A Memory Jar And A New Tradition
How many times have you thought, “Where has the time gone?” I love the beginning of new years — the time for fresh starts and new opportunities. This year feels especially promising. Maybe it’s because last year was so difficult for so many people. So let’s not lose track of time and instead make an effort to savor this year!
An easy and quick way to do this is to make a memory jar for the year. Grab some friends or family and decorate a simple mason jar, transforming it into something fabulous. Then, throughout the year write yourself little notes and reminders of all the events of this year — big and small. Even drop in movie ticket stubs, receipts or trinkets. On New Year’s Eve, gather everyone together again and share with each other your memories. I know I’m looking forward to this new tradition!
Here are some steps to create your own memory jar for 2012:
Tools and Materials:
| Mason glass jar | X-ACTO Knife |
| Magazines or fabric | Scissors |
| Hot glue | Ribbon |
| Modge Podge and sponge brush |
Scrapbooking decorations — buttons, jewels, glitter, etc. |
Directions:
These are just the steps that I took to make my jar. Let your creativity take over! The key is to make a jar that YOU love.
 1. Gather your magazines, newspaper or fabric, and pull together a color scheme. I prefer to tear scraps of paper rather than cut them out. |
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 2. With the Modge Podge, paint a little bit directly on the glass. Then, quickly attach the first piece of paper. |
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| 3. You’ll want to paint more Modge Podge over the paper as well. Don’t worry if it looks messy, the Modge Podge will dry clear. | |
 4. Repeat as many times as needed until your glass is covered. Sometimes, I found it easier to use my fingers to glue and move the paper to lay flat. |
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| 5. When you’re happy with the coverage, coat the entire jar with a layer of Modge Podge. No need to go too crazy, but anything that is not covered thoroughly will likely peel off later. | |
 6. Once the glue is dry, embellish to your heart’s content! I added a ribbon and some scrapbooking decorations. |
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| 7. For the lid, hot glue the seal to the ring. | |
| 8. Lastly, clean up any excess glue or areas that you’d like to remain clear with the X-ACTO knife. | |
As you can see, just about anything could be done to decorate a memory jar. You could decoupage, sew a wrap or even stain the glass containers. Have fun with it.
Here’s to hoping that 2012 is a gloriously memorable year!
Have a few more jars hiding around? Here are some other DIY ideas using glass jars:
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Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
Lace Luminaries
