Claire Justine
Over 50s Lifestyle Blog
Food & Home Nottingham

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out

Photographs courtesy of Hartley’s Jam

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas. Hello friends. So how are you today? Do you also like to recycle, upcycle, and reuse old glass jars? A post for Recycle Week.

I also love to upcycle glass jars and Hartley’s Jam has kindly let me share some of their recycled jar ideas today, alongside some of my own ideas.

How cool can you make an old jam jar look by adding flowers and planting bulbs into them? So cool, don’t you think so too?

Transforming ordinary jam jars into extraordinary creations is both eco-friendly and fun!

With just a little imagination and creativity, you can upcycle these humble jars into stunning decor pieces and useful items for your home.

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out:

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas: Creative jar DIY ideas.

Start by turning them into charming candle holders, perfect for adding a cosy ambiance to any room. Alternatively, repurpose them as quirky planters for succulents or small herbs, bringing a touch of greenery indoors.

Need a stylish way to organise your desk or kitchen counter? Upcycled jam jars make fantastic storage containers for pens, utensils, or spices.

For those with a sweet tooth, why not fill them with homemade treats and give them as thoughtful gifts?

You can also paint and decorate the jars to create unique vases for fresh flowers or as containers for homemade bath salts or sugar scrubs.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to upcycling jam jars – let your creativity soar and breathe new life into these versatile glass containers!

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas. How to upcycle old jars:

So here are some recycle jam jar ideas:

Table Of Contents:

  • Firstly, Adding Cut Flowers And Fruit Into Your Jars.
  • Secondly, Growing Flowers, Bulbs Or Herbs.
  • Thirdly, Growing Flowers.
  • Fourthly, Bits And Bob Holders.
  • Fifth, Candles Holders.
  • Sixth, Homemade Jams, Marmalades And Chutneys.
  • Seventh, Keeping Sewing Bits Together.
  • Eighth, Creating Something Beautiful By Painting Them.
  • Ninth, Popping Battery Little Lights Into Them.
  • Tenth, Cutlery Holders.
10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out:

Here Are 10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas.

Also what a beautiful idea? Using old Hartley jam bottles. Simply wash out old jars and soak the jar in warm water to remove the outer label. Then let your imagination run wild.

Firstly, Adding Cut Flowers And Fruit Into Your Jars.

Try slicing citrus fruit up and placed in the bottom of your old washed-out jars. Add some water to display, then add your favourite sweet little flowers.

Raise the charm of your upcycled jam jars by adding a delightful combination of cut flowers and fresh fruit. This dynamic duo not only adds a burst of colour but also infuses your space with natural fragrance and beauty.

Simply select your favorite blooms, whether from your garden or local florist, and arrange them in the jar, letting their petals cascade gracefully over the rim.

Then, intersperse slices of vibrant fruits like lemons, oranges, or limes among the flowers for a playful and refreshing touch.

The result is a visually stunning centerpiece or decorative accent that effortlessly brings the essence of the outdoors into your home.

Whether adorning your dining table, mantelpiece, or windowsill, this simple yet elegant arrangement is sure to brighten any room and lift your spirits.

Also, how pretty is this idea? You can mix and match the colours of the fruit to go with your theme or flowers.

Bulbs

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas.

Growing Flowers, Bulbs Or Herbs:

Secondly, Growing Bulbs Or Herbs.

So why not grow your own bulbs, flowers and herbs in them. Wash out the jars well, remove labels, fill with soil and them add seeds to your favourite flowers bulbs or herbs.

Unlock the potential of your upcycled jam jars by transforming them into charming mini gardens for growing bulbs, or herbs.

These versatile containers provide the perfect environment for nurturing small plants, adding a touch of greenery to even the smallest of spaces.

Fill your jars with nutrient-rich soil and plant your bulbs, or herbs, whether it’s fragrant lavender, vibrant pansies, or aromatic basil.

Place them on a sunny windowsill or balcony where they can soak up the warmth and light they need to thrive.

Not only does this eco-friendly gardening solution breathe new life into your old jars, but it also allows you to enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature right at your fingertips.

Plus, the compact size of the jars makes them ideal for urban dwellers or anyone with limited gardening space.

With a little love and care, your upcycled jam jar garden will flourish, bringing joy and freshness to your home all year round.

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out Growing Flowers.

