For a change of pace from the usual scrapbook, create a record of a vacation or special occasion by using mementos, collage papers and a glass jar.
This is a simple project, but one that can have a big impact as both a memory keeper and decorative element. Children will also appreciate having a place to keep all those little mementos that they accumulate on trips to the beach or visits to the grandparents.
Here are the materials you'll need to get started:
- A wide-mouthed glass jar with a lid
- Small mementos and souvenirs such as shells, pebbles, driftwood, a photograph or other paper items
- Sand (optional)
- Mod Podge decoupage medium
- Decorative paper
- Pretty labels, such as the kind use for scrapbooking
- Ribbon
- Permanent fine-tip black marker
- Spray sealer, such as Krylon
- Paper tag with string or ribbon (optional)
For the purposes of this article, the memory jar will have a beach theme. However, the project could work with a number of different themes.
Follow these easy instructions to make a memory jar:
- Choose a jar with a wide mouth so it will be easy to place mementos down inside the jar. Wash the jar thoroughly, either by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Gather together some items that represent a special memory, such as a family vacation. Since the example project is from a beach trip, the contents of the jar include sand, pebbles, a variety of shells, and a photograph. Black and white photographs look pretty, but any type will do.
- Arrange the chosen elements inside the jar until the desired look is achieved. Don't worry about having everything perfectly placed. A casual arrangement works great with this project. For the beach jar, sand went in first, then shells, pebbles and other small items. Finally, the photograph was placed. If your photograph is too large to go straight into the jar, simply bend it lightly. It might be best to use a copy of the original photograph. To give photographs a vintage look, use decorative scissors to trim the border all the way around the picture.
- Use a scrapbooking label (or make your own) to put on the jar. The label can either be glued to the lid or somewhere on the front. Write a caption that includes dates, places, and names using a fine point permanent marker. Use Mod Podge to glue the label to the jar. After the Mod Podge dries, give the label another light coat of Mod Podge. Another option is to use glue dots to affix the label.
- If desired, tie a ribbon around the mouth of the jar to cover the sides of the lid. Scrapbooking ribbon (the kind that is already sticky) can also be used to cover the lid without tying a bow.
- An alternative to gluing a label to the jar is to tie a pretty tag to the jar with ribbon or string. Write any pertinent details on the label in permanent black ink.
Try making memory jars with small and large jars and group them together. A few memory jars look beautiful displayed in a special area, such as a shelf or fireplace mantle. They also make excellent gifts for a grandparent, a teacher, or other special friends.
The copyright of the article Glass Memory Jars in Scrapbooking & Paper Crafts is owned by LuAnne Payne. Permission to republish Glass Memory Jars in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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