9 Ways to Put Together A Scrapbook-in-A-Jar (Part 1)

What often comes to mind when someone mentions "scrapbooking" as a craft or hobby? 

You probably think of 6" x 6", 12" x 12", and 24" x 24" scrapbook albums and paper, photos, die cuts, and embellishments. 

But have you ever thought about the elements of scrapbooking, and maybe a little more -- all put together in a jar? 

The Uniqueness of the Scrapbook-in-A-Jar 

A scrapbook-in-a-jar lends novelty to the craft. 

Imagine not arranging photos and elements on the pages of a scrapbook album. Instead, you'll take an empty jar, choose a theme, add a photo, and choose embellishments based on your theme. 

Selecting the appropriate jar can be just as much fun as deciding on the size of the scrapbook album. Putting together a scrapbook-in-a-jar can truly be an exercise in creativity.

Scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be frugal.

While different sizes of mason jars can be bought in bulk for a cheaper price, you can choose to recycle empty jars of peanut butter, mayonnaise, pickle relish, or fruit preserves to create your scrapbooks-in-a-jar. 

Also, you'll most likely need to use only excess supplies from your craft stash, including bits and pieces of scrapbook paper, ribbons, yarn, and twine. 

You can also incorporate random items like tassels, lace, paper doilies, and a strip of pom pom trim.

So if you think resorting to crafting gift tags and bookmarks just to use up your stash has gotten old and boring pretty fast, putting together several scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be a new and exciting way to get rid of your excess supplies. 

You can incorporate 3D elements better in a scrapbook-in-a-jar.

Unlike traditional scrapbooks with a flat, 2D surface, you can incorporate 3D elements better in a scrapbook-in-a-jar. 

You can use multi-purpose glue to attach a small toy or figurine on your jar's lid, or attach oddly shaped craft buttons in strategic areas of your scrapbook-in-a-jar.

Scrapbooks-in-a-jar can have a decorative effect.

Because of their size, you can place a scrapbook-in-a-jar nearly anywhere -- next to a lamp on your bedside table, or the pencil holder on your desk. 

Scrapbooks-in-a-jar can also be an eye candy, and serve as conversation starters in your home. You can randomly stack up books in various sizes and thickness on top of a coffee table and place a scrapbook-in-a-jar next to it.

So if you want to brighten up a rather threadbare space or room, why not place several scrapbooks-in-a-jar wherever appropriate.

A scrapbook-in-a-jar can be customized to be given away as a gift.

If you're looking for a unique present for loved ones or friends, a scrapbook-in-a-jar is a fool-proof handmade item that no one can resist. 

All you need to do is keep the recipient's interests in mind, and tailor the jar accordingly. It could be a hobby or interest, or her favorite colors or styles. It could be a movie, TV series, or pop culture icons.

Putting together scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be frugal, so these items can also be excellent stocking stuffers.

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, which means I'll be collecting a commission each time you click on those links and make a purchase.)

(1.) Pop Culture-Themed Scrapbook-in-A-Jar

Pop culture-themed scrapbooks-in-a-jar can be given as presents to anyone whose tastes are influenced by particular characters from cartoons, comic strips, video games, movies, or TV shows. 

Photo from Bluey
Click here for full procedure.

If you have children on your holiday gift-giving list, they might appreciate anything related to anime, Sanrio, Disney or Warner Bros. characters.

Likewise, you may know adults who are into Marvel or DC superheroes.

(2.) Shabby Chic Scrapbook-in-A-Jar 

Think flowers, lace, whimsical and cozy cottages by the countryside, and lots of plaid and gingham prints.

Wedding, anniversary, or vacation photos usually suit shabby chic scrapbooks-in-a-jar.

Gentle Wind series
vintage flower pattern paper
from jianwustationery

The video tutorial above features 3 kinds of jars decorated the shabby chic way. They're easy and simple enough to modify according to your tastes and preferences.

(3.) Beach-Themed Memory Jar 

Set of 10 pieces
Blue Wave washi tapes
by jenny540118556.ph

The focal point of this DIY scrapbook-in-a-jar is to take your latest photo at the beach (it could be with your family or a group of friends) and place it inside a jar, and choose embellishments that give off a beach-y vibe.

Photo from Mom 4 Real
For full tutorial, click here.

For this DIY project, sand, artificial moss, and seashells are a must. You can then incorporate a color or black-and-white photo. 

Opt for teal, aquamarine, or sky blue washi tape for the lid of your jar. You can further add a rustic vibe by tying a piece of jute twine around the lid with a seashell attached.

(4.) Sports-Themed Scrapbook-in-A-Jar

Most guys would appreciate this DIY project, so I expect crafty girls and women to come up with one for their sweethearts, husbands, brothers, nephews, or sons.

Image from Mason Jar Crafts Love
For entire procedure, click here.

Wrap a jar with sports-themed scrapbook, and tie a string around it and attach a miniature coach's whistle. 

Take photos and tickets from a recent ballgame, cut out miniature jerseys, basketball courts and basketballs from cardstock, or try football-shaped accents if football is what the recipient prefers. 

Whatever your guy's favorite sport is, you'll find countless ways to satisfy his fanaticism.

(5.) Jar-Shaped Holiday Scrapbook 

Image from Artsy Albums
Click here for full tutorial.

Deviating slightly away from the use of mason jars or recycled jars of mayonnaise, fruit preserves, or pickle relish is the holiday-themed, jar-shaped scrapbook. 

Crafters will have a lot of fun with this DIY project, since it requires the use of a lot of scraps of scrapbook paper with bright and bold patterns. 

You can also recycle greeting cards and gift tags you may have accumulated throughout the years. Be generous with embellishments like stickers and washi tapes as well.