• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

An Oregon Cottage logo

  • Recipes
    • Best Desserts
    • Easy Salads
    • Easy Side Dishes
    • Homemade Breads
    • Sourdough
    • Homemade Soups
    • Pantry Basics Recipes
    • Simple Dinner Recipes
    • Simple Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Simple Snacks
  • Canning & Preserving
    • Canning Recipes
    • Dehydrator Recipes
    • Freezing Produce
    • Fermented Food Recipes
  • Gardening
    • Yard & Garden Tour
    • Vegetable Garden
    • Flowers, Beds & Borders
    • Gardening Tips
    • Ultimate Vegetable & Fruit Guides
  • DIY & Remodeling
    • 1900 Farmhouse
    • 1982 Ranch-turned-Cottage
    • Easy Handmade Gifts
  • Shop
    • Flexible Planner, Cookbooks, Ebooks & More
    • An Oregon Cottage's Amazon Shop
    • Shopping and Gift Guides
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Organic Gardening
  • DIY & Remodeling
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Get my newsletters + access to a library full of printables!

    Home » Blog » Easy DIY » Simple Crafts & Handmade Gifts

    April 19, 2016 | By Jami

    DIY Gift: Reclaimed Wood Box + Mason Jar Planters

    Jump to Tutorial

    Make a simple reclaimed wood box (or new, distressed wood) perfectly sized for your favorite containers and then fill the containers with plants, treats, or other things for a special gift for Mother's Day, birthdays, Christmas, and more. Find more gift ideas on the handmade gifts page.

    Make an easy reclaimed wood box with mason jar planters for a fun Mother's Day gift

    Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

    Isn't this reclaimed wood box so cute? Scrap wood - or new wood painted to look old - can easily be turned into a cute box sized to hold whatever containers you have. That's a custom gift, right?

    I used mason jars in the example above and they're always a great option, but you can use any type of containers you can find from recycled glass to galvanized pots.

    Brian made a long, skinny version for our table a couple years ago and I thought a smaller box would make a great gift. So I headed out to the shed to see what type of wood we had lying around and hit the jackpot with a chippy, weathered 1x4, complete with knotholes and been-around-a-million-years look (probably because it has been out there awhile...).

    DIY Reclaimed Wood Box-Mason Jar Mother's Day gift

    Reusing or repurposing things for gifts - like some of our Thrift Store Transformations that you can see in this gallery - is one of my favorite things for a number of reasons (and frugality isn't one of them, believe it or not - though it's a benefit, for sure!):

    • You are giving new life to something old (there's just something about this - it really is wonderful!).
    • You are stretching your creative muscles to envision & create that new thing.
    • You are giving a one-of-a-kind gift (or maybe two-of-a-kind if you make a couple!)
    • You are helping to keep things out of the landfill.
    • Your time & effort = a way more thoughtful gift than running to the store.

    In other words, it's not cheap or weird to give a gift that was originally something else!

    So now that I've convinced you, lets gather your materials and take a few minutes (yep, this was done in less than 30 minutes!) to make your own DIY reclaimed wood box and mason jar planters.

    Reclaimed Wood Box-Mason Jar Gift materials

    Materials Needed:

    • 1 x 4 piece of reclaimed wood in any condition, painted or not, at least 3' long.
    • measuring tape
    • 2 mason jars
    • 2 plants or flowers: the small 2-1/2 x 2-1/2" pots fit best in mason jars. The plants pictured are Creeping Jenny which I actually uprooted from overwintered hanging baskets. The reusing goes on!
    • touch-up paint or stain and a foam brush

    You'll also need some type of saw (we used a powered chop saw, but a hand-held saw and miter box would work, too), and 1-1/2" finish nails with a hammer or nail gun. The nail gun with compressor obviously makes it easier - if you use a hammer, it would help to have a partner to hold the box pieces square.

    How to Make a Reclaimed Wood Box

    How to make a reclaimed wood box to hold mason jars

    1. On the 1 x 4, use the tape measure to find 7-inches from one end for the bottom of the box and mark with a pencil. Cut.
    2. Measure two 8-1/2-inch pieces for the long sides; mark & cut.
    3. Measure two 3-1/2-inch pieces for the ends; mark & cut.
    4. Set parts together on a flat surface.
    5. Bring sides up around bottom to square. Make sure all the sides touch - sand or recut as needed.
    6. Nail in place with finishing nails, holding tightly to keep as square as possible (remember, it's never about perfection here!). Nail in this order as you're holding the box together-> nail sides to the ends, then nail the end pieces to the bottom, finishing with nailing the sides to the bottom piece.

