Amelia Long - DIY Gifts In Jars: 100 Plus Jar Recipes For Easy, Yummy, Inexpensive, Homemade Gifts In Jars For Every Season

DIY Gifts In Jars 100 Plus Jar Recipes For Easy, Yummy, Inexpensive, Homemade Gifts In Jars For Every Season Amelia Long Copyright 2014 by Amelia Long All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

H omemade gifts are a personal way of showing your friends and family that you care. However, when they come packaged in pretty-decorated quaint glass jars, they cant help but produce an overwhelming effect! M ixes in jars are also economical: the jars are easy to find, the contents are inexpensive to prepare and to package. Versatility is another interesting benefit: a wide range of yummy recipes, edible and non-edible can be given away. There is just something for everyoneNeighbors, teachers, coaches, co-workers and even your beloved pet! They are appropriate for all occasions.

They are also fun to make and fun to give away. All it takes is to just layer the ingredients of a cherished recipe in a jar, add a celebratory ribbon and tag, and you have made a thoughtful and love-filled gift that will gladden the heart of the recipient. Gifts in Jars are lucrative as well. You can also make a little money from them by selling them through craft shows, kiosk, fundraisers or even word-of- mouth.

M ost of the recipes in this book require a quart canning jar, preferably a large mouth opening so the ingredients can get in easily. Re-used canning jars like sauce jars, pickle jars or soda bottles can be used so long as you take the label out and wash thoroughly before filling.

Also, brand new mason jars must be washed before using. Filling and decorating your jars is fun. It is also easy and can bring out the creativity in you and your children, if you have any. Filling Fill jars using a large-mouthed funnel. Use the bottom of a narrow drinking glass to layer and pack down each layer of ingredient before adding the next one so they dont mix once in the jar. For mixed recipes, combine ingredients in a bowl and use a funnel to put the mixture into the jar.

When getting the ingredients in, ensure you pack them down tightly. Loose ingredients like raisins, nuts and M&M, for example must be the next ingredients on top of a packed brown sugar. If the next layer is to be flour or white sugar, the flour or white sugar will seep through the raisins, nuts, etc to some degree. Furthermore, when using cocoa, wipe the interior of the jar before you add another ingredient. This will keep the jar looking nice. Decorating You can choose to decorate your jars in a simple or elaborate way.

The simple way involves just 3 items:

• A large rubber band
• Ribbon, string, yarn or twine
• A piece of material (8x8 square)

A Few Ideas To Try:

1. Fill the jars, place the material on the lid and then secure it in place by putting the rubber band around it.
2. Tie it with a decorative ribbon and then tie the recipe card to the ribbon. This card details the instructions on how to prepare the ingredients.
3. Alternatively, print out the tag onto adhesive paper or a colorful piece of paper.

Besides the supplies for a simple design, elaborate decoration will also involve:

• Spray paint
• Cardstock
• Super glue
• Printer
• Pinking shears
• Sticky, printable labels
• Hole punch
• Buttons, bows, sequins, photographs, ribbons or any bits and pieces you can creatively put together.

A Few Ideas To Try:

• Spray paint and dry lids before using
• place a printed round label on lids
• Wrap jar in colored cellophane or tulle
• Decoupage pictures and photos to jars
• paste a logo or print a design on jar

Have fun filling, decorating and making a loved ones day!

1. Dip the ends of plastic spoon in melted chocolate chips, sprinkle with colored sugar sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to set up.
2. Wrap the spoon(s) in a piece of cellophane and use a pretty ribbon to tie it.
3. Include with a gift jar of coffee mix or cocoa mix.

1. Sew up a gift bag using a festive fabric or a shiny lame
2. Decorate bag with a pretty ribbon and twigs of silk holly.

Next page