Guest post: Bethany's Jars

Today is the last of our guests from the lovely Bethany of bspokeblog and emmylu. Unlike Kara, Claire and Alycia, Bethany isn't new to guest blogging here. She's been so kind to do it before a few times! So a big welcome back to her. Today she is here to share a bit about how she uses and reuses a practical item in a beautiful way.

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First of all, thanks to Mrs. Limestone for having me again as a guest blogger! I so enjoy her blog, and it's a treat to write for you, her readers. Today I want to share with you a few ideas on how to use glass jars in your home and in your decorating. I live in a small cottage in Minnesota, and tend to decorate using a subtle, natural style. Jars are one thing that I use all over my home to hold everything from dog bones to candles! Read on for ideas on how to use this thrifty and fun item all over your own home.




Pictured above, a couple jars sit on display on a shelf in my living room holding clothes pins. Multiples of the same thing have a dynamic, but calming effect. There is a look of consistency, but the trio (third jar not seen in this picture) creates visual interest.

My husband and I have a fun tradition of collecting multiples of one item from every vacation we take. We put these little collections in jars and display them on a shelf. Here you can see driftwood from a trip to Door County, Wisconsin and smooth pink and gray stones from a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior.

In my studio, I have jars to hold rubber bands, large clips and paperclips. Since they look so lovely on my desk, I can keep these necessities close at hand for maximum convenience.

In my bathroom, I have two jars perched atop the toilet (since we have literally zero counter space) holding q-tips and cotton balls.

My kitchen counter is host to this trio of jars that hold loose change, dog bones, and clothes pins (for sealing up bags of opened bags of chips, etc). I also toss wine corks in the clothespin jar to keep things interesting.




Back in the studio, I have this small jar holding sticks of chalk that I use on a small chalkboard frame (see tutorial on how to make your own here).

In the summer, we spend many evenings on the patio, enjoying the long hours of daylight and warm temperatures. I often have a few jars scattered around with small votives burning. It sets a lovely mood, and when it gets dark...

...nothing compares to the beauty of all those candles burning brightly in the many glass jars!


The very best part about decorating with jars is that they are extremely cheap and easy to find. Most of mine were found at garage sales for pennies a piece. Often people who are into canning will sell a whole box of old jars for only a couple bucks. I scoop them up whenever I find them, and always put them to good use!

Other ideas for using jars around your home include ::

- use them to hold lemonade or a signature beverage at your summer party

- put some fresh cut flowers in them on the table for a casual and pretty centerpiece

- fill them with candy, cover the top with fabric and tie off with a ribbon, then give as a gift

- fill with dirt and place herbs in the jar... how lovely some basil or parsley would look growing out of a jar!

- use a small jar on your nightstand to hold keys, watches or anything that comes out of your pocket


I hope you have enjoyed this little collection of ideas for using jars around your home. If you have any other ideas that I did not mention, feel free to chime in and leave them in the comments. I have many jars and am always looking for creative, new ways to put them to use!

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A huge thanks to Kara, Claire, Alycia and Bethany for taking over for a few days. I hope you enjoyed a break from hearing me blabber on about me, myself and I.