coming Thursday, at Thoughts Of Home On Thursday.
    Thank you so much!
    Jemma
    http://www.athomewithjemma.com/

  27. Hi Sarah! I just wanted to let you know that this darling project will be featured at Roses of Inspiration tomorrow. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hugs!

  28. Very creative. It really does look like a miniature Ireland! Visiting from Two Uses Tuesday party.

  29. Prunella Pepperpot says

    I so love your Ireland in a jar, very clever!
    Have a great week 🙂

  30. The first time I saw this, I fell in love. I love the miniature sheep…ADORABLE! I can’t wait to share this. It’s so clever and sweet. I would love to have it in my home around St Patty’s day. Actually I think I would keep it all year round! Thank you for sharing with us on the Celebrate Your Story! Link Party. Wishing you a fabulous week- Jenny @ Paintyourselfasmile

  31. Sadie, I love the Ireland in ajar. It is so creative and original. You are talented. I love all things Irish and Ireland. I enjoy reading books on the subject,too.
    HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY SADIE
    Marilyn

  32. This is darling! And those tiny sheep are too cute! Thanks for linking up with Creative Spark last week; I’m featuring your Ireland in a Jar project at tomorrow’s party. Hope you’ll stop by and link up again 🙂

  33. How fun, and how sweet! Thank you so much for sharing at Celebrate Your Story! I am pinning this adorable project to my St. Patrick’s Day board!

  34. Oh Sarah, this one just stole my heart. Those little sheep are delightful. Ireland is on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm.sb

  35. I love memory jars and this one is so adorable Sarah. Thank you for sharing at Shabbilicious Friday. I’m delighted to be featuring your Ireland Jar at tomorrows party. Happy St Patick’s Day ~ Kerryanne

  36. oh gawd that is the cutest jar ever!!!!! LUV IT

  37. This is beyond ADORABLE, Sadie! You never cease to amaze me with your creative ideas. The best St. Patrick’s Day DIY I’ve seen yet. Pinning to share.

  38. Paige Pearse-Phillips says

    Being more than a little bit Irish, I LOVE your jar with your wee sheep. Makes me long for Ireland, home of my ancestors and family still living there on the Emerald Isle.

  39. So sweet and pretty!

  40. Another fun and simple craft thanks for linking up with us at Celebrate Your Story!

  41. A trip to Ireland is on my bucket list! This is such a creative idea and fun way to capture a memory. Plus those tiny felted sheep are seriously adorable.

    Thanks again for sharing at the Celebrate Your Story Link Up Party!

  42. Love your wee Ireland iconic scene! Thank you very much for sharing your BRILLIANT idea! I now HAVE to make one for myself!

  43. What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!

  44. SO cute!! 🙂

    I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips, and tricks: https://www.facebook.com/groups/pluckyrecipescraftstips/

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

  45. Patty Williford says

    Absolutely adorable!!!!

  46. acraftymix says

    I love this idea Sarah. What a beautiful way to celebrate the gorgeous Irish country side and add a little fairy madness at the same time. Beautiful

  47. I may eventually get to read ALL of your posts; I’m Scotch-Irish Polish and my ex is Irish (O’Malley) so I just loved this project. I can go pick pebbles in the front yard and moss, too….but those sheep are just PRECIOUS!! I would keep it in a place where I could see it all the time; like a shelf of memories!

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      My mom loved this project so much that I gave it to her- and she keeps it out year round!! 🙂

  48. Lorrie Ludwick says

    Would you share more about your weekend in Ireland? I’m planning one too, but would love some tips from you!

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      I actually did a week! Did it more than 15 years ago…but I flew in and out of Dublin…then did a tour straight across to Galway, visited the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, Waterford, and several small towns along the way.

  49. This is just so adorable! The needlefelted sheep are so perfect for this project.

  50. This is so cute, too bad I found it after St. Patrick’s Day. It’s now 2019, but luckily all links to supplies used still exist.

    After seeing all the steps in your project, I was eager to see what you created when you said in your opening paragraphs: “…BUT- I have the pictures cemented in my memory and a desire to capture holidays and seasons in vintage mason jars. I did it for summer” 🙁 Yet there is no link to that project anymore. Maybe this was intentional, but I thought I’d let you know. Keep up the good work!

  51. I went to Ireland in 2017 with a women only tour group. I also fell madly in love with Ireland. Such friendly people and breathtaking scenery. I love your mason jar. I think you captured the essence of Ireland.

  52. Nancy Marino says

    I was there 40 years ago for a birthday! I make sheep and snowmen using the fur from my white persian when I brush her… thank you for this lovely idea.

  53. When my dad passed a few yrs ago, my cousin made similar jars for my mom, brothers & me in memory of Dad. They each have a little lamb by a fence & bottle tree with a wreath & snow. it lives on my bookshelf & makes me smile with memories of Dad.

Trackbacks

  1. […] Ireland in a Jar – This is an adorable twist on a fairy garden! So cute… and you can change it around for every season. […]

Have a question or like what you see? Please let me know!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.