The Genius Way To Reuse An Old Mason Jar For Stylish Match Storage

Anyone with a cabinet full of glass jars knows how precious these storage containers can be. These long-beloved homesteading staples aren't the kind of thing you can just toss in the trash. Luckily, there is an easy way to transform an old glass jar from around the house into a stylish match storage container simply by replacing the lid with a cutout from the matchbox itself.

You don't need much to make a match jar, and the whole project can be completed in under 10 minutes. Once done, this match storage jar hack makes a great addition to disaster preparedness kits, can be tossed in with camping gear, or can simply sit atop the fireplace mantle awaiting the next chilly day. Not only will the jar keep your matches dry, but the clever lid design will prevent them from spilling all over the floor or in the bottom of your bag.

As detailed in this video tutorial by SincerelyRachel on YouTube, a match dispenser is easy to make, but hinges on finding just the right jar. You'll want to grab one that's intended for canning, as the metal ring and lid combo used to seal the jars is a crucial piece of this DIY project.

Use the jar's lid and a pencil or pen to trace a circle on a box of matches, making sure that a strip of the striking paper takes up most of the space. (It helps if you flatten out the matchbox first.) Take a sharp pair of scissors and cut out the circle, then make a small hole in the cardboard that measures slightly wider than a pencil. This opening will allow you to "shake out" a match or two without the need to remove the entire lid each time.

Now, put everything together. Place the circle cutout on top of the jar, taking the place of the solid lid. (You can repurpose old Mason jar lids another time.) Fill the glass jar with matches, then screw the metal ring into place, securing the lid with the striking paper facing out.