Reuses for Glass Jars

[coupondink]

Okey....I got a slamming deal at ACME on Ragu. But I am soon to have 22 empty pasta sauce glass jars.

Since I am an eco-freak, I would to hear everyone's ideas about uses for glass jars.

There is already a wonderful thread on this board for product reuses. Please keep this particular thread for glass jar reuses only.

Any pictures would also be appreciated. We love pictures!!!

I have searching the internet for days and simply can't find enough info on this. Knowing the crafty and clever folks on this board...I am sure I can learn a thing or two from you.

Today I painted the lids of 2 Ragu jars and put fancy bulk spices in them. It is beautiful!
But I hit a snag. I used those free paints we got at Riteaid a few years ago. The poster paint kind. I did about 6 layers, but the writing still shows through a little bit.
Ok, so do you spray paint or paint the lids? What type of paint??
Then can you wash them??? Or will the paint wash off? Should I polyurenthane them?? Any ideas for painting lids that I can then throw in my dishwasher (the greatest invention on the planet, thank you).

Okey.

Here are some ideas I kinda like:
-- storing bulk pantry items - spices, mixes, baking powder, rice, pasta, etc.
-- storing buttons, paper clips, rubberbands, other small office supplies
-- pen holder
-- small jars are good for storing screws, nuts, bolts, etc
-- gifts (like homemade candles) intrigue me....any ideas or pix???


I've attached a photo of the start of my jar usage.
It took me all of 3 minutes to snap the photos, reduce the size of the photo in photoshop, and load it.....so please post photos if you have a digital camera!! I think the reason the stockpiling thread is so wildly successful and inspirational is due to the pictures. I know that seeing the pictures is what inspired me to start couponing. Hearing about it is one thing, reading about it is one thing...but to see it..inspirational!!! So if you have photos, or wouldn't mind sparing 5 minutes to take some...of your uses of glass jars....it would be appreciated. If we could SEE the uses, perhaps...just perhaps...people would be inspired to recycle, reuse, go green.

Thanks everyone!!

[oceanbreeze]

*vases
*put one in a gerbil/hamster cage w/ tissues in it and they'll make a nest
*keep BTFE, coke code caps in them...
*Replace lid w/ a pump lid and fill with handsoap for bathrooms
*store garden seeds in them
*make citronella bug lamps
*spare change banks
*lawn lanterns (place a votive in each and line the walkway for a festive look)

[naglady]

put a new canning lid on it and use them for canning, my parents alway reuse jar like that, they also reuse mayo jars.

[JCausby]

You could use them for Chrismas gifts ... get a big bag of Pistachios at Sams and fill each jar and then take a small piece of red fabric to cover the lid and then use a green ribbon to tie it up.

[collectorofbells]

gifts in a jar (do a google search)

get the innards from the craft store and make a lamp...fill the jar with marbles, shells, toy cars...whatever..

coin banks..paint the outside...punch hole in the top

make your own snowglobes (again...google)

I saw this in a fancy magazine but anybody that can craft could do this....all it was..
glass canning jar
a small plastic church, a couple of small plastic trees
a evergreen garland
and twinkle lights...

glue the church ect to the bottom..put the lights and evergreen garland behind it...plug it in!

and for that they wanted 20 bucks! plus shipping!

[collectorofbells]

use them for luminarys...( I always did this at halloween) punch a few holes in the tops, a votive candle and a handful of kitty litter for stabilty...light the candle..putting the top back on will keep little fingers and costumes out..

punch holes in the lid and use like a giant salt shaker for rock salt/kitty litter mix in the winter

punch hole in the top and go catch lightening bugs!

[amys]

You can actually can in these with the current lis - as long as there is still the rubber on them. While companies do not recommend this, it is perfectly fin My mother and I have been doing this for years. Generally they can be used for 2 more times safely. After that, just find a new ring and lid that fits.

If you are crafty - I like to make granola or candy or something small and edible to give as a gift and fill the jar. But I will Modge-Podge the entire outside, clip out a nice picture from wrapping paper and modge-podge that to it also. The clip a matching picture and trim to fit the outside of the lid and modge-podge to the lid. You can add some fabric, ribbons, or lace to the edge of the lid. MAkes a great gift and most people will regift the jar with something new in it.
That is a tradition I am trying to start with these jars - so this year I am adding a tag to them with a rewrite of the poem about the plate, asking them to refill it and pass it on.

[cundiff2001]

cookie/ cake/ other baking items in a jar

layer all dry ingredients for a particular baking project, tie directions around lid w/ pretty bow. put piece of fabric over jar top first so you don't have to paint it.

good christmas gift

[maree_strawberry]

Yes, Gifts in a jar recipes & printable gift tags..

Gifts in a Jar | Organized Christmas

Gift in a Jar Recipes, Jar Recipes, Jar Mixes


Gifts in a Jar Recipes


Gift in a Jar Recipes - Index - Easy Gift in a Jar Recipes

[Andra]

I know someone that always gifts recipes in a jar:
1. Fill jar with the dry ingredients for cake, cookies, or even soup.
2. Type or write recipe directions on a little card and punch a hole in the corner
3. Cut out a piece of cloth a couple inches larger than the lid
4. Glue the cloth loosely to the top of the lid, place the lid on the jar
5. Take a piece of ribbon, twine, or yarn and put it through the hole in the direction card, then tie it around the cloth-covered lid.

Here's a website with some good recipes and examples of what they look like: Gift in a Jar Recipes, Jar Recipes, Jar Mixes