How many times do you think twice before throwing your empty food jars into the recycle bin? Well, it happens to me just about every day. I swear being a DIYer quickly turns you into a level 3 hoarder.
My problem is the second I lay eyes on a piece of junk or something being thrown into the recycle I get this vision for what it COULD be. The other problem is that I have no idea how long it will take me to actually execute the project. Because our house is on the smaller side, I limit myself to only saving the things that I have a plan for in the very foreseeable future.
Like these recycled jars.
I knew I was planning a Shabby Chic Birthday Party for Baby E MONTHS ago and started collecting these jars right away. I saved every jar that went through our house: spaghetti, apple sauce, olives, and of course baby food jars! I washed out all of the jars, ran them through the dishwasher and removed all the labels. For those stubborn food labels, I filled the sink up with hot soapy water and let the jars soak for about 10-20 minutes or until the labels peeled right off.
I’ve been very fortunate to have a grandma and mom who love sewing and crafts and somehow or another I ended up with boxes of this beautiful vintage lace, ric rac, binding tape and ribbon. Most of these date back into the 50’s or 60’s and a lot of them are still in the original packaging.
I used all of the beautiful ribbon and lace above paired with some burlap and new ribbon to embellish the jars. I love how the different textures and colors to create a very vintage look.
For you moms out there, this is just a remind to not throw away your baby food jars! There are so many things you can do with them including turning them into votive candles like the ones above. I scattered these around the food table at Baby E’s party and it was a nice little detail that cost me nothing!
Using a mixture of jars really carries the eyes throughout the arrangement. The varying heights and sizes add dimension give off an eclectic feel. These jars are not only an inexpensive centerpiece idea for parties and showers, but would make a great spring project for your mantel or windowsill!
This project cost me $.00. The jars were free and would have been thrown out in the recycle anyway and the ribbon and lace could easily be found in your craft supply! So think twice before you toss those jars into the recycle bin the possibilities are endless!
About Taryn Whiteaker
Hi! I’m Taryn! The voice behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. I launched this brand over 11 years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. What started as a small craft and mom blog eventually grew into a full time design and DIY site. My goal has always been to inspire others (especially women!) with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you the tools you need to complete them yourself!
These are amazing! I love every little thing about them.
Hi Taryn, What a lovely blog you have and those jars are simply beautiful!
I do the same thing…jars, bottles…its slightly ridiculous. My poor husband is afraid to throw anything away. haha…
These are lovely. I am working on teacher appreciation ideas and these would really brighten up a teacher’s desk. They’d also be a sweet Mother’s Day gift or just a thinking-of-you present for a friend. How pretty!
Very cute! I love working with recycled jars!
What a fabulous idea! I love the look of lace and burlap, so perfect! Thanks for the inspiration!
Wow! These are so amazing and I never thought you could make something so cute out of recycling.
These are so simple & sweet!! Love them!!
These are beautiful. I love the photos. Stunning. We have the same blog theme :)
I’m definitely a level 3 hoarder. I keep everything! Bottles and jars…oh yeah. I’ve been known to buy a jar of something that I don’t eat just to get the great shape of the jar, ha. You did a great job with decorating yours and I LOVE the pink roses! Saw your link at TT&J’s party.
Have a good weekend,
Shasta
Oh Taryn these are just beautiful.
I too love jars and am in the midst of a huge jar painting craze (http://northshoredays.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/painted-jars-inspired-by-beach.html)
and I also did some fabric votives using baby food jars (http://northshoredays.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/guys-days-are-growing-shorter-and-there.html)
But I think yours came out soooo much better!
Have a fab weekend xx Nat
these are just gorgeous!
Thanks so much for linking up!
I need this on my spring mantel! LOVE IT! I did something similar using doilies and jute for Valentine’s but i like yours better! I’d LOVE if you’d link this up to my link party going on now!
http://www.classyclutter.blogspot.com/2012/04/spotlight-saturday-8_13.html
xoxo, Mallory @ Classy Clutter
Beautiful! I especially like the baby food jars.. we have several thanks to our little playschool baby! Here is my “I Heart Nap Time” offering: http://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/2012/04/bell-bottom-baby.html
Beautiful. I love what can be dun with a jar. I’m so glad I found your wonderful blog. I’m now following on Linky. It would make me so happy if you came and shared this at my Sunday Round Up party going on right now @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/
Hope to see you there
Rose
very cute! I painted some of the exact same jars and used them as planters. I love anything to do with re purposing and jars. thanks for sharing!
