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A tutorial for creating your own Mason jar pleated collars from book pages. 

I confess to having fun dreaming up this one.  You can click to see how I used these sweet pleated collars for a simple snowball viburnum table vignette and for my book page party tablescape.  It all came about as I was creating the book page tablescape and though I wanted the Mason jars to hold flowers…they just looked ‘naked.’  The book page collars dressed them up in high fashion.  And besides….I love pleats.   Do you, too?

 

Mason Jars :: Book Page Pleated Collar Tutorial :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

Are you ready to create your own Mason Jar Pleated Collars?

Let’s start!

Depending on the size of your book and your jar, these details may vary a bit.  However, I used a vintage quart jar, so you will have more than enough for a pint-sized jar.

 

Book Page Collars :: Supplies :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

1. Assemble supplies:

paper trimmer, pages from a cast off book (mine was 8.5 x 5.5), tape, scissors, ruler, jute, glue gun, most important a Mason jar…vintage blue is best.  (Note: I am an Amazon affiliate.  The links here are provided for your convenience.  But, if you make a purchase from one of the links here, I will be blessed with a small commission. ~ Thank you!)

 

Mason Jar Collars :: Paper Book Pages :: Tutorial :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

2. Trim off the white space on one edge of your book page.  (Go ahead and do that for all the pages.)

3. Line up your newly cut edge at the 2 inch mark on your cutter/trimmer and trim a 2″ strip. (Note: if you are making a collar for a pint jar, you may wish to make 1.5 inch strips.)  You may choose to make the strips as wide or narrow as you like. Repeat for the second two-inch strip.  You should be able to get two strips from every page.  I used a total of 3 pages giving me 6 strips.

4. Trim the white headers off the strips.  This is optional but gives a more uniform look.

 

Mason Jar Book Page Collar Tutorial :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

5. When you initially trimmed the white edge off each page you were left with a narrow strip.  Gather two of those and tape them together, end to end.

6. Wrap this long strip around the jar.  Allow for a 1/2 inch overlap and trip the extra with your scissors.  This will serve two purposes: one to give you a guide for how much pleating you need to create and two this will be used in the collar’s final assembly as a backing strip.

 

Pleated Collar Tutorial for Mason Jars :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

7. Let’s pleat our strips…. Make the first fold about 1/2″  and continue to fold in an accordion fashion, except it’s more like a running accordion as the pleats are side-by-side rather on top of each other.  My pleats were about 1/2″ deep here…but you can choose to make them narrower as I did for several other jars.  Eyeball the pleats.  Do not worry about measurements.  These measurements are just to get you started.

8. When you have pleated your entire book page, attach another book page discreetly to the first page with tape.  It all depends on how the fold ends.  You might bury it in the fold or you might attach another piece with tape, end-to-end, or you might create a little 1/4″ fold to tuck and tape.   This is the most difficult part of the whole project…just work with it.  What ever you do…it will be fine.

 

Pleating Book Paper Pages for Mason Jar Collar ::Tutorial :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

9. Once you have pleated enough paper and have a strip of pleats that is the length or longer than your backing strip (5 & 6), lay your pleated strip face down and tape your pleats in place.

10. Lay the backing strip on top, about a 1/4″ from the top of the pleated strip and give yourself a 1″ leading strip as shown in the photo.  Tape the backing strip to the pleats.  This will help your pleats to lay down nicely and keep them together.

11.  Trim any excess paper that goes beyond the last pleat.

 

Creating a Paper Collar :: A Mason Jar Decorating Tutorial :: AnExtraordinaryDay.

 

12. Wrap your collar around your Mason jar.   Trim off any excess:  If your pleated strip is longer than your backing strip (remember the backing strip should have a length that does not have any pleats taped to it) then you’ll want to trim off the extra pleats that go beyond the backing strip.  (see photos)

13. Gently raise the pleated collar up over the jar’s neck, but keep it together.  Then still keeping it together, lay it down on the table and tape that leading edge (that had nothing attached to it) to the rest of the pleated collar.  Your collar is now complete.

 

Mason Jar Pleated Paper Collar Tutorial :: Fun with Book Pages :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

14. Place the pleated collar back on the jar.  Notice how the pleats all stick out.  That is not the look we are going for here.

15. Cut a piece of jute about 36 inches.  Carefully lay the jar on its side .  Using your glue gun, place a tiny drop of hot glue near the top of the back of the collar.  Find the midway point on your piece of jute and attach it to the glue on the collar.  Then draw the ends of the jute to the sides and hold until the glue sets up.  Just about 10 seconds.  Repeat the gluing on each side of the collar. Be sure to pull the jute taut each time.  It’s only necessary to glue the jute in three places around the collar.  Start at 12 o’clock and repeat at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock.  Drawn the two ends of the jute together tightly and make a bow with your just in the center.  Trim if necessary.

