DIY Reed Diffuser

As I was organizing these past few weeks (thus all of the sewing projects last week), I discovered an old milk jar amongest things.  The jar is a simple design without all of the graphics or imprints, perfect for re-purposing in my house.  My inspiration and idea came from a pin on Pinterest by Jaderbomb.  All the instructions you need are on the website and you will be able to make your own reed diffuser like I did.

I used my milk jar, some oils I had leftover from my oil burner and some bamboo skewers I have for grilling. Needless to say a few of the skewers will not be making it to the grill, but bamboo skewers are relatively inexpensive to purchase anyways.  To decorate my jar I used a paw-print ribbon I had in my sewing stash.  A simple use of my jar and now my room smells amazing without the use of nasty chemicals sprays.  Amazing!

Re-Purposing Glass Jars

I am always looking for ways to recycle or re-purpose.  Here's one item that can be used in many ways; Glass Jars.

What can you do with glass jars?  Any glass jar - used spice jars, candle jars, canning jars, etc. will work.  I usually soak the labels to loosen those that are stubborn to remove.  With candle jars I use a candle warmer to melt any remaining wax (which I then pour into a smaller glass votive with a new wick).  And I usually hand wash or put in the dishwasher to clean the glass jar.

Now you have your glass jar ready for projects.  Have a messy desk? Can't find those rubber bands or paper clips?  Organize them into glass jars.  You can even paint and label the jars if you are creatively inclined to.

What do you do with used spice jars (not the plastic ones)?  Clean them up and then you can use them to store your own dried herbs, other spices, spice mixes or rubs and any other small craft item (like beads).



I also use jars for storing my rice, grains, beans, nuts and other baking supplies.  Being able to see the item and having it labeled makes it so much easier to find  in my pantry.  I love the rustic look too.  These jars look great and do not cost very much.  You will also save money by buying the dry beans instead of canned beans and avoid BPA in canned foods.  These make great gift ideas as well.  Measure ingredients for cookies, brownies, hot cocoa into the jars, seal, add a nice cut fabric or a ribbon and a label.  Now you have a great gift item straight from your kitchen to theirs.

Now let's organize the bathroom with your glass jars.  Store your band aids, Q-tips, cotton balls and any thing else you would like.  If you have a beach/ocean theme decor you can hot-glue a seashell to the top.  I even display some seashells that I found and collected as a child.  Very simple decor that also is unique and memorable.

Need some other ideas for your glass jars? 

- glass pebbles

- needles

- beads

- toothpicks

- buttons

- bath salts

- birthday candles

- bookmarks

- paint brushes

- nails, nut, bolts, etc.

I would love for you to share your idea.  Photos are even better.  So what do you do with your glass jars?