Hi! Came over from It’s Overflowing party! These are just absolutely beautiful!! I linked up a jar/vase DIY as well. I love love love the use of the ribbon and lace mixed. How gorgeous. I am gonna look around your blog now ;)
thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing a way to save a few interestingly shaped jars from the recycle bin
Clever girl! I LOVE these. I have a few baby food jars saved up, and lately have been saving French jam jars (’cause they have a cool shape). I think these could also double as gifts and party favours… You’ve got me thinking now! :)
I { L O V E } jars and can’t bear to throw thm out either! These are cute, I’ve done some with rafia that I use for rooting plants.
Beautiful ideas! Thanks for the inspiration:)
Absolutely beautiful! I found you through TT&J.
Thanks for sharing…I’m your newest follower!
Yayyyy for your feature over at TT&J seriously everything you do is SO darn cute! :) Hope you are having a great weekend friend!
Jaime
These are so darling! I keep all my old glass jars (pickles, mayo, olives, salsa etc) but they never get upcycled to anything quite this pretty. I guess I’ll have to start now! Great job ;D I would love it if you would link up to my debut Sweet Sharing Monday! http://saynotsweetanne.com/2012/sweet-sharing-monday/
I came across your blog from UCreate and wanted to stop by and say hello! Cute mason jars…and what a lovely name :)
Taryn @ More Skees Please
I really love this idea! The burlap wrapped around the jars is beautiful :)
Stopping by from Nest for Less party.
Cute vases. These would be perfect for a party or tablescape.
Thanks for sharing,
Laura
These are so pretty! I have some extra burlap from a previous project and this is a perfect use for it! Thanks for the idea. I would love for you to share this at my link party
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2012/04/share-it-link-party-7.html
Those are soo pretty!!
I want to make some now
These are stunning! I love anything made with jars! Please come share these at my link party!
http://herecomesthesun-kelly.blogspot.com/2012/04/fabulous-friday-21.html
Such cute ideas! We’re so glad that you linked up to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday.” We hope you’ll be back soon. -The Sisters
How ADORABLE!!
Yes, I always think what could i do with the jars!!!
i finally decided to keep them… i have a few already…
thanks for the great idea!!!
Oh WOW! These are absolutely stunning. I love the touch of lace. I have a jar-turned-vase project coming up Monday!! Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!
I love these, they are gorgeous!!! Thanks for linking up.
XO
Kristin
So beautiful!
Greetings from Australia?
~Pernilla
So beautiful!
Greetings from Australia?
~Pernilla
Very beautifully done!
Soooooo pretty…as always!
Great ideas and even better execution, Taryn!
Thanks for linking up! : )
Hi! I am just popping over from Flamingo Toes and I love these! I am a shabby chic kinda gal anyway so they were right up my alley! I agree about becoming a class 3 hoarder when you craft – LOL. I am always trying to find Mom’s who will save me baby food jars. I have a great recipe for homemade lip balm and they are the perfect size for gifting that too! Thanks for showing another wonderful way to recycle. I am now following your lovely blog and look forward to seeing what else you create.
Have a wonderful day!
Love this so much that I must try it myself. I have some old blue jars that I have a visual of how they would look like this. Thanks for sharing your talent with us.
Hi,
I followed you over from Chic and Crafty party and these are so pretty!
I would love to invite you to share this, and any other posts you would like to, at my Creative Thursday Link Party at http://www.michellestastycreations.blogspot.com. (Link up until Monday 4-23-12)
Have a great day,
Michelle
These are so dreamy! Featuring you tomorrow! XO, Aimee
Love your project!!!
I currently have a Craft, Create and Inspire linky party going on, i would love you to stop by and link up this project…
http://polkadot-pretties.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/you-inspire-linky-party_21.html
Claire x
Stunning, I love them…perfect for so many occasions!
You are being featured later tonight @ Alderberry Hill.
Thanks so much for linking up to Make the Scene Monday, I hope you can join me again this week!
I heart your blog and heart your projects! I am so featuring this! Just think of all of the people who are going to use this idea for their weddings! :) You are so cool! :)
Jaime
these are so so sweet!! i love the colors & styles you chose — and for each to be different yet so lovely. thanks for stopping by FancyLittleThings.com today – really appreciate it! :)
A beautiful idea, thank you for sharing, it’s nice to be able to use jars and make them even more interesting than vases.
this is a great idea! Just wondering how did you glue the ribbons on? Did you use a hot glue gun or regular white glue?