Recycle Glass Jars Into Your Crafts

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