Baby Food Jar Crafts

Baby food jar crafts allow you to recycle a common household item and transform it into a useful home accessory.

Common Crafts Made from Baby Food Jars

Note: If you don't have any baby food jars handy, the following crafts can also be made from sturdy glass jars of almost any size.

Candle in a Jar

You can transform empty jars into colorful scented candles using bits of broken crayons and vanilla extract from your kitchen.

1. Cut a length of string to use as your wick.
2. Melt a small amount of paraffin wax over medium heat using an old coffee can placed in a pan of water. Add bits of broken crayons to the melted wax until the desired color is achieved.
3. Add two to four teaspoons of vanilla extract per pound of paraffin wax to scent your candle. The more vanilla extract you use, the stronger the candle scent will be.
4. Use tongs to dip the bottom of the string into the melted paraffin. Tie the top of the string around a pencil and place the pencil across the top of the jar to hold the wick in place.
5. Carefully pour the paraffin and crayon mixture into the baby food jar. (Tip: Potholders and goggles are recommended as a good safety precaution.)
6. When the wax has completely cooled, snip off the wick about half an inch above the base of the candle.

Potpourri Air Freshener

Potpourri air fresheners are pretty, yet practical, baby food jar crafts.

1. Fill the baby food jar with potpourri in the scent of your choice.
2. Cover the mouth of the jar with a doily or a scrap of lace and secure with a rubber band.
3. Use a hot glue gun to cover the rubber band with a small bit of ribbon.
4. Add a silk flower to the front for extra decoration.

Journal Jar

A journal jar is filled with helpful prompts to overcome writer's block.

1. Write or type journaling prompts onto heavy cardstock. Visit the Journal Jar website for a list of sample questions.
2. Cut and fold each question into a small strip.
3. Place questions in the jar.
4. Decorate jar as desired.
5. Present the jar as a gift with a pretty pen and blank journal.

Pretty Savings Bank

Make saving money fun by turning an empty jar into a pretty bank.

1. Carefully cut a slot into the top of the jar lid.
2. Paint the jar lid the color of your choice with acrylic paint.
3. Cover the base of the jar in a thin coat of glue.
4. Wrap scraps of yarn in assorted colors around the jar to decorate.

Faux Stained Glass Vase

A small floral arrangement in a decorated jar makes a great gift for someone special.

1. Paste squares of colored tissue paper onto the jar using a foam paintbrush and diluted glue.
2. When dry, add another coat of glue for extra protection and a glossy sheen.
3. Fill the jar with pretty flowers.
4. Tie a ribbon bow around the mouth of the jar for extra decoration.

Party Favors

Baby food jars can be recycled into fun and festive party favors for any occasion.

1. Paint the lids with acrylic paint.
2. Add stickers or decorative rub-ons to the front of the jar.
3. Fill the jars with your favorite candy.

More Great Baby Food Jar Crafts

Still searching for more craft ideas? Check out the following helpful links:

• DIY Crafts has 24 crafts you can make from baby food jars.
• Happy Hooligans has a collection of tips for re-using baby food jars.
• DLTK has ideas for seasonal crafts made from glass baby food jars.

Warning to Parents

While the majority of baby food jar crafts are simple enough for young children to make, keep in mind that the containers are made from glass. To keep your children safe, it's important to supervise them during the construction of baby food jar craft projects.