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Craft: Apothecary jars

Transform unused glasses into handy, stylish jars.
Glass-Jars

Welcome to my very first Weekly craft page! Here, I show you how to create your own trendy apothecary jar. They’re simple to make, easy on the pocket and are versatile too.

Apothecary jars are not only super-stylish and bang on trend, they’re also useful and can be works of art in their own right. Make your own using lidded jars, and search out chipped or odd-cut crystal glasses, glass candle holders or ice cream sundae dishes to use as the base of your apothecary jar (try second-hand stores or op shops).

Use your jars for lollies, baking, toiletries, craft supplies or even those annoying little bits from your kid’s toys that you keep stepping on!

What you’ll need

  • Glass container and jars with glass lids

  • Glasses, candle holders or dishes for the base

  • Glue suitable for glass or earthquake wax (both can be found in hardware stores).

Assemble a collection of jars and bases.

  1. Assemble a collection of jars (for the tops) and bases (for the bottoms) and try pairing them together to see which ones work and which don’t. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the base is narrower than the jar and that the jar is roughly twice the height of the base.

Spread glue on the top of the base, where it touches the bottom of the jar.

  1. Following the instructions on your glue, spread a good amount on the top of the base, where it will touch the bottom of the jar.

Press the jar on top of the base.

  1. Firmly press the jar on top of the base. Set aside to dry completely as per instructions. Once your jar is completely dry, fill and display with your treasures.

TIP Earthquake wax is a great substitute for glue as it doesn’t require any drying time and isn’t a permanent solution. Place small balls of wax around the top edge of the base, where it will touch the jar, then press the jar firmly on top. If you find that the assembled jar is a bit wobbly, add more wax.

Take a look at how to make teacup candles here.

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