Join the campaign against environmental pollution by embracing sustainability. One way of doing this is by upcycling your old jars. You can transform your old canning jars with lids into eco-friendly items that are very useful at home. These crafts come in handy for organization, decoration and other practical uses. Here are my creative ideas to repurpose canning jars with lids at home. This includes crafts with the 1-gallon jars with lids and the smaller ones of about 350ml.
1. DIY Lanterns for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Your old canning jars can be transformed into practical lanterns for home use. You will need an LED candle or string lights, glue and wire. To make the lantern, simply glue the LED candle to the bottom of the jar or glue the string lights in swirls around the inside of the jar. Next, tie the wire around the rim of the jar for easy hanging and carrying. For decorative purposes, you can add flowers to the inside of the jar or tie ribbons around the jar.
2. DIY Bird Nest Jar
Do you have a little flappy friend at home? Or you're hoping to get one soon? Then this craft will interest you. Simply take a canning jar with a lid; a large one like the 1 gallon jars with lids. Next, get some hay and spread it evenly inside the jar. Then put the bird inside the jar and cover with a piece of cloth or something breathable for ventilation. You could get a bird with the next from a tree and give it a new home on your table or hanging from the wall.
3. Floating Candle Centerpieces
Give your home a new glow with this floating candle centerpiece craft. They make excellent table centerpieces for occasions and home use as well. Start by filling the jar with water and some flower petals or herbs. Then place a floaty candle on top. The tall, slender jars are best suited for this craft.
4. DIY Matchstick Holder
Matchboxes can easily get wet and be unable to light. But now you can keep your matches safe and easily accessible with this match jar craft. Fill a canning jar with matches, then attach a piece of sandpaper to the underside of the lid. This way, you can keep the matches and the striking surface dry even in a wet environment. This is a good craft if you love wood camping or outdoor campfires.
5. Travel-Sized Sewing Kit
If you love sewing or knitting, you can turn a canning jar into a compact sewing kit. Store small spools of thread, needles, small scissors and buttons inside. Keep this portable sewing kit in your car and it will come in handy when you're traveling or for emergency repairs when you're not at home.
6. Spice Blends and Infused Oils
Canning Jars with lids are great for storing homemade spice blends and infused oils. With an air-tight lid, you are guaranteed no change in taste or colour. You can store your taco seasoning, Italian herbs or BBQ rub. You can add fresh rosemary or basil to the jar of infused oil and let it sit for weeks for a richer flavour. If you make large batches, 1 gallon jars with lids are great for bulk storage.
7. Natural Air Fresheners
No need to spend money on store-bought air fresheners when you can make yours at home. Simply fill a jar with baking soda and add a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Poke small holes in the lid to allow the fragrance to spread. This homemade jar air freshener is natural and affordable. It can last you for weeks or months, depending on the size.
8. Herb Garden Planters
If you love nature as well as enjoy the savory taste of fresh herbs, then this craft is for you. Create your own fresh ingredients and save more on groceries with a herb garden planter made from a canning jar. Simply add small stones, add the bottom of the jar for drainage, fill the jar with soil and plant your favourite herbs such as basil, mint and parsley. Place them on a sunny windowsill and water every day.
9. Drinking Glasses
Join the fight against plastic waste and embrace renewable products. With canning jars with lids, you can create stylish and eco-friendly drinking cups. If you attach a straw through the lid, they are perfect for smoothies, iced coffee or infused water. You can use the jars plainly, or you could paint them in your preferred colors to match your party theme.
Conclusion
DIY projects are creative and enjoyable. Moreso, they offer you a chance to live your dream life. By upcycling canning jars, you are not just creating new items at home, you are reducing waste, and inculcating eco-friendly solutions into your daily life. Go on, pick up those old jars and give them a new life; a life you desire.