As the holiday season creeps in, I find myself yearning to capture the moments that make this time of year so special. Isn’t it funny how the little things—a warm cup of cocoa shared with a friend, laughter ringing through the house, or even that delightful chaos of untangling Christmas lights—can slip through our fingers like grains of sand? I remember last Christmas, my niece kept insisting on wearing her elf hat, and we all took turns posing for goofy photos that still make me smile. This year, I’ve decided to craft a memory jar! I want to take snippets of our joyous moments, write them down on little notes, and toss them into the jar. When we gather again next year, wouldn’t it be wonderful to pull them out and re-live all the laughter and love? Who wouldn't want to hold onto those golden memories?
Items You’ll Need
- Mason jar or glass jar
- Colored paper or cardstock
- Pens or markers
- Stickers or decorative items
- Ribbon or twine
- Label maker or labels
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Small envelopes (optional)
- Decorative cover for the jar (such as fabric, paper, etc.)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Materials
First, I gather all my materials in one place. I have my Mason jar, colored paper, pens, stickers, ribbon, a label maker, scissors, glue, and some decorative cover options. It's important to have everything handy so I can jump into crafting without having to search for supplies.
Step 2: Prepare the Jar
I start with the Mason jar and make sure it's clean and dry. If I want to add a decorative cover, I cut the fabric or paper to fit over the lid, and secure it with some ribbon or twine for a festive touch.
Step 3: Cut Colored Paper
Next, I take my colored paper and cut it into small squares or rectangles — each about 2x2 inches. This is where I will write my memories. I try to use a variety of colors to make it visually appealing.
Step 4: Decorate Papers
With my colored paper pieces ready, I grab some pens and markers, and start writing down my favorite memories from the past year. I also add doodles or drawings on the edges for a fun touch. I like to sprinkle in some stickers as well to enhance the design!
Step 5: Fill the Jar
Once I have several memory notes written, it's time to fill the jar! I roll the papers up or fold them neatly and drop them into the Mason jar. I make sure to mix the colors and decorations for a whimsical look.
Step 6: Create a Label
I use the label maker to create a label for the jar, something like '2023 Memory Jar'. I stick it on the front of the jar, right above the decorative cover if I've added one.
Step 7: Add Final Decorations
To add a personal touch, I further decorate the jar with some festive stickers or wrap a ribbon around the neck of the jar. If I want, I can add a small bow with that ribbon to finish it off.
Step 8: Enjoy and Share
Now that my memory jar is complete, I set it in a special place where I can see it every day. During the holidays, I can also share it with family and friends, inviting them to read and enjoy the memories, or even contribute their own!