Make Your Own Decorative Jars And Lids

We all know that buying glass jars to fill with goodies to give as hostess gifts, teacher gifts, or birthday presents can become quite expensive. Today, I want to share with you how to create your own decorative glass containers from recycled jars. 

I had never before paid much attention to the jars in which food was sold. But when I started painting and decorating the lids of recycled jars, I discovered many glass jars were unique. In fact, the first jar I chose to upcycle resembles a barrel. How interesting.

My number one thing is to recycle everything from newspaper to aluminum cans, and I even use a canvas bag instead of the plastic ones when I go to the grocery store.
Maiara Walsh

Your first step is to find a jar. Wash and clean the jar and the lid. Soak the jar to remove the label. I let the jars soak overnight. Then, I removed the label to the best of my ability. I like the barrel shape of this jar.

This label was difficult to remove. I do have a post on how to remove labels with baking soda and coconut oil. I did use lighter fluid to remove this pesky label. The second jar I chose to use, also, had a very stubborn label to remove.

Gather together your hot glue gun and an object to attach to your lid. I used a wooden ball. But kitchen cabinet handles would be another idea, as well as, a Duplo building block, a pretty button, or any small object to your liking will do. 

I used hot glue to attach the wooden ball to the lid. Allowed the glue to harden and dry.

I chose to use a silver spray paint to cover the metal lids.

I used several coats to thoroughly cover the metal lids and wooden knobs. I cut a piece of newspaper in the shape of a circle and placed in the bottom of the lid to prevent the paint from adhering to the bottom of the lid.

My finished jars. I plan on using one jar for my cat treats and the other filled with candy will be sent as a birthday present to a family member. The ideas for these recycled jars are endless. Fill will candies for hostess gifts. Allow the your children to decorate the jars with stickers, fill with goodies and give as teacher's gifts. Place socks in the jar, a present, then that recipient can fill the jars with their own items. Again the possibilities are endless.

Now to you:

What would you gift in the upcycled jars?