Jar of Hope

Hello everyone! I have been very excited to share this fun craft/DIY project with you all. It's called a Jar of Hope. This simple, inexpensive, and adorable jar is decorated and filled with various quotes and bible verses that give a little extra faith and optimism. I have made a few this year for some dear friends and family members, and they have all said how much it helped them get through some tough times. It warms my heart to hear that something as simple as a jar can help spread hope and promise.

Here is what they look like.

Alright, so now for the fun part! Here is what you will need:

1.) Jar    

2.) Small cards and an ink pen

3.) Scrapbook paper of your choice, scissors, hot glue gun

4.) Various ribbons 

First thing first, make sure there are no stickers or price tags on your jar. Once removed, you can begin writing any quotes or bible verses on your cards. Anything you feel is encouraging is perfect! This is one of my favorites verses to include in my jars.

Depending on the size of your jar will determine how many cards to make. I usually use about 15-20. When you have finished writing on your cards, begin folding them in half and placing them in your jar.

Now the part I love the most-decorating the jar! You can get as creative with this as you would like.
To begin, cut out two squares from your scrapbook paper. Make one slightly smaller than the other and  be sure it is a simple pattern or solid color, that way you can easily read the title of your jar. Write "Jar of Hope" on your paper and using the hot glue gun, glue the two pieces of paper together and then to the jar.

Once you have everything glued down and secure, take out your ribbon and tie it around the top of your jar however you would like. Get creative and experiment with different textures of ribbons and colors! Also, don't be afraid to use a little hot glue as some reinforcement if you feel the ribbon might slide around. After you are satisfied with the way your jar looks....you are finished! 

Another great thing about this jar is you can change the name and what's inside. It could become a Jar of Love filled with verses and quotes about love. There are numerous possibilities with this jar, and altogether this precious gift only cost me about $10 to make. Here is a list of verses and quotes I normally include in my Jar of Hope:

• Philippines 4:13
• 1 Corinthians 16:13
• Romans 5:3-5
• Matthew 19:26
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Isaiah 40:31
• Psalm 18:2
• Nehemiah 8:10
• Joshua 1:9
• Song of Solomon 4:7
• Exodus 14:14
• Psalm 3:5
• Psalm 27:1
• Isaiah 41:10
• Romans 8:31
• "Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase." -Martin Luther King Jr.
• "You must do the things you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt
• "Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not." -C.S. Lewis

I hope you all give this project a try and have as much fun making it as I do. And to finish off, I want to leave you all with a quote from a very lovely lady:

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life-to be happy-that's all that really matters." -Audrey Hepburn

xoxo Mo