Jelly jars can be decorative or functional
If you stumbled onto grandma's secret jelly recipe, you might have all the tools to create a great homemade toast-topper. But where are you going to store it? Luckily, homemade jelly jars are easy to make and can be used for basic storage or to complement a homemade gift.
Instructions
Making Homemade Jelly Jars
1. For optimal storage, you want to pick the best possible jar. If stored improperly, jellies and jams will spoil. Pick Your Own recommends Mason, Kerr or Ball jars (with their accompanying lids) because of their sturdiness and the fact they are heat-treated. These jars can be purchased at grocery stores, craft stores or online.
Conversely, Pick Your Own also discourages reusing a commercial jar, such as an old spaghetti sauce jar, due to lack of heat treatment and a tendency to break. You should always pick a jar small enough for the recipe--an over-large jar will ruin your canning efforts.
2. Once you've jarred your jelly, it can be hard to tell between strawberry or cherry jam. You can avoid guessing by creating a label. At the same time, artistic jar labels are an attractive way to personalize a jar of jelly, such as one being given as a gift.
The easy way to create an artistic custom label, according to Martha Stewart, is to download a template online. Templates can be found with a simple Internet search. Print the label onto adhesive paper, write in the jelly flavor and peel off the backing. Press the sticker onto a dry, cool jar and your jelly will never be mistaken.
3. A final artistic touch, such as for a gift, is an attractive cloth top. Using a swatch of fabric and a hot glue gun, glue the fabric to the jar. Nestle Family recommends letting the fabric extend one inch below the lid. If desired, glue cotton balls between the fabric and lid, for a less stiff appearance. Then, if desired, glue a ribbon around the jar's rim and tie into a cute bow.
Tags: desired glue, Homemade Jelly Jars, Pick Your, your jelly