Easy DIY Farmhouse Cloche
There’s something special about cloches—those simple glass domes that can turn the most ordinary object into a charming focal point. For years, I admired vintage cloches in antique stores and online, but I could never bring myself to pay the steep price tags attached to them. Most of the ones I found were $30 to $60 depending on size, and I always felt like I could create something similar for far less. That’s what started this project: the challenge of making a beautiful, farmhouse-inspired cloche without spending more than a few dollars.
What I love about this DIY is how accessible it is. You don’t need power tools, woodworking experience, or a special crafting background. You just need a jar, a knob, and a little imagination. This is one of those projects that proves you can create something elevated out of everyday items. Cloches are also incredibly versatile—they work for seasonal decorating, everyday displays, and even as functional pieces for kitchens and shelves.
Since our home was built in 1900, I tend to gravitate toward decor that feels timeless and collected rather than overly modern. These cloches blend perfectly with that style. And because each jar is thrifted, the final result feels unique and personal. No two cloches look the same, which adds to their charm.
This entire project took less than ten minutes and cost me under $5 per cloche. If you’re someone who loves vintage decor, simple DIYs, and budget-friendly ideas, this project is the perfect starting point.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only share products I truly love or personally use, and your support helps keep Auburn At Home running. Thank you!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
One of my favorite things about this project is how few supplies you actually need. You might already have half of these at home. Each cloche requires only a jar or vase, a knob, and an adhesive. That’s it. It doesn’t get any easier.
Start by gathering both your jars and your knobs so you can mix and match the shapes and styles. This is where the fun begins. I prefer wider-mouth jars because they allow for larger display items, but narrow jars can look elegant and delicate too. For this project, I included one cloche made from a simple drinking glass just to show how flexible the design can be.
Every jar in my collection came from one spontaneous thrift store trip. Thrifting is a great way to find unique shapes you wouldn’t normally see in big-box stores. I only wish I had saved the pickle jars I tossed months ago—they would have been perfect for this project. Whether you choose thrifted jars or repurpose ones from your pantry, the goal is to start with whatever you already have on hand.
If you’re making multiple cloches, lay everything out on a clean workspace so you can visualize which knob pairs best with which jar.
Here’s what I used:
Supplies Used:
- Jars or glass vases: Thrift stores are the best place to find these. You can use pickle jars, candle jars, drinking glasses, or any glass container that’s tall enough to place over your display item.
- Knobs: These can come from thrifted furniture, old drawers, or the craft section at any discount store. I used a mix of metal and wood knobs to give each cloche its own look.
- Glue: I recommend hot glue if you want the flexibility to remove or reposition the knob. For long-term durability, E6000 works extremely well.
- Optional embellishments: Ribbon, paint, or small tags if you want to personalize your cloche.
Cost Breakdown:
Most of my jars were $1.00 to $2.00 each. The knobs where leftovers from a previous project. Glue was already in my craft drawer, making the total cost per cloche under $5. Even if you purchased everything new, this project would still stay budget-friendly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Jars/Vases
Before you attach the knob, take a few minutes to prep your jars. This step ensures your cloche looks polished and clean. Start by removing any labels or stickers. If you’re working with thrifted jars, they may have remnants of old price tags. Goo Gone, warm soapy water, or a simple baking soda and oil paste can remove sticky residue easily.
Next, wash each jar thoroughly inside and out. Glass often looks cloudy before it’s cleaned, especially if it’s been sitting in storage. Once washed, dry the jars completely. Any moisture left on the surface can weaken the adhesive and cause the knob to shift later.
Finally, flip the jar upside down so the bottom is facing upward. This will become the top of your cloche. Wipe the center of the base with rubbing alcohol to remove oils or fingerprints. Doing this will help your glue bond more securely.
Tip:
If your jars still have sticky residue from price stickers, a simple trick works wonders. Use a blow dryer on a medium heat setting and move it back and forth over the sticker to loosen the adhesive. The sticker will peel right off. No scraping required!
Step 3: Attach the Knobs
Once your jars are completely dry, you can attach the knobs. This step is very simple but makes the biggest visual impact. Flip the jar upside down so the base is on top—this is where your knob will sit. Apply a small amount of glue to the bottom of the knob and press it firmly onto the center of the jar. Hold it in place for a few seconds so the adhesive begins to set.
