The Clever Way Book Lovers Can Reuse Jars To Upgrade Their Library Display

Every book lover knows that the thrill of reading goes beyond just the pages. Reading is about the journey, the transportation to another world. Through vivid imagery and unforgettable characters, these stories stay with us long after we've closed the last chapter. Whether you're traipsing through an enchanted forest, fighting crime in a bustling city, or training for the end of the world — anything feels possible when you're living in these stories. What if you could bring these worlds to life, right in your home? 

One of the many clever ways to reuse old glass jars around the house is to make a simple, book-themed DIY diorama. This miniature, whimsical world can encapsulate the essence of a book lover's favorite stories without costing an arm and a leg. With these tiny dioramas, you can add a personalized, magical touch to your bookshelf and create a reading nook you'll never want to leave. Showcase the stories you treasure by reusing or making items to create a one-of-a-kind decor piece that transports any story from the page into your home.

To start, find any clear jars you have lying around. We suggest an old mason jar or pickle jar, but you can even use a candle jar that's had the wax completely removed. Just be sure to clean the jar thoroughly and remove any labels. Decide on an arrangement and maybe start with a sketch to determine the layout. Think about the scene you want to portray and what elements to feature. Are you designing a tranquil garden, a cozy hobbit house, or the inside of a magical castle?

To decorate the inside of your jar, you'll need some miniature furniture and decor. You can reuse old dollhouse furniture or prepare air-dry clay, polymer clay, or craft foam to make your own. You could also simply purchase a kit from Amazon, like this Flever Dollhouse DIY Kit. Gather paints and brushes for adding tiny details or for designing your DIY miniatures. Decorative items like moss, pebbles, twigs, or small figurines can all help bring your story jar to life. 

Once you have the layout planned and all the miniatures and decor ready, it's time to glue everything down. Using a hot glue gun and some long tweezers, place each item exactly where you want it and secure it completely. For a little extra flair, consider adding some twinkling lights to upcycle your jar into a stunning illuminating decor piece. Once everything is dried, you can display your story jar on your bookshelf next to your favorite stories. You can even create multiple jars in a series for a cohesive look.