 

Mason Jar Makeover :: Pleated Collar Tutorial :: Book Pages :: AnExtraordinaryDay.net

 

16.  That’s it!  You now have a lovely Mason jar that makes a fashion statement.

A sweet book page pleated collar to dress up the lowliest Mason Jar.

Why dress up a Mason jar?

“Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary.” ~ Diane Miller

With what will you fill your fashionable Mason jar?

 

If you already have Mason jars and old books floating around your house, you are in luck.  I love that this project was nearly free.  For the past six months I have been on a spending freeze.  It’s amazing, when you look around your house and in your stash, just what you can come up with if you just sit and imagine.  It may not be fun to be in a fiscal stranglehold, but it has been fun to stretch my thinking and see what I can do for free.

When was the last time you solved a decorating dilemma with just what you had around the house?

 

Create a book page pleated color for your mason jar.

 

Click here, and here, and here, and here to see more of my book page ideas.

Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

Diane

 

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Comments

  1. Mel says

    Well, that explains the process very well, methinks. I was with ya–until it came time to tie the bow on the twine. LOL Seriously–it’s embarassing to admit that I canNOT for the life of me, tie a bow and have it be centered/straight. It flops sideways every time. I must be doing something funky–childhood trauma from too many lace up shoes maybe? LOLOL
    Since I love the bookpages, I might haffta work on something of the kind. But I STILL have a half made banner. LOL NOT my fault–I had the wee one helping me by colouring and pasting. She’ll be back for the weekend so maybe we can actually FINISH it? Or…..maybe we’ll be too busy blowing bubbles and chasing butterflies!
    SEE how I don’t finish projects?
    And I tried the ‘something from what’s on hand’ this past weekend–got frustrated, went out to BUY something to spruce up what I had–found nothing (isn’t THAT priceless!) and ended up with what I did create cuz the ‘slim pickings’ forced me to stay on the plan. ROFL SEE how that works?! :-/

    • Diane says

      Haha!! You are so cute! If it doesn’t need to be untied….just tie a knot. It works for me. Bows are over rated. Just saying. L) Fortunately my parents were into buckle shoes. Whew!
      I wonder what I wouldn’t get done if I had a lovely bug to hang with too? Oh…maybe that doesn’t make difference here….I have a long list of ‘in the works’ projects. I’ve even moved a few of the them 5 or 6 times….to other states….not just around the house. LOL
      You went shopping?!!! Haha. And…what you did create…was it not better? Love how things like that work out. Been there done that…in the end…creativity rocks.
      It’s raining buckets here today…hope it helps me accomplish more off that list. Hope your day is Extraordinary!!! – See more at: https://anextraordinaryday.net/mason-jars-sweet-pleated-collars-a-tutorial/#sthash.2xTbskZv.dpuf

      • Diane says

        I’m not sure why the link appeared at the end. Oops!

  2. Great little project! Thanx for sharing at THT.

    • Diane says

      Awwww…thanks Pamela!!
      Thank you for hosting such a sweet party!
      Blessings!

  3. Extra special sweet! I adore blue jars.

  4. This is a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing your talents with us at TTF!

    Linda

    • Diane says

      I’m so happy that you like it. Tutorials take a bunch of time to write up…so I really appreciate the feedback, Linda.
      Blessings!

  5. bj says

    ahhh, how cute are these !! I have 2 Mason jars holding beautiful bouquets right now. They are cute but sure would look cuter with some book pages. 🙂
    Thanks so much…
    Over from the Home Girl

    • Diane says

      Mason jars fill with flowers are pretty special, bj!! I’m thinking you are going to have a bunch of fun dressing up your pretty jars. Yes?
      Thanks for popping by with your lovely words. Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  6. Hi, I love mason jars! They are all the rage right now. I saw it on natasha in oz.
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

    • Diane says

      And to think I almost sold my vintage blue ball jars a few years ago! I’m so glad I didn’t. I can’t imagine living without their cheerfulness.
      Hope your weekend is Extraordinary!!

  7. What? Lowly mason jar! LOL! I’ll let that pass this time around … only because they look so darn cute with their book page pleated “skirt” …

    I’m absolutely saving this on my mason jar pin boards!

    🙂 Linda

    • Diane says

      Haha!!!! I guess they really aren’t lowly are they? 😀
      Thanks Linda for stopping by with you tease and kind words, too.
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  8. Yes, I do love pleats and your wrapped mason jars are the sweetest.
    Thanks for the inspiration,
    Suzanne
    Pieced Pastimes
    PS-Would love to have you link this up to Saturday Sparks. Links open till Friday.

    • Diane says

      Awwww….thanks, my friend!! 🙂
      I popped over to your lovely spot on the web. Thanks for the invite!
      Hope your day is extraordinary!

