Monday, June 15, 2009

Blue Monday : Turning Outdated Glass Jars into Art

A couple of weeks ago, I had an idea to turn outdated glass jars into something functional and more up to date. I am going to show you what you can do with some great yard sale, thrift store or Goodwill finds for little money. I know everyone remembers these glass containers with the designs on them from the 80's right? I see them all the time in thrift stores, and up until lately, I have left them sitting on the shelf.

It was not until my daughter started working at a Country Club and needed something to keep her tips in at home until she went to the bank, that I decided that these out of date jars just might be re-purposed into a more modern look and functional too.

All you need is some of these jars with lids. The one on the left, I bought for $1.00. When I got home, and took the tape off the lid, I saw the lid handle was broken off. I am going to file it as best I can, and go ahead and transform this into a much more desirable looking jar...the broken handle will not be missed. See the little jar in front. That is a jar from the 80's I am sure, I remember that pattern...cost....25 cents. Now grab a few jars next time you are out treasure hunting....

Along with a few scrapbook papers, a rubber stamp and ink pad, a paint brush, some mod podge and a few choice embellishments is all it takes to transform a dated glass container into something decorated with a updated look.

First, tear the papers into small pieces, mod Podge onto glass container and lid. For some reason, I do not have the pictures of the glass container being transformed....sorry, you will have to just follow along with the lid.

I used about three coats of mod Podge. There will be a few lumps and bubbles, but don't worry, once it dries, those will disappear for the most part.

I put this on pretty thick with a brush. Let dry in between coats.

I used a little sticker on the top with Alisha's initial. Then just mod podged over all of it.

Once you have let all the coats dry, it is time to embellish your work. I used some vintage lace and trim along with buttons, ribbons and flowers to embellish this one.

I used a stamp and wrote a message inside the jar. I stamped the paper before it was mod podged onto the outer glass, that way when you look inside, there is a message there. In the lower left are the words "I love you"....you can barely see it....but it is there to remind my daughter I love her!



Here is a look at the stamp work, stickers and little buttons that adorn the sides of the jar.

I used the vintage lace to make a flower, and glued the paper flower on top of the lace one. I like the soft look it gives the jar.

Here is the lid, finished. I used the vintage lace to go around the base of the lid, and put a cute little bow over the lace, the lock and key is a cute little romantic touch I think.

Here is the finished jar. This was made for holding Alisha's tip monies in. She needed something to keep her money in, and I thought this would help conceal her money and look cute sitting on her desk shelf at the same time. I think it turned out really cute. This is super easy...even if you are not a crafter.

So next time you are at Goodwill or garage sales and see those dated glass containers, remember they can be transformed for little money and without much effort. Just choose the colors and theme for your jar, and the sky is the limit. Be sure to report back if you make a jar and let me see your finished product....how fun will that be??

Visit Smiling Sally's Blog for more great Blue Monday participants and Blues. Have a great week everyone!!

52 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful "how-to" and what a great idea. I have seen these countless of times and like you, leave them on the shelf. I will have to pick a few up now, these would make cute gifts for the holidays for teens. Thanks so much. Happy Blue Monday.

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  2. what a great and creative idea :-)

    Happy Blue Monday

    Lots of luv,
    Ita

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  3. How cute! A lot of those jars are a super cute shape but the decorations are not to my tastes. I think I better keep my eyes out for some tacky jars ;)

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  4. Oh now you are amazing! That is totally awesome. The jar is gorgeous and boy are you talented. Looks Vintage! I love it! Happy Blue Monday

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  5. Great how to post. I love that! Happy Blue Monday.

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  6. I've always admired a mod podge jar or dish, but I've never tried one. Maybe once I get into the apartment, I'll give it a whirl. After all, I'll have plenty of time. (Oh, doesn't THAT sound good?)

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  7. Love the process....Thanks for the how to!! Happy Blue Monday.

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  8. What a creative idea! And, inexpensive transformation, as well! Have a great day!

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  9. Useful attractive projects! I plan to use glass containers to hold small bathroom necessities, but with some cover-up of the contents.

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  10. How very clever! I loved seeing how the process was done. Thanks for sharing it with us. Have a wonderful day.

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  11. Well, what else are you going to get involved in? Where you find the time, baffles me. Obviously, you manage your time better then me, and I don't work. As always, you did a super job on the jars.

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  12. I have actually found some time this morning and thought I would visit a few of my favorite blogs. I have been so busy but I really miss keeping up with everyone's posts. I think of it as having a neighborhood of good friends.

