I used to write a blog called Cute, Smart and Organized that was aimed at reminding you just how amazing you already are. The following is a post from that blog.
My family used to go canoeing in the summer, and my parents were always sweet to help me keep an eye out for small, flat stones with a tiny hole eroded in them from the river water. I would bring these rocks home and lace onto a piece of string to make a necklace. If the stone just happened to be heart-shaped, it was all the better.
My boys are constantly bringing home their own little keepsakes like this. Seashells, an especially pretty branch of pinecones and special rocks all come home from our trips in pockets and suitcases.
I recently ran across this picture in a Ballard Designs catalog that gave me the idea to make little jars for all the treasures they bring home. Aren't they pretty?
Here's what you'll need to make your own:
Glass Jars: I used a three-pack of spring-hinge jars by Spare Parts at Hobby Lobby, $5.99
Clear-drying Glue for Glass: Try Weldbond, approx $6 on Amazon
Sea Shells
Metal Label Holders: I used a multipack by Spare Parts at Hobby Lobby, $2.99
Jute Twine
Paper, Pens, and Scissors
...And here's what you'll do:
Following package directions, glue your sea shell to the lid of the jar and give it plenty of time to dry. Patience, patience...
Using your Metal Label Holders as a template, cut the Paper into rectangular labels. Give each label a title, such as the name of the beach where you collected your sand or the year of your vacation, and write it out in your prettiest (or your child's cutest...or your printer's trendiest...) handwriting.
Mold the Metal Label Holders to match the curve of the jar by holding the Label Holder against the jar and pressing with your thumbs from the center of the Holder to the edges.
Thread a 10-inch piece of Jute Twine through the Label Holder, going in the hole from front to back on the right, across the back, and out the hole, back to front, on the left. Center the Label Holder on the jar, wrap the twine around the back, and tie tightly to secure. Trim the tails as needed.
Wrap another 10-inch piece of Twine around the mouth of the jar, and tie it in the front with a handsome square knot. Fray the ends of the twine.
Slip your Label into the Label Holder, and you're all set to fill your jar with treasure.
Here's another look at the finished product:
Does your family save mementos like this from your vacations? Show us how you display them! What kind of keepsakes would you store in your jars?
You are so Cute, Smart and Organized!
Gin