Mason Jar Advent Wreath

My love of mason jars and anything galvanized has continued over into my holiday decorating!  Today I will share with you my DIY mason jar Advent wreath!

I found a beautiful galvanized cake stand at Pier 1 Imports.  This stand is very sturdy and could hold the weight of my Ball canning jars.  I love that the surface was curved, making it perfect to hold the jars and garland in place.  You can find this cake stand here: https://www.pier1.com/galvanized-cake-stand/3143177.html#q=galvanized&start=1

If your cake stand surface is flat I would suggest using gripping drawer liner, cut to size.

Using small mouth canning jars, I filled each Ball canning jar with Epsom salts.  I filled to the height of the Ball embossed emblem; this way the “Ball” is more visible.  Epsom salts make a perfect snow substitute!  I purchased my salts in bulk at Sam’s Club.

I purchased votive candle holders at the Dollar Tree.  These votive holders had a flare at the top and they nest perfectly inside the opening of each Ball mason jar.

I purchased two sets of Advent candles.  One set is actual wax.  Depending on burn times this set may not last the entire season.  I like that this set is unscented, as to not interfere with other holiday scents in the home.  You can find this set here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WV2YRZE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1   My back up Advent candles will be battery operated.  I love that these can be used all holiday season; you can find them here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GZG94I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Some modern Advent wreaths also have a fifth candle, which is white candle.  This cake stand fit a fifth canning jar without difficulty.  I decided to make my Advent wreath more traditionally with only four candles.

I purchased a flexible piece of wintery fur garland from Michael’s craft store.

The garland was wrapped around the jars.  This particular garland almost fit completely around the jars twice.  The ends were tucked inward, no wire was needed; the garland held in place on its own.

1.  On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. This first candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

2.  On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit. This candle typically represents love. Some traditions call this the “Bethlehem Candle,” symbolizing Christ’s manger.

3.  On the third Sunday of Advent the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the “Shepherds Candle,” and it represents joy.

4.  The fourth and last purple candle, often called the “Angels Candle,” represents peace and is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent.

On Christmas Eve, the white center candle is lit. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ that has come into the world. The color white represents purity. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. Those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow.

I absolutely LOVE how my DIY mason jar Advent Wreath turned out!  It has that holiday charm that I wanted to create.