Great Big Ideas for Little Jars

I find myself making my way to my recycling bin almost daily with an armload of emptied out glass jars. From baby food to pasta sauces to jams to who knows what else, these little glass jars really add up!

For a long while I failed to see just how valuable these glass jars really are, but slowly ideas began to creep in while I stared down into my recycling bin each and every morning. Here are some of my favorite ideas for using these little glass jars in wonderfully creative ways.

A Memory Keepsake Safe

A favorite craft project of mine is choosing (or having my children choose) pictures of themselves and our family. Once they choose them, I scan them on to the computer and print them out. After cutting out the pictures, I apply a thin film of glue to the outside of the jar and my children apply their pictures in what ever fashion they like. They then place an item that is valuable and meaningful to them inside of the jar. The jar then acts as a keepsake safe.

TIP: This is a great idea for any special event, such as a family vacation, a holiday, or any memorable event.

For Organizing

I am bewildered by the amount of money stores charge for a pencil holder. Why not use a glass jar? I now use these glass jars for pens, pencils, paper clips, craft supplies, spare change, and even dry pasta if I can find jars large enough!

As a Pet Terrarium

During the spring and summer months, my kids are all about capturing and observing little critters that we find in our backyard. Snails, slugs, even moths and butterflies (if they’re lucky enough to catch them) all end up in tall glass jars. Be sure to poke holes in the top of the lid and to add some foliage for the bugs in the jar. I also make sure I tell my kids that when the sun begins to go down, the bugs need to go back out to their real home outside.

TIP: You can also use glass jars to hold soil and worms, pet crickets, or even Beta fish (Siamese fighting fish) as these fish do not require an air filter.

For Homemade Gifts

Great gifts come in small jars! Make your own bath salts, teas and cocoas to give out to family, friends and neighbors for special occasions or during the holidays. You can add ribbon or a square of nice material on top of the lid to make it extra fancy.

photo by Lili Eks