I am not much of a collector, but the one thing I do collect and keep dear to my heart are jars. I know that seems really ridiculous. But, I love the simplicity of them. The classic look and how they stand the test of time.
And these aren’t just any jars. These jars were given to me by my in-laws who hoard collect everything. And thankfully they do, because we tend to receive a lot of beautiful things! From the very little research I have done, these jars date back somewhere between 1930 and 1950. (They all have glass embossed labels that say: Improved GEM, Made in Canada)
So because I adore these beauties, they have to be on display. And the best way to do that is to use them. I have always used them to store my pantry items like cornstarch, barley, cocoa, oat bran … that sort of thing.
Most of them have beautiful glass toppers and zinc lids, and some don’t, so for those ones, I jazzed them up. I love how they look all lined up in my pantry, but they deserve better labeling than the dry erase marker I have been using! So I decided that a little pretty project was in order!
I headed to Michaels and found a roll of chalkboard paper (yes they make it, and it’s amazingly easy to use! No need for spray painting!). I also used my 50% coupon and bought a pretty little punch. The makings of a really cute label!
So easy! I was done in less than an hour! The hardest part was writing with the chalk. I used regular old chalk, and I should have sharpened the end to make writing easier!
If you are interested in my previous post about Jazzing Up these Jars, click here…
Hi I'm Jo-Anna! I mom. I blog. I cook. I craft. I like pretty things.
LOVE this! How did you affix the cardboard paper to the jars? SO fun!
Flannery @ threesisterz.blogspot.com
adorable *
This is WAY better than painting on chalkboard labels. WAY better! I’m heading out to Michael’s now :)
This is so cool, I didn’t know they sold this!!
Thanks for linking!
XO
Kristin
Great idea!! I love it!!
If you want the look without the chalk coming off you could use a white gel pen to write on it.
So cute! I didn’t even know that made chalkboard paper!
Love this idea!!! They turned out so cute. I’ll have to keep an eye out for chalkboard paper, I had no idea it even existed.
I love it! Classic simplicity!
Chalkboard paper at Michaels?! Oooh, thank you for the heads up–I had no idea!
~ Sarah
Super cute! I had no idea Michael’s sold this stuff ~ going there this weekend!
LOVE THIS I have so many jars I am going to be trying this!
momsofalltrades.blogspot.com
I love labels, but the best part is you can change them out easily!!!
http://www.dashing-home.blogspot.com
I love this idea. I’ve been meaning to make over my pantry and this would be perfect. I’m your newest follower. It would be great if you could stop by my blog Monday and add your project to The More The Merrier Link Party.
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com
adorable!! I love old jars!
Thanks for linking up!! I featured your post on my wrap up post! http://tidymom.net/2011/spring-decor-ideas/
I love them, thanks for sharing.
Stacy
Love this!! I am going to have to get organized and do this! I have been saving all my jars when I use them for something and now I have a way to spruce them up! Thanks!
These are SO cute! I need some of that stuff. I hope you’ll link them up to I Heart Nap Time.
Very cute!
Jo @ SmileMonsters
Love this! I too am an avid jar collector. What a great way to keep organized.
Such a great idea. These would work great for so many different purposes. I loved it so much I had to share it on my Shout Out Sunday post.
http://kimskandykreations.blogspot.com/2011/02/shout-out-sunday_27.html
LOl….I thought I was the only one who saved jars!! I shyly asked at work if they would save their big pickle jars for me… I love your chalkboard labels! & will be using that one!
These are GREAT!! I love the idea!! Thanks for sharing!! I store all my cooking stuff in jars and canisters too. I need to figure out a better way to display them, though. Right now they are all in the cupboard.
I love old things that people have saved…well, most of the time. :)
so cute , thanks FJI for introducing us to you!
d e n i s e
Clever lady! Love the way it looks…I am inspired, will have to make a trip to Michaels. Great post….looking forward to more. Diane
It‘s so nice that I have found your blog about your link on Funky Junk Interiors. So I have scrolled a little and like what I see. Now I’m your new follower! ;)
Take care
Tine
Love them….they turned out so cute!! I didn’t know they made chalk board paper…I will have to check it out!!
Super cute and practical too. I love the little chalkboard labels. I share your jar addiction and store spices and dry goods in jars too.
Suh-weet!!
I first thought “mercy – how tedious to paint all those tiny chalkboard labels on jars”. But NO you used a punch! Amazing!!
I need to check out Michael’s… I purchased (my second) “Wallies” stick on chalkboard just last week. I hadn’t considered cutting it up… First I’ll check Michael’s.
Excellent – thanks for the inspiration!
I’ve stopped by from Funky Junk – nice to meet/follow you!
Sara
http://www.TheOtherEndOfTheCandle.blogspot.com
Way cool way to dsiplay and make use of your vintage jars, hope you stop by my place to see mine.
Sherry
I LOVE jars, I just started using them in my kitchen and I used them for centerpieces in my wedding. Love your ideas!
Oh I love this idea too! Michaels is the best! Cute jar jazzing :)
Delighted Momma
how lovely to have on display. I’m sooooo gonna head to michaels to get some of that chalkboard roll. and the shape of your labels is the BEST.
Love it!
http://www.northerncottage.blogspot.com
I love, love this idea. So clever to use the chalkboard paper- would have never thought of that! I’m a jar collector, too. Thanks for sharing – like your lotion idea, too. Our soap dispenser seems to always be empty!
those ARE so pretty! (:
thanks for linkin up! xo
I’m a Mason jar junkie too. You are so blessed to have the real McCoy in those gifts from your family. Enjoy!
Oh great idea and I linked this to my Mason jars post too – it’s fabulous!
This is FABTASTIC! I must borrow this idea….WOW!
I can’t wait to add this to my kitchen that was featured in the September Romantic Homes magazine!
Now Following!
~Mikey @ Shabby French Cottage
http://www.shabbyfrenchcottage.com
I found you through a link up on IHeartOrganizing and then clicked through to your pretty jars. I love this idea. I get teased all the time about my love of jars – in particular, Ball Mason half-gallon jars for my pantry goods. :)
Thanks for the info about Michael’s and the chalkboard paper!
I love these. Thanks so much for the post–I’m not much of a crafter so I never would have known about these products. I couldn’t find the paper at our local Michaels, but Office Depot had it in their teacher’s department. The paper is self-adhesive, so it makes the project super easy! Now my grains will be all organized in my pantry & I can find what I need. Thanks!
You are so welcome! Have fun organizing – it’s so fun!
Jo-Anna
I did this with my pantry last year, but struggled with the chalk always rubbing off. I did some research and finally found a liquid chalk pen on Amazon (a little pricey, but well worth it). I absolutely love love love the look! It comes off with soap and water but not to the touch! Just thought I would share :)
Heather
Jo-Anna, I went to Michael’s and purchased all of the supplies, but am unsure how to affix the labels to the jars? I’m excited to get started! Thanks.
Hi Cindy! The chalkboard paper I used on these is actually a sticker, so I was able to just peel off the back and apply them. If yours is paper, then I would use any type of household glue. Hope that helps?
Jo-Anna
Hi Jo-Anna, I’m not feeling very smart now…I just checked and mine is the same! Thanks so much for the response. I love your blog!
I do not live close to a Michaels, but found the blackboard labels from the Martha Stewart Collection at Staples last weekend. I had fun filling my jars and labeling them. I love the look! :)
I am a lover of jars too! I’ve gotten some great square canning jars from my nephew as a gift and I am in love!