We turned plain glass jars into wonderful hostess gifts. Frosted paint was used to create a design on the jars, then the jars were embellished with ribbons and fresh greens.

Materials and Tools

scissors
painter's tarp/or large cardboard
pruning shears
hot glue gun and glue sticks
glass jars (peanut butter, jams, salsa, etc.)
painter's tape
frosted spray paint
clear glass marbles
flowers
pine boughs and red berries
ribbons

Create Designs

Use painter's tape to create patterns, like stripes, squares or letters, on the glass jars.

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    Image 1

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    Image 2

Paint the Jars

In a well-ventilated area, spray jars with the frosted spray paint and let dry. Apply a second coat of paint. Remove painter's tape once the paint has dried.

Wrap It in Ribbon

Cut ribbon to fit around jars with enough to make a bow. Glue ribbon around the top of the jar. Layer on a second ribbon and make a bow.

Add Greenery

Cut the flowers, red berries and pine boughs, and add them to the jars.

Finishing Touches

Add the clear marbles to the jars, then add water around the stems of the flowers.

Courtesy of Susan Teare

Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets.