Canning jars are fairly easy to find at yard sales, particularly those in semi-rural areas or at the homes of senior citizens. In the past I have purchased regular canning jars (ranging in size from 1/2 pint to 1 quart) for about $1.00 per dozen, and I still find boxes of jars priced at a dollar or two. (This price is about 10% -- 20% of the retail cost for new jars.) Bail-top jars, typically anywhere from 1 pint to 1/2 gallon in size, are also offered for $.25 to $1.00. In addition to their obvious use in preserving food, these jars are great for a variety of uses, including:
--Gift containers for food or drink mixes, homemade potpourris or bath salts;
--Storage containers for leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer. Be sure to leave about 1" head-space at the top of the jar when freezing food, to allow for expansion;
--Storage for staple items in the pantry, such as baking ingredients, pasta, rice, nuts and seeds. When I store baking soda or cornstarch in a bail-top jar, I cut the name from the box and tape it to the jar lid for identification. It is much easier to measure a teaspoon or so from the jar than from a cardboard box, and I can see at a glance how much I have left.
--In a sewing or craft room for supply storage of buttons, shells, beads and other small items;
--On a bathroom shelf to store cotton balls, cotton swabs or band-aids;
--Above the washer, to hold change, paper-clips and other items retrieved from pockets;
--As a "time-capsule" in a childs' room, filled with kids' meal toys or party favors. This function is primarily for decoration rather than use; it is safer to use unbreakable plastic containers for toy storage for young children. For this purpose, consider using clean, empty plastic peanut butter jars (with lables removed) for small items;
--In the workshop to hold a variety of nails, screws and other hardware;
--In the office, to hold rubber bands, paper clips and fasteners, or as a holder for pens or pencils.
When purchasing canning jars or bail-top jars, be sure to examine them carefully for chips and cracks, and pass on any you find with such flaws. It is especially important to use flawless jars in water-bath or pressure canning in order to avoid breakage. Mineral deposits on or in jars can usually be removed by rubbing or soaking with white vinegar.
The many uses of canning jars are only limited by your imagination. Obviously, you have seen or heard of many of these uses before, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded how various containers can help with organization, storage and display. Thinking in advance about how they can be used will help you to determine how many to purchase the next time you see them on a clutter-covered table at a yard sale.
--Susan Rodebush © 2010
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