Friday, May 11, 2012

Flower Magnet ~ Using Recycled Canning Jar Lids


Items Needed:

~used canning jar lids
~small silk flowers
~glue gun and glue sticks
~empty cardboard box or other safe working surface
~E6000 glue (or other strong glue)
~magnets (we used round)
~scissors or wire cutters


1. Cut the tops of the silk flowers off the plastic stems using scissors or wire cutters.

2. Remove a set of leaves or cut leaves.


3. Glue leaves to the canning lid first, then add flowers in any fashion you desire.

4.  Allow to dry.


5. Glue a magnet to the backside and allow to dry.  

Note:  You can glue your magnets on either before or after you glue on the flowers.

Tip:  Decoupage dried flowers instead of using the silk flowers for the front side.

Tip:  Shop for inexpensive silk flowers in dollar stores, thrift stores, or clearance aisles.

Tip: Pick wild flowers in your back yard.  Press them between two pieces of blank paper, and pile a stack of books on top until they dry.  Using decoupage or white glue, attach them to the white side of the canning lids and allow to dry.







Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Button Jar ~ Using a Recycled Peanut Butter Jar


Items Needed:

~ Washed and dried peanut butter jar with plastic lid
~ 19/64" drill bit and drill
~ scrap wood to drill over, or safe work bench
~ dry erase marker, optional
~ cording, recycled shoelace, or other thick string
~ buttons
~ optional: Strong glue (E6000) to glue down string ends inside of lid


1.  Using a dry erase marker, place a dot where you would like to drill your holes (to appear as thread holes on a button) on the underside of the plastic lid.


2. Drill your holes gently and not too forcefully.  If you press too hard or use a fast speed too quickly, you may crack your lid. Be sure to hold onto your lid with your other hand to hold it in place.  Use safety when working with hand tools.



3. Run cording or string into your lid holes and secure with a knot  (and glue if preferred).

4.  Fill your jar with buttons. 


These fun button jars make wonderful gifts for anyone who sews or uses buttons for crafts.  

They are perfect to add to a child's hope chest.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Wine Cork Herb and Plant Markers

Items Needed:

~wooden skewers
~wine corks
~permanent marker

Simply gently twist one pointed end of the skewer into one end of the recycled wine cork.  Write the name of the plant/herb on the cork with a permanent marker. 

Typically I use a recycled popsicle stick, but today I thought it would be fun to do something different.  

We've also made garden markers using food can lids and nailing holes to spell out the plant/vegetable.  

I think these give the garden a fun look too.

Simple, frugal and fun!

Wooden skewers can be found in the baking or grilling sections of stores.  I have also found them in dollar stores.  

Note:  Instead of skewers, recycle any wire, or other items you may have around your home/farm. 

A friend shared this idea with us.