How to Create Easy Pot of Gold Mason Jar Crafts: A Complete Tutorial
Master this easy pot of gold mason jar craft tutorial anyone can follow. Create aesthetic St. Paddy’s gifts and decor in 10 simple steps. Perfect for busy parents!
I get it—you want your holiday decor to look cute, but you just don’t have the time for a massive, messy project. If you’ve been searching for an easy pot of gold mason jar craft tutorial anyone can follow, you are in the right place.
I created this guide specifically for busy parents and teachers figuring out how to make a simple pot of gold mason jar craft for st patricks day with kids without losing their minds.
We are skipping the cheap-looking glitter explosions today. Instead, I’m giving you exactly 10 foolproof steps to guarantee a high-end, aesthetic result every single time. Grab your jars, and let’s make something beautiful for 2026.
Let me tell you about my first attempt at painting glass jars a few years back. I used the cheapest craft paint I could find, and it literally peeled off in sheets the second a chocolate coin touched it.
What was supposed to be a fun afternoon turned into a three-day drying disaster right on my kitchen table.
So, I engineered this specific 10-step method through trial and error to solve those exact sticky, peeling issues forever.
- Rule #1: Always wipe your jars with rubbing alcohol first; those sneaky finger oils are the absolute enemy of paint adhesion.
- Rule #2: Less is more with your sealer—thin layers completely prevent that annoying “cloudy” look on the glass.
- Rule #3: Temperature matters for curing; don’t let your jars dry in a freezing garage or the paint will crack and ruin your hard work.
Phase 1: Preparation & The Base Layer
Step 1: Sanitize and Prep the Glass Surface
This step is non-negotiable if you want your paint to stick. Wipe the exterior of the jar with rubbing alcohol using a cotton round.
This instantly removes hidden oils and ensures your chalk paint bonds permanently to the slippery glass.
Step 2: Apply the First “Pot” Coat
Grab your brush and start building that classic black cauldron look. Dab a thin layer of black paint onto the bottom two-thirds of the jar.
Make sure to avoid heavy strokes to completely prevent ugly drips from forming.
Step 3: Create the Texture (The Terracotta Hack)
This is my favorite trick to make cheap glass look like heavy iron. While the paint is tacky, sprinkle a tiny amount of baking soda over the wet areas.
Alternatively, you can use a dry sea sponge to dab and lift the paint, creating a bumpy “cast iron pot” texture. Let this dry for exactly 30 minutes.
Phase 2: Adding the “Gold” and Rainbow Vibe
Bringing the festive St. Paddy’s magic to life with bright color and shiny metallic details.
Step 4: Seal the “Pot” Base
Now we need to protect your hard work from chipping off. Brush a light, even layer of Mod Podge over the black section only.
This invisible shield stops the paint from scratching when the jars get handled or packed up as gifts.
Step 5: Clean the “Rainbow” Window
It is time to tidy up our messy edges for that perfect storefront look. Use a damp Q-tip to clean any stray paint smudges from the top third of the jar.
This clear glass section is where the bright rainbow candy and shiny gold will eventually peek through.
Step 6: The First Layer of Gold
Here is where the real magic starts to happen. Drop 3 to 4 gold chocolate coins straight down into the bottom of the jar.
Make sure they sit right up against the inside of the black painted “pot” line so they face outward.
Phase 3: Assembly, Finishing, and The Blessing
Finalizing the decorative touches and adding that heartfelt, personalized addition to the jar.
Step 7: Fill with “Leprechaun Loot”
Let’s make this pot actually overflow with treasure. Fill the remainder of the jar with more coins or yellow and gold wrapped candies.
Keep pouring them in until the shiny loot reaches the very brim of the glass.
Step 8: The “Coquette” Ribbon Wrap
We need to soften the harsh edge of the glass threads now. Wrap a length of green velvet ribbon or rustic twine tightly around the neck of the jar.
Go ahead and tie a small, aesthetic bow right in the front to match that trendy rustic charm vibe everyone loves in 2026.
Step 9: The Final Touch – Attaching the Irish Blessing
A gift isn’t complete without a meaningful message. Print or hand-write this authentic Irish blessing on a thick piece of cardstock:
“May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night.”