Growing Flowers:

Thirdly, Growing Flowers:

So how about growing some flowers from scratch? Or popping some pre-started to grow flowers inside. How sweet do these flowers look?

Step up your space with the natural beauty of flowers flourishing in upcycled jam jars.

Repurposing these jars as charming planters adds a touch of whimsy and sustainability to your home decor.

Select your favorite flowers, whether it’s delicate daisies, cheerful sunflowers, or elegant roses, and carefully plant them in the jars with nutrient-rich soil.

Place them on your windowsill, tabletop, or even hang them from hooks to create a captivating display of blooms.

Not only does this eco-friendly approach breathe new life into old jars, but it also allows you to enjoy the beauty and fragrance of fresh flowers indoors.

With a little watering and sunlight, your upcycled jam jar garden will thrive, bringing a burst of color and joy to your living space.

Fourthly, Bits And Bob Holders. Also, how about cleaning some old jars out to fill bathroom bits and bobs into them? Cotton wool, cotton bud, cotton balls in the bathroom. Or maybe sweets, nuts, fruit or small biscuits? Fun idea to keep all pencils, crayons, rubbers, paperclips etc in.

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out Candles:

Fifthly, Candle Holders. Also, use as a candle or tea light holder. Or maybe floating candles?

A wise bear always keeps a marmalade sandwich in his hat in case of emergency

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas.

Sixth, Homemade Jams, Marmalades And Chutneys.

Old jam jars are perfect for making homemade jam, marmalade and chutney in. You can find a great range of jam and marmalade recipes here: Homemade Jam Recipes.

 Also, Homemade Marmalade Recipes for you morning toast!!

Seventh, Keeping Sewing Bits Together.

I can never find my sewing needle and cotton! Perfect for storing buttons, cotton, pins, needles and cotton inside for sewing.

Eighth, Creating Something Beautiful.

Try painting them, creating pretty patterns on them like butterflies? Glue pretty lace and ribbons on them. Sparkles and glitter always look great. Decorating glass jars, how much fun!

Ninth, Popping Battery Little Lights Into Them.

Using them as mini lights. These look beautiful and perfect for dark evenings.

Tenth, Cutlery.

Last but not least, why not pop your cutlery inside them? One set for each table setting? Add some ribbon or lace around them to look pretty.

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out:

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out. Also, photographs courtesy of Hartley’s Jam.

Also remember these ideas for National Gardening Week (next week 11th-17th April). 10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas. What a great idea to try out!? Because I love all these ideas.

You can make your own little garden on a windowsill full of jars. So what do you think of these Upcycled Jam Jars ideas? Do you fancy making any of these ideas?

Also, for all my upcycle ideas you can find them here: Upcycled. So what else would you pop into old jars?

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas:

You Might Also Like:

Firstly, Homemade Strawberry Jam.

So yummy! This jam is also a real treat at breakfast time, served over your toast or crumpets. Homemade Strawberry Jam: A Real Breakfast Treat. 

Secondly, Blackberry And Apple Chutney.

Great With Turkey. Also great with chicken! Blackberry And Apple Chutney.

Thirdly, Fig and Caramelized Pecan Preserve: Figs In Jam.

If you love figs, this is the jam for you! Try it in a sandwich with sliced Brie or Cheshire cheese, or simply enjoy it on toast or crumpets. Fig and Caramelized Pecan Preserve: Figs In Jam.

Fourthly, Delicious And Simple Homemade Jam And Chutney.

Yes, please! Just because, it sounds great! This year’s crop of British berries is a bumper one, thanks to the wet summer in 2012 followed by this year’s hot, sunny one. Delicious And Simple Homemade Jam And Chutney.

7 Home Made Marmalade Recipes To Try Out.

Classic Orange Marmalade: Great For Toast:

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas.

Fifthly, Classic Orange Marmalade: Great For Toast.

So yummy on toast. So I am sharing a guest post; zesty orange marmalade recipe from Tate & Lyle. Classic Orange Marmalade: Great For Toast.

Sixth, Long Life Raspberry And Bergamot Jam With Love.

Also love jam on toast. To celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday in  June, Friends of Glass, the community that supports glass packaging, has teamed up with blogger Honest Mum to create a recipe to tickle her Majesty’s taste-buds. Long Life Raspberry And Bergamot Jam With Love From Friends of Glass.

Seventh, Mojito Lime Marmalade With A Hint Of White Rum.

