Breathe New Life Into An Old Glass Jar With This Easy Pressed Flower Upgrade

Picture this: You're rinsing the remnants of pasta sauce out of a glass jar. You open the recycling drawer. You know that plenty of people reuse their glass jars, but you just can't think of what else to do with this one. The last thing you need in the house is more clutter. So, into the recycling it goes!

With so many popular condiments sold in glass jars, this is a common scenario. And if you're having trouble thinking of how to repurpose your glass jars, you're not alone. However, doing so is well worth your time and energy. Repurposing is even more eco-friendly than recycling; plus, it will save you money in the long run! The good news is that glass jars are one of the easiest items to reuse, and there are plenty of ways you can use them to add function throughout your home. Think of them as storage containers for your desk, vases for cheerful flower arrangements, plant propagation devices, candle holders, and more.

In fact, one social media user shared a fresh take on beautifying glass jars that's perfect for springtime. In their video, TikToker @hellowonderful_co showed off an adorable glass jar covered in brightly-colored pressed flowers. These are incredibly versatile, serving as everything from sustainable lanterns to statement decor on your mantel. However you display it, a pressed flower glass jar feels like spring in a bottle! What an upgrade from formerly housing marinara sauce, right?

Putting together your pressed flower glass jars is easy enough. To begin, you'll need your blossoms of choice. Pick them from your own garden or purchase them from a local florist. Some of the most colorful flowers that bloom in early spring include crocuses, daffodils, irises, marigolds, and pansies. Be sure to vary the colors of the buds you choose, unless a glass jar with all-yellow blooms is your goal! You'll also want to think about the size of the flora in proportion to your glass jar — for example, a bigger flower like a poppy or peony will overwhelm a small jar. Lastly, choose flowers that are aesthetically pretty (i.e. no blemishes, fungi, or funky colors) and avoid picking wet plants, as they can grow mold during the pressing process.

There are a few different methods for pressing your flowers. Pressing them in a book is the most traditional method, but you'll be waiting 2 or 3 weeks for the petals to flatten. If you're short on time, you may want to consider the microwave method. Using a microwave flower press, arrange your flowers in the desired shape and microwave for 25 seconds. Air out and continue to microwave the flowers in short 10 second bursts until the petals are completely flat. Once you have your perfectly pressed flowers in hand, apply them to the sides of your glass jar using a crafting glue called Mod Podge. Set aside to dry and prepare to use!