I used hot glue on mine because it dries quickly and allows me to reposition the knob if I ever change my mind. If you want a stronger, more permanent hold, you can use E6000 or another industrial-strength adhesive. Just be aware that it may take longer to fully cure.
Try to line up the knob as straight as possible. A slightly off-center knob can make your cloche look crooked once it’s upright. I like to step back after placing the knob and look at it from a few angles to make sure it’s centered. Once the glue dries, you’re ready for the fun part—styling your new cloche.
Pro Tip:
For a more permanent bond, you can use E6000 adhesive or a similar industrial-strength glue. It takes longer to cure than hot glue, but it provides extra durability. Especially if you plan to handle or restyle your cloche often.
Step 4: Style and Display Your Cloche
The best part of this project is how customizable these cloches are. You can style them for any room, any season, and any aesthetic. They instantly make simple objects feel special.
For everyday decor, try placing items like small candles, faux plants, vintage books, dried flowers, or small trinkets underneath. I also love using them to display small pieces of ironstone, miniature pitchers, or layered dishes. They add height and visual interest to shelves, consoles, and hutches.
For seasonal styling, cloches become even more fun.
- In fall, add mini pumpkins, pinecones, amber glass bottles, or a candle surrounded by acorns.
- In winter, style bottlebrush trees, jingle bells, ornaments, or tiny villages.
- In spring, nestle faux moss, a small bird’s nest, or pastel-colored eggs.
- In summer, try seashells, starfish, or small greenery stems.
The trick is to treat your cloche as a tiny vignette. Choose items that fit comfortably under the dome without crowding the space. One simple item usually looks best, but you can also layer small accents for added charm.
Cloches also work beautifully in kitchens. Place one over a butter dish, a wrapped pastry, or something decorative like wooden beads or a small bundle of herbs. They instantly elevate any display and give everything a clean, curated feel.
Once styled, move your cloche around your home until it finds the perfect spot. You may be surprised at how many areas it complements.
Troubleshooting & Tips
Even simple projects come with small challenges, so here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- If your knob slides while the glue is drying, gently hold it in place for a full minute. With industrial glue, consider using painter’s tape to secure it temporarily.
- If your glass has an uneven bottom, sand the area lightly or use a small dab of extra glue to fill gaps.
- If glue seeps out from under the knob, wait for it to cool and trim the excess with a craft knife.
- If your jar is cloudy, try soaking it in hot water with a little vinegar. This removes mineral residue and helps the glass shine.
- If the base of your jar is concave, choose a knob with a smaller attachment area so the glue bonds properly.
- If you’re making multiple cloches, line them up by height or knob style for a more cohesive display.
Remember, without the pressure of perfection, this project becomes even more enjoyable. Cloches have a handmade charm that doesn’t require precise measurements or flawless finishes.
Budget Tips & What I’d Do Differently
One of the best ways to keep this DIY budget-friendly is to thrift as many parts as possible. Thrift stores almost always have a jar section, and many of the pieces cost under a dollar. I also like checking the furniture aisles for old dressers because their knobs can be removed and repurposed for pennies.
If I were to make more of these (and I absolutely plan to), I would:
- Save more pantry jars like spaghetti and pickle jars—they have great shapes.
- Look for unique knobs at flea markets, antique shops, or yard sales.
- Try painting the knobs with matte spray paint for a more custom look.
- Experiment with different sizes to create a whole cloche collection.
The beauty of this DIY is that every cloche looks different depending on the jar and knob you choose. You can make them as rustic, modern, vintage, or farmhouse as you want without spending more than a few dollars.
Final Thoughts
I hope this DIY shows just how simple and rewarding it can be to create something beautiful out of everyday items. These farmhouse cloches are charming, versatile, and incredibly budget-friendly. It’s amazing how a plain jar and a thrifted knob can come together to create decor that looks high-end and intentional.
If you’re like me and enjoy adding touches of vintage character to your home, this project is a perfect weekend craft. Whether you make one or a whole collection, they add personality and a curated feel to any room. I love how each cloche tells its own little story depending on what’s placed inside it.
Thank you for following along with this tutorial. I hope it inspires you to look at glass jars a little differently and try this easy project for yourself. If you want to see more of my DIYs, vintage finds, or thrifting tips, be sure to explore the rest of my blog.
Looking for more DIY ideas? Check out a few of my most popular home projects:
