Monday, November 23, 2009

Thrifty Gifty #2—Use Glassware to Create Beautiful Display Pieces

Joining Made it Monday at The Persimmon Perch.

Thrifty Gifty is a series running through Christmas of very inexpensive gifts you can make with thrift store and dollar store finds. There will be linky parties every Friday in December before Christmas for you to share your ideas.



This one has been around the blogosphere recently in various forms. I gave some basic pointers and showed how to make a mini cake stand in this post.

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There are so many things you can do with this basic concept that I think it’s worth revisiting. This time I’m going to show you some really pretty DIY apothecary jars.

For any of these projects, you will need candlesticks. In a pinch, you can buy these at a dollar store, but I like to find a variety of heights and shapes at thrift stores. It gives you more options and adds interest, plus they are often under $1 at a thrift store. For the best contact when gluing, try to find ones with a decent flat surface at the top edge, rather than just a a thin rim.

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For apothecary jars, you will need covered glass jars. The types of jars shown below are quite easy to find and come in different sizes. They should cost anywhere from .50 to $3 at a thrift store, although in my experience, $3 is really a little too high. I don’t spend that much on them anymore because I know I will find them for less somewhere else, soon.

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I happened to have several different sizes of the straight-sided ones, so that’s what I’m going to use. After applying some E-6000 glue to the top rim of the candlestick, center the jar on top of it and let it dry. That’s it! Done!

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I think this is really beautiful! See how having the different heights is much more interesting than having three of the same exact candlestick from the dollar store?

BTW, I just noticed that mine have a really similar look to these from Pottery Barn, without the $39-$69 price tag.

Below, I went with two jars of the same size at different heights. Filled with peppermint sticks, they look really festive! (I didn’t actually glue any of these because I wanted to show several different styles.)

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You should be able to make one of these jars for $1-$3, not including the glue, which will last you for many more projects. My guesstimate on my cost for all three jars in the top picture is about $5.25.

One pointer for you: you do need to give some thought to scale/proportion. In this photo, the candlestick base is really too big for the jar. A much larger jar might work, but in my opinion this candlestick is better suited for a cake plate.

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And here’s one final idea: while I was taking photos I thought of these votive holders I found not long ago at Dollar Tree. They would also work quite nicely atop a candlestick, and at about $1.50-$2 each to create, they would make an inexpensive and pretty gift!

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Use your imagination with this concept. What else would look fancier with a candlestick base?

20 comments:

Barbara Jean said...

These are awesome!
How much better they look with the added height!

Glad to know what glue to use too.
thanks

barbara jean

Mel said...

These look wonderful.

I've recently done the same thing, but I used mismatched stemware, turned them upside down (nice flat surface), then glued bowls to them.

When I find the time to start my holiday decorating, I am going to fill them with fresh cranberries.

cindy said...

I'm adding to my collection of mismatched candlesticks and apothecary jars to make several of these. Love all the ways you put these together.

Marianne said...

they look so lovely. I only wish our thriftstores would have those glass candlesticks and jars too. But no luck on that front here, so I guess I'll just admire yours from a distance.

Kim said...

I'm SO usin' that candy cane idea. Love it!!

Wishes and Whimsy said...

I recently started following your blog--what wonderful ideas you have! I love your apothecary jars! I am in the process of making some from an idea from another blogger using wooden candlesticks, but I also really like the all glass look!

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

LOVE the one with the buttons. :) Pretty, pretty!!

Jocelyn said...

Oh my these are beautiful!! I love this idea. I am going to try to make these up for Christmas gifts. I've never used this kind of glue before, but I will look for it too. Thanks for these inspiring posts.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com

Old Time Cindy said...

Glad to hear you use E-6000 also. Everyone seems to use gorilla glue and I was beginning to wonder if my choice was wrong. I've been enjoying doing this type of craft for gifts this year. Thanks for sharing!
Living it up at Lakewood,
Cindy

Melinda said...

Love this idea-now if I could just get going with what I've collected so far. Gotta get the glue.

Melinda

Niki Jolene said...

I love these decor ideas. I usually grumble at the site of these apothecary jars because it seems like all the thrifty bloggers have them and happen upon them all the time while thrifting. I never see any!

But that all changed when a brand new thrift shop opened up this past weekend and they had a whole shelf full. But I just might have to head back to get 2 more to put my family's favorite peppermint sticks in.

:)

Julie G. said...

I really love this series!! I wrote about it on my blog today. I even made a glass creation of my own!! Love it!! :) Thanks for sharing your positive spirit! :)

arkie said...

Love the jars with the peppermint sticks! Great display possibilities!

The Prudent Homemaker said...

I love your pretty jars! I never see any here; I would love to, though! I would be thrilled to pay $3 for one!

Instead, the extra buttons in my sewing room are in a quart canning jar, with a lid. It's still pretty, and I used what I already had.

Julie said...

I love love love this idea! The peppermint sticks really set off the glass jars. So cute; I will have to keep my eye out for some of these. Thanks for posting to Made it Monday! Jules

Julie said...

I love love love this idea. So cute; the peppermint sticks really set off this little glass creation. I will have to keep my eye out for some. Thanks for posting to Made it Mondays! Jules

sweetjeanette said...

So pretty! You have a good "eye" for what works! Beautiful!

sweetjeanette.blogspot.com

Amanda said...

they look great, sadly i've purchased those from PB. never again, thanks for the tip

Christine said...

I cant believe what a great idea this is!! I loves these kinds of jars, but they are SO EXPENSIVE!!! THANK THANK THANK YOU!!! I will be making tons of these!!

Tereasa said...

I would love to pin this on my pinterest board, but you don't have anything on your blog indicating that would be ok. Along with a lot of other people trying to keep pinterest legal, I am being cautious about copyright. Will you please consider adding a pin-it button and email me if pinning your ideas is ok? Thanks! hispenonmyheart@gmail.com