jars

How to Organize Craft Supplies
Organization

Cool Idea: Jar Up Junk

Nearly all DIYers find themselves surrounded by loads of crafty stuff.
by

Nearly all DIYers find themselves surrounded by loads of crafty stuff. From screws to buttons to magnets, organizing all the little pieces can be more of a task then the projects themselves. Instead of flinging the baubles into the nearest toolbox or plastic container, Good Housekeeping suggests organizing them in a easy and green way. Just take a few recycled small jars, screw the tops of them into the bottom of a shelf then twist the jars back on. If, like me, you don't have a craft closet or space in your pad perfect for the simple storage solution, this is also a great idea for a work area in a garage or near a tool bench.

Decoupaging Glass Containers For Other Uses
DIY

DIY: Découpaging Darling Jars

Every time I go to an art museum, I leave wanting to stop by the paint shop for a new canvas of my own.
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Every time I go to an art museum, I leave wanting to stop by the paint shop for a new canvas of my own. I've tried it once and I was no closer to being the next Monet than I was at birth. But crafty boutiques? They have a little more to offer someone of my artistic level.

I recently spotted a bevvy of old glass jars that had been découpaged with fabulous fabrics. A bit pricier than I expected, I thought I'd try to do it myself. I've dealt with paper projects before, but this was my first try with new textiles. Lucky for me (and potentially you!) it was a shockingly easy project that cost very little and added personality to my guest bathroom. Find out how to create these little jars on your own!

Simple Tip: Save Old Glass Jars
Eco

Simple Tip: Save Old Glass Jars

Instead of recycling glass jars, go eco chic and place them in the dishwasher.
by partysugar

Instead of recycling glass jars, go eco chic and place them in the dishwasher. Once they're clean, hold onto them. I started doing this last year and have come to rely on the glass jars for a variety of uses. They're incredibly convenient for mixing salad vinaigrettes and can hold simple syrups, homemade marinated artichokes, or quick pickles. They also make a great substitute for tupperware when filled with leftover sauce or gravy. If cooking isn't your forte, employ the glass jars as whimsical candle holders!

Is anyone else addicted to saving glass jars?

How to Heat Syrup
Tips

Simple Tip: Heat Syrup in Hot Water

During our girls Winter weekend, my sister made the most delicious corn cakes with spicy sausage for breakfast.
by partysugar

During our girls Winter weekend, my sister made the most delicious corn cakes with spicy sausage for breakfast. Since we were feeding a crowd, it was necessary to heat the entire bottle of maple syrup.

While you can easily heat syrup in the microwave, the best way to heat syrup or ice cream toppings is in a pot of hot water. The temperature gradually increases and no burnt or caramelized crystals form.

Start by filling a large saucepan with water. Loosen the cap on the syrup and gently place the bottle in the water. Heat over medium-high heat, bring the water to a simmer, and warm the syrup. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it doesn't burn.

Got a tip for heating syrup? Please share with us below!

How to Open a Jar With a Spoon
Tips

A Spoon Saves the Day

It's frustrating when a jar lid is exceptionally hard to remove.
by partysugar

It's frustrating when a jar lid is exceptionally hard to remove. I always hear my father's voice say, "pretend you're on a desert island and that's all you have to eat." After a childhood of that, I've figured out a no-fail trick for opening difficult jars. The secret ingredient? A simple spoon. Here's what you do:

  1. Hold the spoon in one hand and the jar firmly in the other.
  2. Nestle the spoon in the crack between the lid and the glass. Push up and back. You want to break the seal.
  3. Press up with the spoon to loosen the lid. If the seal does not break, rotate the jar and repeat, pressing up and back with the spoon until you hear a pop.
  4. Let go of the spoon and twist the lid off. It will come of smoothly and easily.

How do you deal with frustrating lids? What's your trick to remove them?

YumSugar Gift Guide: Jars of Joy
baking

YumSugar Gift Guide: Jars of Joy

When I was a wee little kid, I remember our neighbors bringing us jars full of flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients as a Christmas present.
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When I was a wee little kid, I remember our neighbors bringing us jars full of flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients as a Christmas present. They were wrapped with beautiful bows and ribbons, but I didn't understand how a jar full of dry ingredients equaled an awesome Christmas gift. Then, a few days later when my dad turned that jar into a batch of fantastic cookies I figured it out. They gave us the ingredients and the recipes needed to make something tasty.

If you were hoping to handout holiday cookies this year, but didn't quite get around to it, why don't you do the next best thing and give them the ingredients they'll need to make their own? It doesn't have to be cookies either, you could do pancake mix, soup mixes, cakes, or hot chocolate. To help you figure out where to begin I've rounded up some recipes, as well as tips on how to prepare them. To get inspired, read more