Baby Food Jar Recycling

Now that Mookie is eating lots of baby food, I have all these cute little jars sitting on my counters because I just can't bear to throw them away. So I've been looking for some fun ideas to recycle and reuse the jars. At the bottom of this post are some different tutorials from around the web, but first I wanted to share a little project I made last night.

Personalized Tea Light Holders

 

These are so super easy, and I had all the supplies on hand.

 You'll need:

small jar(s)

spray paint in desired color(s)

painter's tape

alphabet stickers

ribbon

tea light candles

 First, put your stickers in the desire location on the jar. You could then paint the whole jar, or tape it off like I did so you just have one strip of paint in the middle.

Then spray jar with one or two coats of spray paint (thin coats - you don't want it to run & drip on the jar).

After it's very dry, remove tape and stickers. Super easy! If any paint got outside the lines under the tape, just scrape it w/ your fingernail.

I then put a little ribbon around the top and secured with double-sided tape (or you could use hot glue).

Insert tea light and you're done!

These would be fun for a luncheon or dinner party as place cards / favors.

Other Jar Ideas:

This is so adorable! I actually don't have a pin cushion, so this is definitely bookmarked in my "To Make" folder. Check out the tutorial at Craft Pudding.

These baby shower favors are so brilliant! They made their own cute labels to go on the jar - check it out at The Lacey Place.

I am totally in love with this Jar Light Strand by The Little Apartment. She painted the jars, then put them on a strand of lights. How do people think of this stuff? She also has a great Magnetic Spice Rack tutorial (also made from baby food jars).

Ashley at Make It and Love It made these sweet treat jars and has some great ideas & a tutorial here. Change the decor and candy a little and they would be great for any kind of party.

Rachel at Nest Full of Eggs made these cuties with a little chalkboard paint.

Rachel also made this super fun "I Spy Jar." This would be great for the Level 3 jars, and is a great way to use the many tiny toys you might find randomly lying around your house...I know it's not just me.

Finally, Janna and her daughter made these cute Teacher Vases. I love how she made a cute gift that also included a lot of hands-on involvement from the gift-giver.

Leave me a comment with other fun ideas for reusing jars!

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