I love seeing the big displays of things around the holidays in large apothecary jars but I always have this mental block about spending $100 on jars just to fill them with $100 worth of candy or decorations. It seems like there should be an easier or less expensive way — and now there is!
Heather Mann over at Dollar Store Crafts has been coming up with new ways to craft and repurpose Dollar Store items for several years now. Although I've always loved her work, this apothecary jar transformation stopped me in my tracks. Although big, expansive jars are beautiful in their own right, sometimes a less expensive option is needed!
Heather used a glass candlestick, a glass lidded jar and some E-6000 glue to whip up her creation and I love the look. Try making a few for your next party, simply filling them with spider webs and a single plastic ring spider would give a neat effect. Add an electric tea light and you've got yourself a spooky setting for pennies on the dollar.
Check for lidded jars that don't stick, sometimes the rubber around the neck can be a little too strong and we wouldn't want small hands struggling. Try removing the ring all together or shaving it down with a Dremel tool to give it a little less staying power.
Check out the full details on the project over at Dollar Store Crafts.
Image: Heather Mann
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Heather, these are so smart and stylish! I love it!
I did virtually the same thing with some beautiful wooden candle holders for the bases they worked great.
Great idea!
But, for what it's worth, I've picked up lovely, HUGE apothecary jars at Home Goods for less than $20.
cute idea but I have to agree that beautiful apothecary jars are available for $9-$14 at TJ Maxx. Also got large bell jars for that price.
They also have beautiful apothecary jars at saveoncrafts for 20-30 bucks: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/apothecary.html
The advantage is they don't look like a candy jar glued onto a door knob.
Even if you find them around the $9-$14 mark, purchasing 4-5 of them and then things to go in them still seems high for decoration right? Or am I just too cheap these days?
E-6000 is an awesome glue, great ideas!
also Michael's and other craft stores (the same place you'd buy these parts to build your own jars) sells discount apothocary jars
Some people are mean on blog comments, sure, and I'm not condoning that, but I used to enjoy when one or two people disliked something. Made me feel like this wasn't some mommy blog, but a real design source. Some recent posts could stand a good talking to. Especially some of these Room for Color rooms.
Are you editing more stuff, or does everyone really like everything on here now?
I think people decided it wasn't worth criticizing anything because the Meanie Patrol would swoop down to scold you, no matter how respectfully phrased, constructive or relevant your criticisms.
I haven't read the words in this post other than the title yet. I just saw the pictures, and I immediately blurted out loud (even though no one else is here), "Oh, you are so clever! Seriously. Why didn't I think of that?!"
Off to read the post now...
Glass candle sticks like these are also great holders for large garish Christmas ornaments on a mantel.
the only problem i would have with this is making sure that the candlestick was sturdy enough to hold the glass jar on top. and i think the picture doesn't do them justice; i'd like to see them with colorful things inside.
A dissenting view doesn't always need to be taken as criticism. As long as the post isn't insulting, I think people should feel okay posting their honest reactions.
The two jars shown above do 2 things to me:
1. They look wobbly, because the base is very small (is not made to hold a big thing like the jar)
2. They look like an ordinary jar glued to glass candle holder. I, personally, do not like the look.
you can get the same thing (with your mind set at ease reguarding sturdy-ness :P lol) at Hobby Lobby for around $7, after the usual 30-60% off they always have around the store. that place is a death trap, i swear!
"fill them with $100 worth of candy"?
that's either really expensive candy, or listerine strips taken out of the package, which would be really crappy candy.
Honestly I think these look cheap and homemade ... which I guess is what they are. I dunno, I'm all about saving money, but cheap and homemade for the sake of it doesn't thrill me. I'd rather spend the money and have something that looks nice.
Not my favorite look for apothecary jars, but the concept could be used for other things. I have made several really cute dessert pedestals with old thrifted china and candlesticks just like the ones used here.
I agree with colleen2009....the E 6000 glue rocks!
Well here's you contrary opinion and I was going to post it before you even asked!
I think it's a good idea but they just don't look right to my eye. The lines don't flow naturally - I *might* not notice if I didn't know how they were made, but now that I do that's all I can see. They look a little too much like a jar on a stick; I'd rather try and find the real thing cheap for my own home. They also don't look very stable.
You could use the idea of this to make a footed serving plate.
I appreciate some of the comments perceived to negative because they (1) give ideas on how to do the same thing with less money or effort, (2) give ideas for something better, (3) make me think of things I hadn't thought of that might be useful for projects I'm planning, or (4) validate my own opinion.
I sense very heavy editing in the room for color contest. Why so few comments this time and why are they all so brief? I'm not enjoying this year's contest as much as previous years.