Apothecary Jars And Crafts

Apothecary refers to a pharmacist who prepares medicines.

Apothecary jars are jars with lids that come in a variety of sizes. Pharmacists, or apothecaries, used the jars to store wet and dry items for prescriptions. Today, you can use apothecary jars in your home for decorative storage, holiday displays and to create one-of-a-kind gifts.

Stained Glass Jars

Give an apothecary jar a stained glass look with acrylic or enamel paints for glass. Wash the jar and lid with soap and water and dry with a soft cotton towel. Work with one color at a time and allow it to dry thoroughly before applying another color. This prevents the paints from mixing together and creating an unwanted color. For a deeper shade, apply an additional coat of each color.

Floral Jar

Create a floral apothecary jar by gluing a small piece of crafting foam in the bottom of the jar. Surround the foam with polished river rock or colored marbles. If necessary, cut the silk flower stems to fit inside the jar. Push them into the foam and place the lid on top.

Another idea for a floral apothecary jar is to clip the stems off enough roses to fill the entire jar. Push them in tightly but not so tight that they become misshapen. Replace the lid on the jar and tie a silk bow around the top. Hot glue two or three smaller roses in the center of the ribbon.

Lighted Jar

Remove the pointed end of a solar light and apply hot glue around the flat end. Carefully slide the glued end into the bottom of the jar and hold in place until the glue sets. Fill the jar to the bottom of the solar light with seashells, rock, buttons, marbles or small ceramic items. Replace the lid and wrap it with rope or ribbon.

Seasonal Jars

Use apothecary jars for displaying holiday items. Glue a tapered candle in the bottom of the jar and fill it halfway with party blowers or confetti for a New Year's celebration. Celebrate spring by filling an apothecary jar with a bird nest and faux eggs. Jelly beans are another good option. For an Independence Day celebration, fill jars with small flags, star-shaped confetti or layer them with colored candies. Fill a jar for Halloween with a small plastic skull or skeleton and surround it with red gelatin. Fill jars with ornaments or colored candies for a Christmas display.