    That is an amazing project and even though I need another project like I need a hole in my head I would love to give it a try. I have jars, paper and even the Modge Podge so no expense!! Thanks for sharing.

    Have a Wonderful Week!
    The Raggedy Girl

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  13. This came out wonderfully, Suzann! What a great crafty mom you are!

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  14. Ahh, the wonders of Mod Podge.... :)

    Good job!

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  15. how adorable!!! gotta try this one.
    thanks for the lesson.
    chasity

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  16. Great tutorial Colorado lady....
    Happy blue monday.
    Love Claudie
    xoxo

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  17. What a wonderful jar you have created! Happy Blue Monday!

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  18. i love my tip jar!!!!!! :)

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  19. What a cool idea, Suzanne! You are so creative. They turned out so nice....Christine

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  20. Really nice jars. I liked the mushroom shaped one a lot.
    Happy blue monday.

    The sun just came out a few minutes ago :)

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  21. Those turned out gorgeous!
    Well done!

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  22. Howdy
    Happy Blue Monday
    Wow I actually have a stash of these jars out in the garage I brought back from my moms house
    I just never got around to giving them away or using them they are all boxed up waiting for their updated look :)
    Thank you for such a clever and creative way to revamp these jars.
    Have a wonderful week.
    Thank you for sharing the awesome tutorial !
    Blessings of joy to you .
    Happy Trails

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  23. I've done some decoupage along, but never on glass. Thanks for the inspiration. Sally

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  24. What a great idea*!!! Thanks for sharing this. You've given me an idea for a good hobby*! _Ashley

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  25. These are charming; thanks for the tutorial.
    BTW, if you use a Dremmel to file down the glass handle, don't forget those safety glasses.

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  26. great idea! Hope you had a Happy Blue Monday ~ Susan

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  27. What a sweet thing to do for your daughter. I love that you put a message in it for her!

    Happy Blue Monday!
    Robin@Miscellaneous Thoughts

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  28. What a great idea! Thanks for visiting my blog. I haven't gotten around to posting yet, but I bought an old, handmade carpenters bench that I hope to put on my back porch. Look for a post about it soon! Becky

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  29. Hello my dish soul sister! hehehehe.. what a great project and the outcome is even beautiful! now I meed a jar and I shall drag you for our thrifting trip! hehehe

    happy Monday Suzanne & have a great week! cya on Thursday! hehehehe

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  30. Great idea girl..you always come up with the neatest thing to do..and I love to find new uses for old things..Thanks for coming by and seeing me today...May you have a great week my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  31. Where do you come up with these cool ideas? I had or I probably still have that mushroom jar. Someday, I may get to the back of my large crawlspace and find this stuff so that I can do these projects. ~ Robyn

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  32. You did a great job on this. It turned out so pretty.

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  33. What a great idea! I remember those mushroom shaped jars.... in fact, I think at some point in time I had one. Thanks for stopping by.

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  34. Howdy! I came by yesterday but it just wouldn't post my comment- love the buttons and keys and extra touches on the jar. Hope your blue monday was fabulous. susan

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  35. How cute is that??? I love Mod Podge! Swing by my blog - I'd love to have you as a visitor.

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  36. I love this !!!! SOOOOOOcute---I want to learn how----GREAT JOB.

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  37. What a great idea...love it..

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  38. Mary @Boogieboard CottageJuly 20, 2009 at 9:53 AM

    Wow, what a great idea, the jar came out beautiful! Thank you for the tutorial, it was very inspiring. :O)

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  39. What a beautiful creations. It;s a cute gift idea. THANKS!!! for sharing the GREAT!!! idea. Happy BLUE MNDAY. Geri

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  40. What a beautiful collection. This is a great idea. Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a wonderful day.

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  41. Fabulous redo.... Great and creative idea.

    I am having a blue giveaway so you might want to come on by.

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  42. How creative and beautiful... I read she loves her Tip Jar.
    Thanks for your visit!

    Beth~♥

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  43. Hi Suzanne!
    Happy Blue Monday and thanks so much for stopping by this afternoon!
    Oh~~this is SO cute! What a great idea for old jars with lids!LOVE this and what a great little gift that would make!
    Thanks so much for sharing the tip~
    Hugs,
    Lynn♥

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  44. What a cute idea! Love the little birdie!! Thanks for sharing. Happy Blue Monday.

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  45. Wow, what one can do with a little imagination, patience and glue!!!

    Nicely done!

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  46. Very pretty! You are very creative...Christine

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Sometimes someone says something really small, and it's like it fits into this empty space in your heart!

Thank you for stopping by and leaving your thoughts here, they really mean a lot to me!

Suzanne

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