Three Magnificent Mason Jar Christmas Crafts

Hey, guess what time of year it is? That's right, it's the most wonderful time of the year! Now, before we break out into the real life musical that I have always dreamed would happen, we need a few things. On this list are some Christmas DIYs that that can appeal to everyone! Not only are they Christmas themed, but they all use mason jars! My love for mason jars grows exponentially each time I use one in a craft, and now I am not afraid to admit that I am obsessed. Moving past that, here they are:

1. Snowman Lid Ornament

I have no idea why I decided to make this. My family already can't fit all our ornaments on the tree. Will this masterpiece make the cut? Probably not. Because I already know this post is going to be super long, I'm going to skip the supplies, and jump right in. First glue white paper to the inside part of the mason jar lid, and glue that to the outer part. Cover the paper in hot glue, and sprinkle glitter into it to create a snowy background. Now make the snowman and tree. Get creative, I used makeup sponges for the tree and snowman, but you can use anything from cotton balls, and stuffed animal fluff to marshmallows. Don't have paint, or are too lazy to walk up the stairs where a never-before -used paint kit is waiting? I used nail polish and glitter glue. Glue together your winter scene, slap a ribbon on the back, and voila! Your dream of a white Christmas has come to life!

2. Brownie in a Jar

I love brownies. If you don't, you are are either lying or are insane. Sorry, but it's the truth. This project was ridiculously easy, it literally took twenty minutes to get the supplies, find a recipe, and create it. Speaking of a recipe, I found one here that was perfect, but if want to use your own, make sure it calls for the dry ingredients to be mixed up together. Once you layer the dry ingredients to your artistic desiring, list the rest of the ingredients and instructions on a card to complete the brownies. I had to halve my recipe in order to fit all into this smaller jar, so keep that in mind when listing the rest of your ingredients. If you have room at the top, add marshmallows, chocolate chips, or walnuts for an extra touch. Perfect as gifts, and visually pleasing, I can't think of a reason not to make this!

3. Mason Jar Snow Globe

This is probably my favorite project out of the three. It's super easy, quick to make, and very customizable. The first thing I would suggest doing is finding or making a figurine to glue onto your lid. I got mine at Michaels 50% off the original price. There are so many adorable scenes to choose from: a family making a snowman, a boy playing with his dog, a snowy Christmas tree. Naturally, I chose the raccoons hanging out by an outhouse. It just screamed Christmas (I'm being sarcastic)! Now choose a mason jar that will fit your figurine, and glue it onto your lid. I needed a short and squat one. I added quilt batting on the bottom to look like snow. Now fill it with water and glitter. Make sure to take water displacement into account, and leave some air in to shake it. Now you have a your very own snow globe!

Sorry for the super long post. Comment which is your favorite, and what else you would like to see. Thanks for reading!

Two Points of View

Image courtesy of Twitter.

One thing that I have always found helpful in my life is changing my point of view. Seeing the "bright side" of a situation can change everything, but more than that, seeing the argument from the other side is extremely important. I have always prided myself in seeing from multiple perspectives, and now we are going to talk about that.

First, a little bit of back story to help you understand what I am talking about. Last year in my social studies class, we were waiting for class to start and had randomly started talking about marriage equality. The general theme of the conversation was that it was wrong to keep marriage just between a man and a woman. While I strongly agree with this, I also wanted to add more to the conversation. I suggested that we also see this argument from the side of those who oppose gay marriage. After all, if we want others to acknowledge our point of view, we need to offer them the same courtesy. I immediately regretted this sentence. Some my classmates started attacking me with their opinions (that I didn't disagree with), and calling me homophobic. While never stated that I agreed with those who opposed gay marriage, just recognizing their feelings and opinions made me a target.

Not to be rude, but what those classmates did was wrong in so many ways. In my own opinion, gay marriage should allowed mainly because we are all allowed to have our own beliefs. If we blatantly tell those who are against gay marriage that they are wrong, and can't have their own point of view, we give them the right to do the same. It is not about deciding what is right for everyone, but being given the right to decide for ourselves. We may never be rid of homophobia, but maybe everyone will begin to realize that we all have the right to our own principles.

If you give the other side of the argument some thought, you can better understand those who believe that. Creating peace isn't about agreeing with people, but understanding them. Spending time in a different way of thinking can only add to your personality, and intellectual depth. Now I understand that it was a good thing to have that experience in my social studies class. From it I was able to get a better outlook, and a way to hopefully help others gain the same thing.

Frendship Bracelet Style Headphones

These are coolest headphones ever to be created.

You my dear readers, are fabulous. The fact that you are reading this blog proves it. As a fabulous person everything in you life is just naturally amazing! So why shouldn't your headphones be the same? Lucky for you, decorating your headphones is really easy. With cheap supplies, and some free time, your headphones can be as cool as mine.

First, as always, is to gather your supplies. You will need a pair of headphones (like that wasn't obvious), and some kind of string or thread. I used embroidery floss, but I have seen people use baker's twine, or even yarn. Keep in mind, the thicker the string, the less time it takes to finish. That being said, I have no clue how much string you will need.

To start, measure out five times the length of your headphones in your string of choice. This may not cover the entire area you need, but it's a good length to start with. Tape the end of your headphones to a desk and double knot your string onto the chord so that there is an equal length on either side. Coil your extra string so that it is easier to work with, and doesn't get tangled.

Image courtesy of Friendship-Bracelet.net

Now it is time to begin the knotting pattern known as "Chinese laddering". Take the string on your right hand side and create a backwards four shape by placing the string under the chord and over the other string. Now take the left hand string and place it over the chord, and through the loop created by the other string. Pull tight, and repeat. At one point as the spiral pattern begins to appear, your two strings will start to look like they need to flip to the other side. When this happens, just switch what sides they're on to continue the spiral.

When you run out of string, or want to change colors, leave at least half and inch of extra string left after your last stitch. Repeat the beginning steps of measuring and double knotting, and creating the pattern. Do all of this while adding your extra length of string to your chord, and including it in your stitches. After about three repetitions of your pattern, cut off the rest of the extra string, and continue you pattern. When you reach the end of your headphones, cut off  as much of the extra as you can, and secure the end of your pattern with clear nail polish.

Now, not only do your headphones look super swaggy (I am so sorry for using that word), but they also don't get tangled as easily. Add an iTunes gift card and you have the perfect combination of gifts for a friend family member, or even a celebrity crush that you stalk. After making multiple pairs for myself, and my friends. I have become an expert, so if you have any questions make sure to comment, ask me in person, or watch this video. Thanks for being fabulous!