The idea behind the "thankful" or "memory" jar is to write down events, things, occasions that happen during the year and stick them in the jar. At the end of the year, you sit down and read through the good memories of the previous year.
I love this simple project because it's so easy to forget. I forget stuff all the time. At the end of the year I consider what I didn't get done, not what good things happened (I'm trying to change that!)What a wonderful way to finish out 2015 by remembering the good that has happened and all we have to be thankful for.
I thought I would make some as gifts.
Seems weird? I thought so too but I'm hearing mom-friends (friends who have kids, not friends of my mom!) say they would love to do this for the new year. I know how busy I am and how hard it can seem to get time for creating. I'm thinking my friends, in particular my sis-in-law with three little ones, won't get to making one because of all she does.
I write about making gifts that are practical and not very hard in my upcoming book, 'Twas the Week Before Christmas: DIY Christmas Decor, Party & Gift Ideas for the Last Minute Creative. We can get so consumed with getting or making gifts that are unique or personal we forget the beauty in the practical and simple gifts.
Besides, even the most simple project takes time, not simply the putting-together time but the prep work and shopping. So if you were concerned your gifts from the heart are too simple or practical, let that thought go!
This is a super simple project. I hope my sister will like it and it will be a helpful medium for her to capture some of the special moments she's thankful for in 2015.
Also, I totally messed this "simple" project up the first time around. I looped the burlap over and through the lid so it completely encased the silver. It was sooooo cute. It was also way too bulky to go back on the jar. I pulled all the burlap off (I had glued it on with hot glue) and I still couldn't get the lid on. The dried glue was not coming off.
So don't wrap the ribbon all the way around the lid!
Materials
Mason jar- any size will do
Letter Stickers (or rub-ons. I couldn't find many in my local craft store).
Craft paint- if you want. It adds some pop to the lid but it's not essential.
Thin burlap wrap or piece of ribbon
Glue gun
Pretty craft paper
Instructions
Note: This project takes ten minutes to put together BUT the paint needs a few minutes to dry. I would paint my lid first and leave it alone (give it 30 minutes). Then come back and put together the jar.
I wrote out the phrase "2015 Thankful" on the jar. Depending on the size of your stickers and your jar, you can make it a longer phrase or even write names.
Decorate the lid. I painted the top of mine. I let some of the words peek through. It was supposed to add a bit of a pop, not cover it completely If you DO want to cover all the words on the lid, I suggest putting a layer of gesso on the top of the lid, letting it dry, then adding your color.
Add a bit of glue on the outside of the lid. Wrap your ribbon or burlap in a single line around the lid, holding it down for a few seconds so it adheres to the glue. Make a bow if you'd like for an extra flourish.
Add some pretty craft paper and a pen inside to make it easy to write something quickly.
Have you made a Memory Jar? How did you decorate it? I'd love to see your pictures!
The post 10 Minute Christmas Gift: Memory Jars appeared first on Launch Your Creative Life.