Things You'll Need:
- Jar: glass, plastic, metal, cardboard or anything else that can be filled.
- Paper: white or color
- Scissors
- Acid-free pen (ink lasts longer), markers or colored pencils
- Decorative supplies: suggestions- buttons, stickers, felt, material, rhinestones, rub-on used for cardmaking or scrapbooking, glitter, tissue paper, synthetic gemstones
- Permanent markers (optional)
- Hot glue gun or your favorite type of super glue
- Internet access for affirmations
- Alternate materials
- Computer
- Printer
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Step 1
If you are making this jar for someone specific, write or collect affirmations or inspirational quotes that pertain to her or him. The more affirmations you include in the jar, the better, so you might want to search "affirmations" for ideas. Unless you intend to sell the jar (not recommended as it is a gift made with love), using pre-written affirmations should be okay. You can also search this site to read how to write your own affirmations. If you are using your computer, it is recommended that you write the affirmations using a word processing program that allows you to make columns. Using two or three columns makes cutting the affirmations (step 2) much easier.*Note: Be sure to read each affirmation carefully if you are using a published list. Be sure that each statement pertains to the recipient.
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Step 2
Cut out your printed or written affirmations or inspirational quotes into individual strips or shapes so that each statement is on its own separate piece of paper, much like a fortune cookie.
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Step 3
Fold, crinkle or decorate each strip and set them aside while you decorate the jar.
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Step 4
Suggested decorative suppliesUse any craft items to decorate the jar. Keep in mind that you will want to close the jar, so be sure not to decorate the lip or lid in a way that will prevent it from closing properly.This is where you add your own personal style to this jar. You can use tissue paper to line the inside of the jar, or cut the tissue paper into thin strips and wrap around a pen, then slide off the pen to make nice filling to accompany the affirmations.You can also put rocks, stones, buttons, or other decorative items to fill the bottom of the jar for a nice accent. (Hint: searching for rocks shaped like hearts are an extra way to show the recepient of the Love Jar how much you care.)Add buttons, stickers, jewels, rhinestones, or anything else you can imagine to make the jar appealing to the eye.When using rub-ons, be sure that the surface is completely clean and dry before applying your rub-on. You might consider lightly spraying the area with a Matte Finish Spray, such as Krylon's Matte Finish, if rub-ons are not staying. (Rub-ons can be easily removed by simply scratching the area, if a mistake is made.)When using self-stick items such as jewels or felt stickers, be sure to check that the adhesive is strong enough as to not cause item to easily fall off. (These objects can cause choking for small children.) Items can lose adhesiveness if too much or not enough hot glue is used. Super glue works well for objects that are flexible enough to take the form of the jar.Let the jar sit for as long as possible to make sure everything has dried.
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Step 5
Fill your jar with any decorative objects, then add the affirmations. Give your jar to the person you love.
