Use Old Jars And Some Rope To Create A Gorgeous Decor Piece In No Time

Are you bored with store-bought vases and sculptures but lacking the time to make something fancy? Fortunately, there's a quick and easy way to create beautiful decor for your table or shelf, and you may already have everything required to whip it up right this second. All you need are an old jar, some rope or yarn, and hot glue, and in under half an hour, you'll have a lovely piece to fill with candles, electric lights, or summer flower arrangements. If you don't like any of those ideas, let your DIY decor stand on its own as a simple piece of art. The basic idea is to decorate the outside of your jar with a rope design to make a chic rustic container. While you can simply wrap the outside in rope and call it a day, half the fun (and beauty) of this craft is in making geometric patterns and experimenting with color and texture.

You could use any type of jar you have on hand, as well as any size or color of rope, string, or yarn. However, keep in mind how they will look when paired together. If you're repurposing an empty spice jar or other small container, you may have trouble fitting a thicker rope onto the surface of it. Instead, opt for some basic twine, such as SMART&CASUAL Jute String. You might also be able to mix and match different sizes, using thicker rope for the main design and adding more delicate accents of thinner string. Consider the color of your supplies as well. A clear jar would make your design appear to stand on its own, but the contrast between a more colorful jar and the fibers you use can also be gorgeous.

Start by cleaning your jar. A clean surface will look nicer, and it may be difficult to clean the outside of the jar after you attach the fibers. Plus, your rope or string will adhere to the surface more strongly if the surface is free of dust and debris. If your jar has any stickers or labels, be sure to remove the sticker residue from the glass so it looks its best. Vinegar, hot water, soap, and oil can all be helpful in getting rid of the residue. You may be able to cover stubborn patches with your design, but another option is to cover your jar with paint or paper. 

While your jar is drying, plan your design. Keep things simple by putting a band of rope around the top and bottom of the jar and stretching lines of rope between the two in criss-crossing patterns. For more complex patterns, like the sequence from YouTube channel Mini Atölyem, you could braid pieces of your rope or yarn together. Bring in embellishments such as fabric, buttons, beads, or faux flowers to supply eclectic color and texture. All that's left to do is secure your rope or yarn to the jar. Use a craft glue or hot glue that is designed for use on glass, and carefully attach one piece of rope at a time. Once your rope is in place, let the glue dry before placing your gorgeous new decor on any table or shelf you want.