Channeling Martha again.

I have decided to make hanging jar candle holders. With the pallets and such I see a barn yard elegant feel emerging.

Sooooo... since this seems to be developing into a sustainability/recycling project [code for budget constricted] I thought I would give this Martha Stewart staple a whirl. Here is what I have learned.

1. Empty some jars. You may have to drink quite a few martinis with olives to accomplish this. I think that dinner party ambiance is worth the sacrifice.
2. Take the labels off of the jars. Now, there are a lot of suggestions online for how to accomplish this....

• Vinegar [doesn't work]
• Baking soda [also doesn't work]
• Vinegar AND baking soda [science volcano]
• Petroleum based solvents [Molotov cocktail]
• A bunch of other ineffective suggestions.

• What DID work? Razor blades. Yes, you will find this suggestion nowhere else online but it works like a charm, won't explode OR make your house smell bad. Just get a razor and scrape the glue off. Really it is that simple.

Now that you have clean jars [oh I forgot to tell you to wash them, you know that, right?] the next 3 steps are a cinch!

1. Get some pre-cut floral wires [bottom of the image] from a craft store. So much easier than dealing with the coiled mess'o wire you will see recommended else where.
2. Twist it with a small pliers around each jar neck.
   
3. Done
4. Lime? What is the lime for? I used all of the olives so I had to switch to gin and tonics....with lime. Maybe a bad idea when working with razors.
   

Voila!


Tip ~ Save the lids do you can keep out the rainwater and leaves between uses.

Caution ~ DO NOT glue gingham to the lid, unless it is a smuckers jam lid and then it makes it more legit.