    DIY Reclaimed Wood Box-Mason Jar Gift

    When your box is finished, you'll be left with raw, freshly cut ends on your reclaimed wood box - not the look we're going for, right? If your wood is white, like mine, just dab a bit of craft paint (or any matching paint you have) on the ends with a foam applicator. It shouldn't be perfect - you can see above where I left some of the wood showing so it goes with the rest of the box.

    If your wood is stained or weathered, I'd try to find a stain or even watered-down brown craft paint you could dab on just to diminish the raw wood showing.

    Make Mason Jar Planters

    Planting mason jars for DIY reclaimed wood box gift

    For the mason jar planters to fill your box, add some rocks or gravel to the lower 1/4 of each jar and then fill about halfway with moistened potting mix. Remove the plants from the nursery pots and gently plant them into the jars, pressing down and filling in with potting soil as needed. Water them a bit, but not too much.

    Make Gift Tag

    DIY Reclaimed Wood Box with Mason Jar planters gift tag

    Adding a tag onto a simple wooden dowel adds a fun look to your gift - it could say whatever you wanted it to say:

    • Happy Mother's Day
    • Happy Birthday
    • Thank you
    • Congratulations (for a wedding or achievement)

    There are many printable tag ideas you can find on my Free Printables Pinterest board, or you can quickly create one using stickers and a few other items you may have lying around like I did.

    Mason Jar-Wood Box Planter-gift label materials

    You'll need:

    • cardstock
    • chalkboard stickers
    • chalk marker (or chalk)
    • Scissors
    • wooden skewer or thin dowel

    Make Tag:

    1. Grab a piece of cardstock and apply one of the chalkboard stickers to the paper.
    2. Use scissors to cut out around the sticker (again - let go of perfection!).
    3. Write your sentiment with the chalk marker (or chalk - a marker will just last longer and won't smudge).
    4. Push a wooden bamboo skewer between the paper and sticker to hold it.
    5. Insert the other end into one of your mason jar planters.

    An easy, reclaimed wood box with mason jar planters makes a great gift!

    And there you go - totally adorable gift just about anyone would enjoy!

    You can change it up by planting herbs in the jars, or sweet flowers like pansies or marigolds. You can also fill the jars with cut flowers from your own garden as sweet little bouquets.

    In addition to filling this reclaimed wood box with plants, here are some other options of filler ideas:

    • candy/treats
    • home-canned foods
    • soap & lotion dispensers
    • cupcake kit (one jar with liners, the other with decorating items)
    • bean & bread mixes (like this red beans & rice mix & this focaccia bread)
    • breakfast kit (with pancake mixes & syrup)

    **This project is also featured in 31 days of handmade gifts for the holidays and beyond. Click here to see all the projects in this series.

    DIY Reclaimed Wood Box-Mason Jar gift
    Print Pin
    No ratings yet

    DIY Gift: Reclaimed Wood Box + Mason Jar Planters

    Make a simple reclaimed wood box (or new, distressed wood) perfectly sized for your favorite containers and then fill the containers with plants, treats, or other things for a special gift for Mother’s Day, birthdays, Christmas, and more.
    Work Time30 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Makes: 1 box
    Author: Jami Boys
    Cost: $5

    Tools

    • Measuring Tape
    • Saw
    • Hammer/Nail Gun
    • Foam Brush

    Materials

    • 1 1 x 4 piece of reclaimed wood in any condition, painted or not, at least 3′ long.
    • 2 Mason jars
    • 2 Plants or flowers Small 2-1/2 x 2-1/2″ pots fit best in mason jars.
    • Touch-up paint or stain
    • 1-1/2" Finish nails

    Instructions

    To make the reclaimed wood box:

    • On the 1 x 4, use the tape measure to find 7-inches from one end for the bottom of the box and mark with a pencil. Cut.
    • Measure two 8-1/2-inch pieces for the long sides; mark & cut.
    • Measure two 3-1/2-inch pieces for the ends; mark & cut.
    • Set parts together on a flat surface.
    • Bring sides up around bottom to square. Make sure all the sides touch – sand or recut as needed.
    • Nail in place with finishing nails, holding tightly to keep as square as possible (remember, it’s never about perfection here!). Nail in this order as you’re holding the box together-> nail sides to the ends, then nail the end pieces to the bottom, finishing with nailing the sides to the bottom piece.
    • When your box is finished, you’ll be left with raw, freshly cut ends on your reclaimed wood box – not the look we’re going for, right? If your wood is white, like mine, just dab a bit of craft paint (or any matching paint you have) on the ends with a foam applicator. It shouldn’t be perfect – you can see above where I left some of the wood showing so it goes with the rest of the box.
      If your wood is stained or weathered, I’d try to find a stain or even watered-down brown craft paint you could dab on just to diminish the raw wood showing.

