Monday 22 April 2013

DIY Pretty Storage Jars

The other evening, I spent the night catching up on some blog reading and came across Gemma runs Gemsmaquillage,whilst scrolling through my blog reader feed. I am sure you will all have already read her perfectly scripted post, based on her DIY Storage Jars - which I decided to re-create!

As an Art student, I have a thing for keeping everything, and I mean everything. I just like to think in the back of my head, that it will eventually come into use.. eventually. Saying that, this time it paid off. I always keep my empty candle jars, or any attractive, recycled jar. I tend to keep them to use for watercolour painting, on a small table. I had one of these empty candle jars sitting lonely in a cupboard, before discovering Gemma's blog post. My eyes lit up, realising they would have a use, a practical use, a practical use while looking elegantly pretty!

I have previously been on the hunt for a cotton pad storage system. Like every beauty lover, they are a must, from cleansing, toning, removing nail polish, etc, but they are an awkward size to keep anywhere, especially whilst keeping them neat and tidy. I am pleased to announce the hunt is now over.. 
The recycled candle jars I have chosen to use are some M&M one's I believe, from the trusty old Poundland, that is hidden with gems. They may not be the most pungent smelling candles, but they do a nice temporary job, whilst brightening up a room, with their vibrant wax and ribbed jar casing.

Once I have completely burned down my candle, I used Gemma's tips to carefully fill up the jar with bleach. Just enough to cover most of the wax. I then filled up the remainder with hot/boiled water. After about 10 minutes, the wax will have separated from the jar and merged into the oil-slick water. Now, the final step is to carefully pour the jars contents into your toilet, or outside. As I live in a flat and have no immediate access to the outside world, I opted for the loo. I did wonder why this was recommended, then it dawned on me that once wax is airborne for a few minutes, it will harden. This will not be approved by your sink, when it blocks your U-bend! However, once poured into the toilet, it hits the water and will easily be flushed away.

I then used a soapy sponge to give the jar a good clean and wipe down. This will remove the final remainder of the wax, giving you a perfectly clean jar, ready for re-use! As you can see, the cotton pads and buds fit snuggly in the jars. No stuffing the pads into a pot, having them sitting in an overly large bowl, or worse: keeping them in their original boring, plastic bag packaging, which isn't the most accessible.
I am in love with my new storage jars. I always liked the way they looked, but never thought of a good way to reuse them. They take pride of place next to my dresser. As the jars are clear and small, they also won't clutter small areas, etc!
Hello there, Kitten!
Recycling packaging is so simple and easy to do, and can save you money purchasing more storage. 
I am very happy with the outcome of my DIY discovery.

If you haven't already and would like to read Gemma's blog post, you can read it here.

If you decided to recreate these yourself, be sure to let me know!

LuceeLovesBeautyBox.

xxx

8 comments:

  1. This looks really pretty x

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  2. I love these jars! Thanks for this. It's a cheaper alternative to TKMaxx! :) Xx.

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    1. You're welcome! I'm glad I reused these jars before I bought my own! :)

      xxx

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  3. Lovely idea, looks very nice! Xo

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    1. Thank you! I think they look so cute!

      xxx

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  4. This is such a good idea x

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    1. Thanks! It was so easy to do, I just never thought outside the box!

      xxx

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Love, Lucy. x