So sassy! Get your mojo going with the sharp, sassy flavour of this lime and lemon marmalade with its hint of white rum and mint.

So tasty!! Mojito Lime Marmalade With A Hint Of White Rum.

Whisky Sour Marmalade: Grown Up Marmalade:

Eighth, Whisky Sour Marmalade: Grown Up Marmalade.

So grown up!! Enjoy the grown-up taste of marmalade with a hint of whisky with this Whisky Sour Marmalade. Whisky Sour Marmalade: Grown Up Marmalade.

Ninth, How To Make Tomato And Chilli Jam.

So different! This barbeque season, put down the bottle of generic tomato ketchup and surprise your guests with something a little more original. How To Make Tomato And Chilli Jam.

Last but not least, How To Make Earl Grey’s Blueberry Jam.

So posh! Also, maybe even a cup of Earls Grey!? Or a great jam topping for any time of the day. Because who does not like a spoonful of jam on their afternoon tea scone too? How To Make Earl Grey’s Blueberry Jam.

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out:

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas To Try Out. You Might Also like My Latest Posts?

(Updated post. First published here 10th April 2016). Thanks so much for stopping by here today. Also, hit the tags if you are looking for any more recipes.

Now you should never have any old jars!! Also share you thoughts in the comments below.

Claire Justine Oxox- Over 50s Lifestyle Blog. You can also read more about me here: Polka Dot Lady. Thank you so much for stopping by.

10 Upcycled Jam Jars Ideas. Also, follow along on Instagram for regular updates. So let me know your thoughts.

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Hi, I am Claire and I created Claire Justine in 2011. I hope you enjoy reading my posts as much as I love writing them. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with us.

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96 Comments

  1. Pam
    1 June 2023 / 13:51

    These are such lovely ideas. I’m happy to say I’ll be featuring this post today at Thursday Favorite Things!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      10 July 2023 / 22:13

      Thanks so much for the feature, Pam x

  2. Laurie
    29 July 2022 / 00:38

    It’s fun to find pretty jars. What a shame to toss them. Thanks for the ideas here and for sharing at the Homestead Blog Hop

    Laurie
    Ridge Haven Homestead

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      31 July 2022 / 18:49

      Thanks for stopping by Laurie x

  3. Allyson @ Southern Sunflowers
    28 July 2022 / 20:10

    Great list of jam jar ideas! I’m featuring you at the #HomeMattersParty this week. Starts Thursday 9pm (est) through Monday. Hope to see you drop by!

  4. Kerryanne
    22 July 2022 / 08:27

    Absolutely fabulous Claire… I need to do the fruit in the jars for sure!
    Thank you for sharing your 10 upcycle jam jar ideas at Create, Bake Grow & Gather this week. I’m delighted to be featuring your projects at tonight’s party and pinning too.
    Hugs,
    Kerryanne

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      31 July 2022 / 18:44

      Aww, thanks so much for the feature, I am late catching up.

  5. Jan
    21 July 2022 / 15:03

    Great ideas!

  6. Kelly
    18 July 2022 / 15:49

    I love that these are ideas for practical use, not just decorative. Thanks so much for the tips and for sharing at the Homestead Blog Hop. We always love to see what you have in store for us.

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      21 July 2022 / 15:48

      Thanks so much for stopping by Kelly.

  7. Meagan Trento
    15 July 2022 / 00:54

    Super cute ways to repurpose jars! I love these ideas.

  8. indah savitri
    11 April 2022 / 08:24

    looks great indeed Claire… I love to try many of them as well. It will certainly make my home brighter

  9. Rachelle
    27 March 2022 / 13:17

    The fruit and flower jars are so pretty, Claire. What a lovely vignette focal point they would make!
    Rachelle

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      2 April 2022 / 11:55

      Thanks so much for visiting.

  10. Carol
    25 March 2022 / 23:27

    These are such creative ideas for using those empty jam and jelly jars that we collect in the pantry. I really like the bulb plants and the flowers with citrus slices in the water. Very pretty!
    Carol

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      2 April 2022 / 11:53

      Thanks so much for stopping by Carol x

  11. wendy robbins
    30 June 2021 / 18:50

    The jars with fruit and flowers are so cute! Definitely will use this idea!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      2 July 2021 / 10:02

      Thanks for stopping by, Wendy.