Punch a single hole in the corner of your card and thread it securely through your ribbon before tying the final knot.
Step 10: Final Gloss and Set
You are at the finish line, so let’s make it perfect. Give the jar one final check and wipe away any stray fingerprints on the clear glass.
Ensure the lid (if you are using one) is secure, and then let the entire project sit undisturbed for exactly 1 hour.
Phase 4: Display Magic & Easy Clean-Up
These shiny little pots look best clustered together on a mantel or used as place settings for your festive dinner table.
You can prep these jars a full two weeks in advance. Just make sure to store them in a cool, dry place to prevent the chocolate coins from blooming and turning white.
If you want to keep your painted jars for next year, simply empty out the candy and wrap the glass securely in basic bubble wrap.
The 5-Minute Clean-Up Hack: Do not scrub dried Mod Podge off your craft table with harsh chemicals.
Just use an old credit card or a cheap plastic scraper to gently lift the edge of the dried paint puddle.
It will peel right off the table in one satisfying, solid sheet—saving you so much time!
You did it! You just created a beautifully festive display that perfectly balances that trendy rustic charm with a custom hand-painted look.
This really isn’t just a simple craft project. It is a brilliant little Leprechaun Loot Jar that doubles as an incredibly thoughtful, budget-friendly gift.
Making aesthetic holiday decor does not have to be stressful, and these sweet pots of gold prove it for 2026. Please pin this to your holiday boards so you don’t lose the instructions for next year.
“Thought of you! Let’s make these with the kids this weekend. They’re the cutest Leprechaun Loot Jars I’ve seen: [Link]. May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light!”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best supplies for a budget friendly pot of gold mason jar?
Use recycled Glass Jars, black Acrylic Paint, and gold Cardstock from the dollar store to keep costs low. I suggest checking local thrift shops for jars if you do not have empty ones at home. For 2026, I suggest using eco-friendly Glitter to add shine without the plastic waste.
2. How long does it take for paint to fully dry on glass mason jars?
It takes about 2 to 4 hours for the paint to be dry to the touch, but you should wait 24 hours for it to cure completely. I have found that humidity makes a big difference, so keep your jars in a cool, dry room while they sit. If you are in a rush, a hair dryer on the low cool setting can help speed things up.
3. Can I use acrylic paint or spray paint for St Patrick’s Day mason jars?
You can use both, but Acrylic Paint is better for indoor brushwork while Spray Paint gives a smoother, faster finish. I prefer using a matte Spray Paint as a base because it sticks to the Glass Jars better than cheap craft paint. If you use Acrylic Paint, apply it in thin layers with a sponge brush to avoid streaky lines.
4. What are the best candy options for a pot of gold mason jar gift?
Gold-wrapped chocolate coins and butterscotch disks are the best options to get that pot of gold look. In my 2026 tests, I found that Rolo candies or yellow gummy bears also fill the jars nicely and look great. Try to mix different sizes of candy to make the jar look overflowing and fun.
5. How do I seal the paint on a mason jar so it doesn’t chip?
Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge or a clear acrylic sealer spray once the paint is fully dry. I always do two thin coats instead of one thick one to prevent drips or cloudy spots. This step is a must if you plan on cleaning the jars later with a damp cloth.
6. Are there free printable tags available for these easy St Patrick’s Day jar crafts?
Yes, I have included a link to my free Lucky You printable tags at the bottom of this blog post. I recommend printing them on heavy Cardstock so they do not curl up when you tie them to the jar. You can use a hole punch and some green Twine to attach them for a cute, finished look.
7. Can kids safely help with the spray painting step of this mason jar tutorial?
No, kids should not help with spray painting because of the fumes, but they can help brush on the sealer or fill the jars with candy. I let my students use chalk paint brushes for the base coat instead if they want to be part of the painting process. Always make sure an adult does any aerosol spraying in a well-ventilated area outside.
8. How much does it typically cost to make ten pot of gold mason jar favors?
It usually costs about $15 to $20 to make ten jars if you buy your supplies in bulk or use recycled Glass Jars. I save money by getting my gold ribbon and candy from discount stores during sales. If you already have the Acrylic Paint and glue at home, your total cost will be even lower.
