Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Mason Jars

 Let me start off this post with a short story :)
     
            One day Ma and I went grocery shopping. I was in a mood for some pickles. My favorite type of pickles would be bread and butter which are the type of pickles that are sweet. The sour ones are supposed to be in sandwiches. I think that's how it goes... Anyways, I bought some pickles and took it home. Since my stomach was hungry I ate the whole jar. Best pickle feast of my life. Of course I didn't feel so good afterwards but it was worth it! What was left, was an empty mason jar sitting there on the table. Don't you think it is a waste to dispose perfectly unbroken glass in a cute shape? Light bulb! That is when I made it into a pencil jar! A perfectly wide shaped jar can be used as a pencil holder for the dining room! This wasn't much of a story but the idea was so straight in my face. Many doubted my creativity (ack-hemmm Chubster) but could not foresee the practicality of this piece of storage.
            Before the 19th century, people have been struggling upon the preservation of food. Many methods such as freezing, salting, and air sealing food have some set backs when it comes to the taste of the food. People stored grains and vegetables in these jars in a cool area. Who knew something this simple could be so useful? Eventually in 1809, a Frenchman names François developed a way to keep cooked food preserved.
            Enough with the history of this item, what about how cute it looks?!?

1. More Storage


                Just like what I did, using a pickle holder for a cotton holder is genius ;) This clever trick can be used for pencils, bathroom items, crafts, and so much more. When you use a mason jar for something other than pickles, it somehow feels more organic. It's a really weird feeling but whenever I use a mason jar it makes me feel homey and country like. It is very strange but it makes me feel happy :D
2. Growing Life
                
                Nothing feels more natural than growing vibrant colors of earth in a jar. Like I said before, this trick would instantly make your mood a little brighter. It is actually proven that colors in your environment can change the way you feel. My room is purple, which is a color that releases stress (supposedly.) You don't just have to grow herbs and grass, you can plant some flowers in it too. Soil is optional. When someone special gives you some flowers, why not use the jar as a vase?

3. Glitter it Up
               
                This simple DIY project is so easy and fun to create. How adorable can it get? Simply crazy glue your little figurine onto the lid of the jar. Next, put water and sparkles into the glass. Once the figurine is tightly inserted, put some glue on the top of the jar where the lid goes and tightly seal the two together. 
4. Floating Fires

                    Lastly, we have here a small candle floating in water. This unique find would be great for summer picnics. I've never tried this idea but the candle should have some metal holder below it. This picture doesn't show a metal cup like holder underneath the candle. I don't think the candle will last for very long because it will lose it's shape. However, this beautiful piece of outdoor furniture can light up the dark crisp air of the summer.

                     There you have it! Four creative ideas you can try using a pickle jar/ mason jar. I hope you try some of these out one day. Mason jars just make me feel inspired and