Turning glass jars into flower holders proffers extra use for empty containers

The challenge to use what we have and to be resourceful with what’s around us is an invigorating one. I, for one, am always on the lookout for interesting things right in my own backyard, and I make a point to look at my trash twice before tossing anything away. On that note, I also must warn you that this enhanced awareness can lead to quite an accumulation of stuff, so it’s important to be fairly organized with your findings and to make the extra effort to put them to use quickly so you don’t end up with a garage or closet overflowing with “treasures.”

At this time of year, my favorite recyclable is the glass jar. So many of our products are packaged up in these glass beauties, it’s like getting two great things in one — the product itself and the container.

In a matter of minutes, you can turn old jars into makeshift flower frogs. If you are wondering what exactly a “frog” is, it’s simply a holder for flower stems. Vintage frogs are great fun to collect, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and styles, as do jars. Hang on to those pickle or jelly jars, (especially the ones that have interesting shapes or markings) and with virtually no effort or expense, you can create quite a unique collection for yourself.

For jars that have a solid lid:

Drill holes across the entire lid using a brad point drill bit. Size can vary, depending on what type of stems you’ll want to be able to insert. I typically use quarter-inch to half-inch. I’ve found that the easiest way to drill the holes is with the lid securely attached to the jar. Start in the center and work your way to the edge or vice versa.

For canning-style jars with rings and lids:

Remove the center lid portion. Replace with hardware cloth or vinyl coated chicken wire. Cut to size by tracing around lid and trimming with wire cutters or tin snips. It will have a snug fit inside your ring.

Fill your newly created “frog” with fresh cuttings from your yard. Explore what you have available in your own yard and don’t restrict yourself to just the typical blooms. Use branches off your trees or bushes, the leaves from hostas or sedums, herbs, or even weeds. A weed is only a weed if you call it a weed. Just be careful of what weeds you bring indoors if you live with anyone who is pollen sensitive. I remember a funny incident where my mother had a bunch of ragweed hanging to dry in the basement and for weeks, my poor dad couldn’t figure out why he was so stuffed up when he was in the house.

To ensure a long-lasting arrangement:

Cut and collect flowers or foliage either in the morning or evening.

Condition your cuttings overnight by placing directly into a clean bucket of water, free from bacteria. Store in a cool, dark place. The longer you condition your flowers, the longer they will last.

Once the cuttings are conditioned, snip the stem again under running, tepid water before placing in your water-filled frog. With woody stems, be sure to smash or snip up the center, so they’ll absorb the water. A bit of 7-up or a drop of bleach in the water helps lengthen the life of your arrangement.

Surround yourself with these handcrafted arrangements all summer long. Recycling is such a beautiful thing.

Michele Beschen is creator of the “B Original” series for the DIY Network. Contact her at www.couragetocreate.com.