  12. Cathy Kennedy
    28 June 2021 / 12:34

    Claire,

    I like hanging onto a few jelly jars. They are perfect for storing small quantities of food. I hate how some plastic containers flavor food but you’ll never have that problem with glass jars. Cool up-scaling ideas!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      28 June 2021 / 20:20

      Thanks Cathy, yes I agree. I use plastic boxes too but I don’t like the idea of them because of the smell.

  13. Clearissa Coward
    24 June 2021 / 14:19

    Very cute ideas. I love a good upcycle. Thanks for sharing @omhgww. See you next week.

  14. Clearissa Coward
    27 March 2021 / 16:57

    I love upcycling jars. I do it all the time and you have given me some new ideas. Thank you for sharing with #omhgww. See you next week.

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      1 April 2021 / 16:28

      Thanks so much for stopping by.

  15. Beth
    20 March 2021 / 13:45

    The fruit slices inside the vases are fabulous! I’d love for you to join us over at the Creative Crafts Linky Party every Wednesday through Sunday
    Followed and Pinned!
    Creatively, Beth

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      23 March 2021 / 08:25

      Thanks for stopping by, Yes I will stop by and join you.

  16. Shelbee on the Edge
    8 June 2020 / 14:43

    Claire, these are such adorable ideas! I need to get more creative around here one of these days!

    Shelbee

  17. Dee | Grammy's Grid
    3 June 2020 / 08:23

    Thanks so much for linking up with me at #AThemedLinkup 18 for Crafting with Bottles and Jars, open May 30 to June 10. All party entries shared if social media buttons installed.

  18. Donna Reidland
    1 June 2020 / 14:17

    What cute ideas! I especially like the ones with fruit and cut flowers.

  19. Crummy Mummy
    17 January 2020 / 09:13

    Love all these ideas! Perfect for spring bulbs on the kitchen window sill #KCACOLS

  20. Sarah | Mummykind
    14 January 2020 / 18:34

    Love these ideas! I have 3 empty jam jars ready and waiting to be used creatively. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      17 January 2020 / 07:01

      I love to save them too until I get inspiration for them.

  21. mireille
    13 January 2020 / 14:18

    Fun ideas! I especially like the first one with the cut fruit in it. So pretty!

  22. tracey bowden
    9 January 2020 / 12:02

    I love these ideas, personally I am going ot be using some I have at home o put some fairy lights in but I love the flowers and the citrus idea! #kcacols

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      17 January 2020 / 07:00

      They look beautiful with lights in them.

  23. Jo (A Rose Tinted World)
    8 January 2020 / 16:41

    Some great ideas, love the bulb growing one. Most of my jam jars go to relatives who make jam! #KCACOLS

  24. Fiona Cambouropoulos
    5 January 2020 / 21:05

    I hate throwing things away, the fruits look really effective in the jars. #KCACOLS

  25. Karen, the next best thing to mummy
    5 January 2020 / 09:59

    Jars are often quite pretty, I have also used them as a vase for flowers #kcacols@_karendenbid199@gmail iz

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      17 January 2020 / 06:58

      Thanks, they look lovely with flowers in them.

  26. Jodie Fitz
    27 September 2018 / 02:21

    These are great ideas. Super cute upcycle activities. Would LOVE to have you share at Reader Tip Tuesday. We’re open and growing all week long. Hope to see you there. xo

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      30 September 2018 / 21:23

      Thanks Jodie. I will pop over Tuesday.

  27. Jiya
    26 September 2018 / 10:34

    Wow some amazing upcucle ideas you have shared we have made candle from such jar and lamp too.

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      26 September 2018 / 14:56

      Oh wow, they sound great x

  28. Loni
    25 September 2018 / 22:08

    Clearly I’m eating the wrong kind of jam, I love these jars and the way you’ve used them!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      26 September 2018 / 14:54

      Hehe, lovely jars, aren’t they.

  29. Catie
    25 September 2018 / 20:53

    Love the idea of using fruit slices. #mixitup

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      26 September 2018 / 14:53

      Thanks for stopping by Catie.

  30. Melanie (@MelaToots327)
    25 September 2018 / 15:03

    Oh I love it! Pinning this for the future!! =)

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      26 September 2018 / 14:51

      Thanks for the pin Melanie.

  31. sageandivydesigns
    25 September 2018 / 13:49

    What a great idea with the citrus slices in the jam jars and add flowers. I am keeping some jar for sure!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      26 September 2018 / 14:50

      Thanks for stopping by.

