Blue Monday : Turning Outdated Glass Jars into Art

A couple of weeks ago, I had an idea to turn outdated glass jars into something functional and more up to date.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a Country Club and needed something to keep her tips in at home until she went to the bank, that I decided that these out of date jars just might be re-purposed into a more modern look and functional too.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!!