Upcycle :: Everything old is new again

Welcome to my new blog segment..."Upcycle! Everything old is new again." In these postings I'm going to be giving you ideas to recycle something old, reuse it, pimp it and turn it into something new again.

Since I've just been berry picking, I took on board suggestions from all of you on my blog and facebook pages and decided to make some simple strawberry jam. I made the jam using the berries, but decided my collection of jam jars looked a little boring. Since I always have plenty of left over fabric on hand and other bits and bobs (don't we all?) I decided my jars needed some pimping!

So look around your stash supplies and just use what you have already. Here's what I dug up out of my stash...

Fabric, ribbons, lace, trims, buckles and buttons, pom poms all made great items to use.

So you've gathered your supplies, now what? Select some fabric to cover your jam jar lid. Turn it over and place your lid on the back of the fabric. Using a fabric marker, trace around the lid. Remove the lid and place to the side. Now, you'll need to add a seam allowance- this will create the bit that over hangs. How long you want it is up to you. I added an inch and a half seam allowance all the way around the circle. Cut out your circle.

Sew some trim around the outside of the circle- I used a pom pom trim here. Place lid on jam. Tighten. Place your fabric circle in the centre of the lid, right side up. Gather some twine, or ribbon, and wrap around the rim of the jar. Tie. Add a gift card and... voila! A lovely gift for someone, or a simple special treat to put into your picnic basket.

Stitch some labels into the top of your jam jar cover using backstitch.

Would you like my family recipe to make delicious, fresh strawberry jam? The proper strawberry jam...you know what I'm talking about. Not that store bought stuff. It's been in my family since my grandmother was a little girl...promise you won't share it?

Here's what you'll need...

1. Wash and sterilise jars and lids. Place strawberries in a saucepan and stir through sugar. Leave for 1-2 hours while sugar softens the fruit.

2. Add juice then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until fruit is soft.
3. Remove 1/3 of fruit. Set aside. Cook remaining mixture until fruit is mostly dissolved and jam coats the back of a spoon. Divide reserved fruit between the jars then fill with jam. Allow to cool,then seal with lids.

Simple and very easy...enjoy freshly warm, dolloped with some whipped cream on top of a lovely "just out of the oven" scone.

Why don't you go and see what goodies you have in your stash that you can use to upcycle some jars? Would love to hear what ideas you have.

So what so you think of the first posting in my new segment?

 

Comments

[Says Pam]

Ooh, yum! Thanks for the recipe and also the ideas for jam jar covers. Will have to have a go at making some as my daughter has just been on a marmalade making course and given us two jars together with some orange and cracked black pepper jelly.

[Says kaholly]

You just blow me away. I think if I had so much talent and creative energy, my brain would hurt!

[Says Malia]

Absolutely gorgeous post! Pinning! xo

[Says Wendy]

Yummy! Those berries look scrumptious! I love jam of all kinds but strawberry jam is my second favorite!

[Says Melody]

Such amazing photos. Everything looks delicious.

[Says Patsy Booher]

MMMMM...

I'm sitting here, waiting for my evening meal, and am really hungry. My tummy is grumbling. One look at your post on strawberry jam has my mouth watering something fierce! I can almost taste it.

Guess I'll just have to settle for homeade beef stew straight from the slow cooker. Dinner is served in about 30 minutes. All are welcome!

Patsy

[Says craftygreenpoet]

oh this is a great idea, specially if you want to give jars of jam as gifts!

[Says Denise]

I just simply love all the ideas you come up with. If only I had the time to make everything