  9. Jenna says

    Very cute, I loved the whole table you did recently with the book page theme! Pinned, visiting from on sutton place

    • Diane says

      Awww…thanks for remembering Jenna! You are so kind.
      Hope your day is extraordinary!!

  10. Found you on Debbiedoo’s and pinned your adorable mason jar project.

    • Diane says

      That is so nice of you Sharon. Thank you!!!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  11. This is really pretty. Love the transformation.

    Ellya

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Ellya!!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!!

  12. such a fun way to dress up a jar!

    • Diane says

      I’m so pleased that you like it!
      Thank you Heather!
      Blessings!

  13. Tammy says

    thank you for sharing at One More..http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/2013/06/share-it-one-more-time-features-and_29.html you really have a great talent and so many great ideas using book pages!
    So happy you joined in this week…xo Tammy

    • Diane says

      You just made me blush, Tammy! Thank you for your kind encouraging words. And for hosting your lovely party!!

      Blessings!

  14. Lisa says

    This looks wonderful! I hope you will come share at this week’s From the Farm Blog Hop hosted by 6 great blogs! http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2013/06/from-farm-blog-hop-39.html

    Lisa
    Fresh Eggs Daily

    • Diane says

      You are so kind, Lisa!
      Thank you for your lovely invitation as well! 🙂

  15. I need to find some mason jars, this is such a cute idea. Thanks tons for joining Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

    • Diane says

      Yes…you do, Marty!! I have had so much fun with these!
      Thanks for stopping by with your encouraging words!
      Blessings!

  16. Wow this project is so simple yet makes the mason jar look awesome..that great shabby chic look!

    • Diane says

      That was the look I was going for…. Yay!!!
      Thank you, Marilyn! You just put a big smile on my face! 😀

  17. Super cute!! Thanks for linking up with Fun in the Sun!!

    • Diane says

      🙂 Thank you so much Courtney! They make my heart sing too!
      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  18. Oh that’s so pretty!

    I would love for you to link up at the Mommy Archive – we’re focused on mason jar crafts and ideas this week, Alice @ Mums Make Lists

    • Diane says

      Thank you so much Alice! Thanks too, for your invite…I stopped by this morning, but I guess I was too early. What time does your ‘party’ begin? I’ll make a note.

      Wishing you An Extraordinary Day!

  19. Cute project! Thank you for joining Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

  20. I love this! What an adorable and simple craft! Pinning it!

    Allison @ http://www.allisonskinnyjeans.com

    • Diane says

      You are so sweet, Allison. 🙂 Thank you so much!!
      Blessings!

  21. So cute…love this idea! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday and share this post with us. http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2013/07/centerpiece-wednesday-and-happy-4th-of.html
    Karin

    • Diane says

      Awwww….thanks ladies!!!
      And thank you for your kind invitation, too!
      Blessings!

  22. How creative and fun!!!! Don’t you love Mason Jars? And dressing them up is even better!

    • Diane says

      You are so kind, Yvonne! Thank you!! I’ve been having too much fun with Mason Jars and I don’t see me stopping any time soon! Haha!!

  23. What a pretty idea! I love the blue jar you chose – so lovely!
    Jennelise

    • Diane says

      Thank you Jennelise! I’m blessed to have more than a few of them as I was gifted with a big box full from a dear elderly aunt.

  24. Very sweet! Thanks for sharing at Silver Pennies Sundays. x

  25. Diane Thanks so much for sharing this at Seasons of Homemakers! You have been featured from last weeks link up! Come back, link up and get your featured button!!
    Abbi @ Seasons of Homemakers

    • Diane says

      You are so welcome Abbi! Thank you for featuring my Pleated Collar Mason Jar Tutorial.
      Hope your weekend is extraordinary!

  26. Cute jar wrap Diane! Thank you for sharing it and all your holiday decor at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. Have a great weekend!

    Hugs,
    Deborah

    • Diane says

      Do you think I got a little carried away with all my patriotic endeavors? Haha!! I do!
      I’m pleased you like the pleated collar too…Thanks Deborah!!
      Blessings!!

  27. What a cute idea!

    Thanks so much for linking up to the Creative HomeAcre Blog Hop! This will be one of my featured posts tomorrow. I hope you join us again this Sunday!

    • Diane says

      Wow!! That is so nice of you, Manuela!! Thank you for this wonderful blessing!
      And yes…I’ll be popping over to party!

      Blessings!

  28. Cindy says

    Clever! Looks great…just love ball jars!!!
    Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    • Diane says

      It’s fun, that’s for sure!
      Thanks for stopping by Cindy!
      Blessings!!

  29. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    What a cute fashion statement!

  30. A very cute take on cuffs for mason jars. I really like it!

  31. Carol says

    Just wanted to let you know I’m featuring this when my link party opens up tonight!

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