    To make mason jar planters:

    • Add some rocks or gravel to the lower 1/4 of each jar and then fill about halfway with moistened potting mix.
    • Remove the plants from the nursery pots and gently plant them into the jars, pressing down and filling in with potting soil as needed. Water them a bit, but not too much.

    Add a tag:

    • Adding a tag onto a simple wooden dowel adds a fun look to your gift – it could say whatever you wanted it to say: "Happy Mother’s Day," "Happy Birthday," "Thank you," "Congratulations" (for a wedding or achievement).
      To make your own, you'll need: cardstock, chalkboard stickers, a chalk marker (or chalk), Scissors, and a wooden skewer or thin dowel.
    • Grab a piece of cardstock and apply one of the chalkboard stickers to the paper.
    • Use scissors to cut out around the sticker (again – let go of perfection!).
    • Write your sentiment with the chalk marker (or chalk – a marker will just last longer and won’t smudge).
    • Push a wooden bamboo skewer between the paper and sticker to hold it.
    • Insert the other end into one of your mason jar planters.

    Notes

    You can change it up by planting herbs in the jars, or sweet flowers like pansies or marigolds. You can also fill the jars with cut flowers from your own garden as sweet little bouquets.
    Did you make this?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!

    Find more garden gift ideas & inspiration from the other bloggers in the Tuesdays In The Garden group:

    3 Garden Gift Ideas via Frugal Family Home

    3 Garden Gift Ideas @Frugal Family Home

    DIY Garden Tool Box via Homemade Food Junkie

    DIY Garden Tool Box @Homemade Food Junkie

    6 Easy Mother's Day Planter Ideas via Simplify Live Love

    6 Easy Mother's Day Planter Ideas @Simplify Live Love

    Mother's Day Gardening Gifts via The Freckled Rose

    Mother's Day Gardening Gifts @The Freckled Rose

    Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn't change your price. Click here to read my full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.

    About Jami

    Since 2009 Jami Boys has been helping readers live a simple homemade life through whole food recipes, doable gardening, and easy DIY projects on An Oregon Cottage. From baking bread, to creating a floor from paper, to growing and preserving food, Jami shares the easiest ways to get things done. She's been featured in Cottages and Bungalows, Old House Journal, and First for Women magazines as well as numerous sites like Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, and Apartment Therapy.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. John says

      May 16, 2016 at 8:22 am

      My sister's a really big fan of mason jars and using them for different things, so I'll have to tuck this idea away for her birthday now that mother's day has passed. I'm not the craftiest guy, but I think I can handle some pieces of wood and a nail gun. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    2. Angie Rose says

      April 23, 2016 at 7:10 am

      This is such a cute idea! I, of course like many others, am obsessed with mason jars. I use them for everything. From soaking seeds in the small jars to creating flower arrangements in the color tinted ones. They have such a charming quality about them! I also love the weathered look when it comes to wood. Once I found chalk pens, I made the switch from regular chalk and never looked back! When I have some extra time, I really want to try making this!

      Reply
    3. Michelle Marine says

      April 21, 2016 at 7:33 am

      So cute, Jami! I love that you show people how to make this box. 🙂

      Reply
    4. Diane says

      April 20, 2016 at 12:00 am

      We appreciate re-purposing things too. I love what you did with your board and mason jars. You even made the tag. So cute! I can think of many moms who would feel very loved by receiving this handmade gift. So special!

      Reply
    5. Shelly says

      April 19, 2016 at 3:30 pm

      What a great idea. I know my mom-in-law loves to get repurposed gifts and this would be perfect for her.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Jami Boys headshot

    Hi, I'm Jami and I'm so glad you're here! My desire is to help you live a simple homemade life through delicious whole food recipes, easy organic gardening and preserving your harvest.

    Read More →

    Popular Posts

    • Easy, Soft 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Tutorial
    • roasted cabbage wedges2_featuredroasted cabbage wedges_featured image
      Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce
    • Easy Sourdough Artisan Bread Recipe (Ready in 1 Day)
    • Original Brown Paper Floor Tutorial: A DIY Alternative to Wood Floors
    • How to Freeze Green Beans without Blanching
      How To Freeze Green Beans The Easy Way Without Blanching
    • Cucumbers on trellis_featured
      5 Reasons To Grow Cucumbers On A Trellis (And Taking Up Less Space Isn't One Of Them)

    ALL OUR CATEGORIES

    • Mail
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
    • Terms of Use & Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Collaboration & Advertising

    Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Disclaimer: All Content Provided On An Oregon Cottage Is For Informational Purposes Only. The Owner Of This Blog Makes No Representations As To The Accuracy Or Completeness Of Any Information On This Site Or Found By Following Any Link On This Site.

    Copyright © 2009-2023 An Oregon Cottage | No Content On This Site, Including Text And Photos, May Be Reused In Any Fashion Without Written Permission.