Sunday, July 10, 2011

petite french yogurt jars.........as sweet little vases


When I saw this project of painting the insides of plain glass jars, I knew there was a story I had to tell you. When my sister-in law Louise met up with me in Paris last fall during my second week, we would slip down the narrow winding stairs to the most charming hotel restaurant each morning and order our breakfast of yogurt, granola, fruit, orange juice, croissants, and several pots of robust coffee.



Louise is a very practical and clever woman of Dutch background and when she slipped out to the restaurant washroom to rinse out the yogurt jar I thought perhaps in an amusing way she was taken the Dutch work ethic a bit too far. Silly me, she was taking what she found to be the sweet little jar back home as a sweet little vase clever but even I could see that one wasn't going to be enough. Change of morning plans.


In order to add to the collection without convert bathroom trips, we resorted to room service, something I happen to adore anyways and made her mission a bit easier to acomplish. By the end of the week, she has a nice little clean collection no yogurt traces no label to line up along her kitchen window when we got home. Sometimes they hold flowers, sometimes little bunches of fresh herbs, but I do have to say I wish I had done the same. Now you might ask, why this jar? 


Unlike North America, the French package their yogurt in glass jars so much smarter. Since it isn't a screw top, there is only a nice curved top lip exposed when you remove the foil top. It is one sweet little glass jar to line up along a windowsill and remind you of everyday Paris. 


When I saw this technique on the blog Hidden In Paris which I found through Vicki Archer's book recommendation here I knew I would send it along to Louise, perhaps she wants to add some colour to her sweet little Paris vases? It looks really easy and as you will see by clicking here, it works on all types of glass shapes. Especially the petite ones you bring home from Paris.





Photo 1 and 5 via Hidden in France/Photo 4 via electricmom//Photo 2 and 3 by Sande Chase

24 comments:

  1. What a cute idea - thanks for sharing this!

    All the best, Katie from
    www.westiejulep.blogspot.com

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  2. Sande,

    Being a creative (interior designer, seamstess, clothing re-styler etc.) I love learning and from all the creativity you share. This one in particular is unique and a great project for young and old. Why? Because it's simple and yields big smiles. I could do this for my clients as well as with my 3 year old niece.

    Great photo's too!

    Bette

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  3. What have I been doing? ....I never keep them but will from now on...they would be very sweet with tea lights in them too...Thanks of the link Sande...When are we going back to Paris?? xv

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  4. Ohhh...I don't like yogurt, but I'd make myself eat it to get these cute jars. We're so cheap in Indiana we only get plastic containers with writing all over them.

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  5. Dear Sande~
    I love this idea! They are so sweet and I think it would be so adorable lined across a kitchen window. I love that your sister in law washed and saved them everyday too...I'v been known to save some pretty crazy but to me very precious momentos in my life. She will always remember her mornings in Paris with you whether she paints them or not. They are already colored with breakfast in Paris with Sande:)
    Hugs today,
    xxx's

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  6. Oh what a great idea! I love the painting idea too.

    xoxo

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  7. This is such a beautiful idea. I hope to try it soon.

    Erika

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  8. I also save, and love, the brown ceramic yogurt containers from France. Can't believe they actually just throw them away after use...yes, I have seen that done too many times! They're perfect for almost any flower, anytime!

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  9. Ahh ... The little jars. And the yoghurt. I am missing it this morning as I sit finally back in Australia after a wonderful trip to France. My only regret is not bringing any of these home. I saw many people rinsing them out and doing so but I was a little worried about space in my jammed suitcase. Paris was kind to me.
    I love the idea of painting them, some of the yogurt pots I saw were ceramic. These were even more special. It is truly a lovely thing to do. X

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  10. I so want these little painted jars. I think it also offers a perfect reason to visit Paris.......like I needed another reason. They are so sweet!

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  11. These jars are so sweet and great little mementoes from France. I use mine all the time too. My terra cotta pots are at my sinks holding little scrubbies. I am always asked where to buy my little jars. Love the painted look - i will be off to buy some paint today! Love the hotel too - it is my favorite little place in Paris to stay!!

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  12. More and more, I have been trying to switch from plastic to glass (in the kitchen), and I am known for saving glass jars. Right now, I have about 8 glass baby food jars tucked away in the cabinet. I love to put vintage buttons and beads in them for easy storage.
    I would have never thought to paint the inside of one. I'm definitely going to be borrowing this idea.

    Hope all is well,
    Mandy

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  13. What a lovely idea! I save the glass jars from Bonne Maman jam, and I use them for everything, but I love that these yogurt jars have such a pretty lip. How clever of you both to order in room service! xo Gigi

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  14. Perfectly sweet and charming! Enjoy your week!

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  15. loved the jars idea.. would surely try it and post you..

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  16. So very clever your sis in law Louise is. These wee jars are charming Sande, definitely worth toting home. Hope your new week is off to a great start?

    Cheers x Deb

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  17. So adorable!! I used to save baby food jars which are so useful (small buttons, safety pins etc) but these are even cuter!!

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  18. My French Fries use them at school as paint jars, but your idea is taking it to the next (chicer) level!

    La Mom
    An American Mom in Paris

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  19. Oh those jars look so charming...

    I'd like to try this project,
    looks real easy ♥

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  20. I love this Sande...how clever! I WISH our yogurt came in glass! :)
    Have you been out riding yet?
    xo

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  21. lifestylenotebooki.blogspot.comJuly 13, 2011 at 10:11 PM

    Love the pastel painted jam jars, so prettily recycled. I also use the French jam jars with the screw top lids for leftovers in the fridge instead of plastic.
    And the beautiful simplicity of your 3 piece goodie bag (white bag, mini clothespin and perfect heart)--amazing creativity.

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  22. How charming and pretty. And oh so practical!

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  23. Simple and sweet. love these. You are one of my very favorite blogs. I just linked to you on one of my posts(just started) about wrapping a gift. It is not so lovely as yours, but I am learning from you. The friend I post about shares my love of your blog. Inspiring.

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Your comments are such a lovely addition to my day. Thank you.

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