| It's amazing all the different things | | | | bubbles from getting trapped under the |
| that can be recycled and used in your | | | | paper. |
| crafts. You can use stamps, beautiful | | | | If you want, you can even glue the paper |
| letters and old wrapping paper for | | | | on the bottom of the jar, letting it dry |
| collages. Old newspapers can be used | | | | upside down. |
| for paper maché. Even broken plates | | | | Don't worry if the glue is a milky |
| and tiles can be use for a mosaic. The | | | | color. It'll dry clear and act as a |
| possibilities are endless. | | | | varnish over the paper. The glossiness |
| One easy and fun way to get started is | | | | of the glue will also give the paper |
| by recycling glass jars, canisters or | | | | some feeling of depth. |
| bottles. It's simple, but allows you to | | | | Once you're done gluing, you'll need to |
| create something beautiful and useful | | | | let the jar site for at least 24 hours. |
| for every day living. | | | | If the weather is wet, then you may need |
| In Paris, I use to salvage glass yogurt | | | | to let it sit for an extra day. It'll |
| jars. They were perfect containers for | | | | look dry very soon, but it isn't. It |
| votive candles. These have been a bit | | | | needs to dry under the paper too. |
| harder for me to find since moving to | | | | Once your jar is dry, you can knot some |
| Los Angeles. However, thrift stores can | | | | raphia around the neck of the jar. This |
| be a great place to find little jars | | | | will give it a finished look. If you |
| like these. | | | | like the Bohemian style, you can thread |
| To decorate your glass jar or container, | | | | your beads onto the raphia, and knot the |
| all you need is glue, like glossy Mod | | | | raphia at the ends to keep the beads in |
| Podge, a cheap bristle brush (sold at | | | | place. |
| Home Depot), a little water to moisten | | | | When you're all done, make sure you sign |
| the brush from time to time, and some | | | | your piece on the bottom. Use a Sharpie |
| type of paper. | | | | or some other permanent ink maker. |
| The paper can be tissue paper, Unryu | | | | Now you're ready for a votive candle (or |
| (Indian or Chinese) handmade paper, or | | | | whatever else you're putting in the jar |
| printed paper like you find at Michaels, | | | | or container). When you light it, just |
| Pearls or Blicks. You don't need to get | | | | be careful of the raphia. Of course, |
| the most expensive kind. The paper just | | | | always keep an eye on a burning candle. |
| needs to be slightly transparent, | | | | As you can see, this is an easy way to |
| containing visible fibers if possible, | | | | decorate glass jars, canisters and |
| and of course, in colors that you enjoy. | | | | bottles and do a little recycling at the |
| Also, don't get glossy paper as it could | | | | same time. If you want some variations, |
| be difficult to glue. | | | | you can also use dried flowers instead |
| To finish your jar, you can also get | | | | of the paper, or in addition to the |
| some raphia. There are lots of | | | | paper. |
| different colors available, so you | | | | Depending on the size and shape of your |
| shouldn't have any trouble matching your | | | | jar, you can use it for holding candies, |
| paper. You can also use big holed beads | | | | keeping your jewelry or (for bottles) as |
| of varying colors with the raphia as an | | | | a carafes or a vase for a single flower. |
| added touch. | | | | There are millions of ways to use your |
| To start your project, cut your paper | | | | glass containers. And when you're tired |
| into squares and glue them onto the jar | | | | of crafting, go shopping at the flea |
| until it's completely covered. You'll | | | | market to search for more supplies. |
| need to put glue under the paper, and on | | | | After all, isn't that half the fun? |
| top of the paper. This will keep air | | | | |