7 Beautiful Ways to Reuse Empty Glass Jars
I keep glass jars. Like a crazy person.Just last week, after cleaning out the pantry, I spent 20 minutes emptying, washing, soaking and scrubbing a dozen empty jars. Just in case.This flies in the face of my "less is more" philosophy, I know. But they are just so incredibly useful.
Here are 7 of the best ways to re-use your empty glass jars:
(And maybe just make your home prettier at the same time.)
1. As a vase.
This is a fairly standard tip, is surprisingly useful and truly beautiful.
2. Protect ripening strawberries from possums and birds.
Simply pop a clean glass jar over each bunch of ripening strawberries. This allows the warmth and light to reach the berries, but keeps many of the strawberry-loving wildlife out. (This tip is via a beautiful gardening book I received for my birthday, called Harvest by Meredith Kirton).
3. Paint and use to store pens, paintbrushes or tools.
Simple, recyclable and so much prettier than any store-bought storage containers. (via Going Home to Roost).
4. Kids craft storage.
Small herb shakers are perfect glitter dispensers for kids craft. When your cinnamon or cumin is empty, clean out the jar and fill with glitter, sparkle stars or tiny beads. (This tip was found via a comment from Kathryn on Planning with Kids.)
5. Outdoor lanterns.
Another simple, reusable way to bring character to your garden, patio or pergola. You can make them with or without the handle. (I made these ones for Sparky's birthday party last year.)
6. Plant hangers.
A little bit 70s kitsch, and a lot awesome. I'm a big fan of succulent, or any plant indoors, and these (via Apartment Therapy) are a great way to green up your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom.
7. Dry goods storage in the kitchen.
Jamie Oliver does it, and so does Deb from Birdoosh. How pretty do your dry goods look lined up in glass jars? Just ensure you thoroughly clean and sterilise the jars prior to using them as food storage. And any lingering odours can be removed by leaving a tablespoon of bicarb soda in the jar and lid overnight.
Do you have a favourite way to re-use your glass jars? I'd love to hear your tips, as I'm loathe to throw something so useful into the recycling bin...