  32. Pinkiebag
    24 September 2018 / 21:44

    Hi, we reuse jar sheen we can love the idea of fruit and flowers I shall give it a try #mixitup

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      26 September 2018 / 14:46

      So many things you can make from old jars, isn’t there.

  33. Claire Rocks
    24 September 2018 / 20:49

    i absolutely adore little projects like this. Im glad i found your post as I have a stack of jam jars sat doing nothing! thanks for the inspiration

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      26 September 2018 / 14:46

      Thanks Claire. Hope you get to make something.

  34. Halima Bello Husseini
    24 September 2018 / 18:39

    I’m so pinning this and collecting jam jars… Love the ideas especially the first. Beautiful post.

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      24 September 2018 / 20:44

      Thanks for stopping by and the pin.

  35. Carol
    24 September 2018 / 10:58

    They’re all great ideas but I loved the first photo best with the fruit in the jars of flowers. #MMBC

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      24 September 2018 / 20:41

      Thanks for the comment Carol x

  36. passion fruit, paws and peonies
    24 September 2018 / 08:14

    What great ideas!! I use them for cut flowers but not for bulbs – I will do now! xx Maria

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      24 September 2018 / 20:08

      Thanks for the comment Maria.

  37. Nancy
    24 September 2018 / 08:03

    Great ideas!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      24 September 2018 / 19:45

      Thanks for the comment Nancy.

  38. Kim Carberry
    23 September 2018 / 20:01

    What great ideas. I love the one’s with Cut Flowers And Fruit in. They look so pretty x

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      24 September 2018 / 19:43

      Thanks for the comment Kim.

  39. mummabstylish
    23 September 2018 / 13:25

    So pretty and great ideas Claire, Jacqui Mummabstylish

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      23 September 2018 / 15:34

      Thanks for the comment Jacqui x

  40. Molly Wagner
    18 April 2016 / 01:29

    Love love love this! How pretty these would be on an outdoor patio set during a cookout. Great idea, just pinned.

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      24 April 2016 / 19:26

      Thanks for stopping by and pinning Molly..

  41. Jessica Pelasky
    16 April 2016 / 03:59

    Oh my gosh…these are just too cute!I would love for you to share this with my Facebook Group for recipes, crafts, tips and tricks. Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      17 April 2016 / 19:06

      Thanks for hosting and stopping by Jessica x

  42. Create With Joy
    16 April 2016 / 01:27

    Dear Claire, I love both of the features you shared with us at Inspire Me Monday this week – as a matter of fact, they both made my preliminary "pick" list – but I ended up choosing this one since the jars and flowers were so lovely and so easy to do!Congrats for being one of our Featured Guests at this week's Inspire Me Monday Party (Week #223, goes live on Sunday)- have an amazing weekend!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      17 April 2016 / 19:05

      Thanks so much for featuring my blog this week at Inspire me Monday x

  43. Melanie
    12 April 2016 / 20:36

    I've been looking for some new ways to display things and this is perfect!! I love the fruit pic w/ the roses! It must have smelled beautiful =PMelanie | Blog: Toots + Dill

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      15 April 2016 / 16:59

      Thanks Melanie, I love this idea.

  44. Margarett Murphy
    11 April 2016 / 18:14

    How beautiful. Love the top idea!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      11 April 2016 / 20:26

      Thanks for the comment, that one is my favourite too.

  45. thepaintedapron.com
    11 April 2016 / 12:18

    Love the colored water with citrus, great idea!Jenna

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      11 April 2016 / 20:25

      Thanks for the comment Jenna.

  46. Julia Nyanyo
    10 April 2016 / 21:22

    The vases with the fruit look so good, what a lovely idea.

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      11 April 2016 / 20:24

      Thanks for the visit Julia.

  47. Sam @ Living The Dutch Dream
    10 April 2016 / 16:06

    Super Cute! I love the orange, lime and lemon vases.

  48. Suzy
    10 April 2016 / 15:24

    Oh how cute and Springy….love the fruit in the jar, gonna try this in the Summer!

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      11 April 2016 / 20:20

      Thanks so much for stopping by Suzy.

  49. Suza
    10 April 2016 / 08:40

    so lovely.Happy weekend to you!susa

    • Claire Justine
      Author
      11 April 2016 / 20:19

      Thanks Suza, hope you having a lovely week so far.