I love your idea! I know you've already gone through a lot of work to print and cut the slips, but what if you reprinted on colored paper, or "scrapbooked" the slips onto colored paper, used some sculpted scissors and then just tied a bow around the jar? It would dress it up and not distract from the concept.

Or another idea may be to have your family sign the jar with pens that will write on glass.

Well, I'm not generally crafty at this kind of thing, but I can see a beautiful red wire ribbon tied at the neck of the jar and fashioned into a wonderful bow and flowing tails. I can see something wired to the top of the handle, maybe pinecones, jingle bells and red berries?

I love your idea and I hope you post it when you're finished decorating the container - I'm sure the recipients will be thrilled with the memories. It must have been fun collecting the memories.
sky

I agree totally with Pathway and no reason to use colored paper. At 90, it is probably difficult to read on black and white --- please think about the ones to whom it is being given and make it easy for them. The red ribbon, clear glass jar and overall, the memories printed out on black and white so they can see them, is a SPLENDID GIFT!

What a wonderful gift idea!

One option would be to let your children glue buttons and old jewelry onto it. Or they could decoupage pressed flowers onto it. Things the kids create are precious.

If you're a good painter you could use glass paint. Or you could use etching cream to etch a design onto it. Or affix some leaves or shapes to it and spray it with glass frost.

If it's for the grandparents, I agree big bold type is in order.

Here is a link that might be useful: Here are some darling ones

I would tie ribbons of white and gold (good colors for Christmas, but won't look bad in season non-specific decor) to the rim of the jar, and I would adorn it with ornaments hanging from those ribbons, from strings or ribbons, chains or cord. Ornaments that are meaningful... charms (a la bracelets) would work, and you can find charms of just about anything. ... not all around, just near the bow. Hobbies, symbols of the meaningful memories, something Christmas themed, etc.

Hot glue definitely works on glass.

If you want to make it look more Christmas, but not TOO Christmas, you could glue or tie on sprigs of (faux or dried) bay.

Think of Grannie's decor! : )

My guess is that they will want to keep it year round--what a great idea!--and so, what about just putting a wreath or a ring of flowers around the base with a ribbon on the neck for the presentation?

what a nice gift

I was wondering if you could find some type of ornament that opens - like easter egg + put each memory in that - then the kiddies could help open each
Putting some ribbon around each one and adding some christmas decorations to the jar would be festive
little jewelry boxes wrapped in metallic paper - you could put several in each box.

What about printing out a favorite old picture of the two of them and putting in on the front of the jar in an oval shape?

First of all I want to say what a wonderful idea! I know as a new Grammy myself (nine days now!~) I would love to someday get such a thoughtful gift.
As for glue, yes hot glue will work on glass, but it doesn't always last long. Temp changes can make the glue loose it's tack and then the item is ruined.
With over a decade of working in fabric and craft stores I've learned that crafters prefer E6000 for most of their craft projects where hot glue just doesn't cut it. Check the link below and I'm sure you'll agree.
As for decorating your jar, I've two ideas. Collect pix of all members of the family that have memories in the jar. print them off small enough to fit behind flat marbles. Glue them face down on the flat side of the marbles then glue the flat side of the marble to the jar.
After reading chicoryflowers idea, I thought combining her idea of charms with my idea of family pix would work even better.

Make sure to scroll to the bottom of the linked page for insturctions of using this glue.

Here is a link that might be useful: E6000 craft glue

Here's a link for picture frame charms that would work if strung from ribbon around the neck of the jar. You could even put a baby pic on one side and a current pic on the other side of each charm.
Crafts etc is a company owned by Hobby Lobby so you may be able to find these in their stores too.

Here is a link that might be useful: PICTURE FRAME CHARMS

Why don't you just leave it elegant and pretty with just a ribbon and tied in a bow streaming down and perhaps a sprig of holly. If this is a keepsake, just let it stand for itself. The beauty of it is in its simple design and complex and wonderful thought. The more you add, the more tendency to become more than you really want. I think enough is enough. Some things are just pretty without a lot of tackiness attached.

Here's another idea to place small photos in. They are meant for cameos to be set in, but would work great for small pictures too. Half way down they have ones with rings at the top for attaching to C-rings or narrow ribbon for your project.

Here is a link that might be useful: CAMEO SETTINGS

I think you have gotten great ideas for decorating the jar. I would keep it on the simple side.

I am going to make another suggestion here. With your grandparents being in their 90's, and perhaps not always as nimble-fingered and steady as they were in years past, I am wondering if a big glass container is the best choice for them?

You might check your local craft store for a wooden 'treasure chest' or box that you could paint, add their pix in frames on the top, etc. You could decoupage it with a melange of copies of pix from the whole family, or even pix of things (gotten off the internet) that represent events and times in their lives.

If you don't want to have to decorate a box, you could find a pretty decorative box already done, and then add decorative stick-on or glue-on letters that say "Memories" or "Over the Years" or something. The box or chest would be lighter and easier to maneuver than the jar and lid, and maybe more secure.

Whatever you choose to do, it is a wonderful gift! I am sure they will love it, and will read the slips over and over. Oh, speaking of that, I was thinking you might also put all the memories on pages in a binder, with the names of the writers by each one. That way, if they wanted to share the thoughts with friends and family at some future time, but didn't want to have to open each paper over and over, they would also have them in book form.

Wow! Thank you all so very much for all of the wonderful, inspiring suggestions! Every single idea seems just perfect -- except for the fact that there's no way to gather the family to do things such as signing the jar at this point (we're all too scattered, darn it!). The more I think on this, the more I think that I'll do a simple wired ribbon around the neck, and somehow attach a card with a poem (that I've yet to come up with) explaining what's inside the jar.

I'm also considering Les's idea about turning this into a treasure chest instead of a memory jar. Grannie & Grandaddy still have quite a bit of glassware, so I don't think they'd be likely to drop the jar, but I like the treasure chest idea very much too! I will have to make a quick run to Joann's to see what I can find that would work if I go that route. (Awesome idea for the binder too! Thanks! I was pondering the fact that they aren't going to want to throw the memories that they pull from the jar away - but if they put them back in, they'll never get 'em all out. A binder is a perfect way to allow them to keep the memories in a safe place, but also have the fun of discovering a new one from the jar daily.)

Thank you all again sooooo much! You've helped tremendously to get my creative juices flowing! :-)

If you do the binder, you might see if you can add a small pix of each person by the memory that they post. It would be fun for others to put faces with the 'stories', and perhaps as your grandparents age, a nice way to help remember who everyone is as they read what was written.

If you can't find an unfinished box at Joanne's (or Hobby Lobby or Michael's), don't forget about checking places like Pier 1 or anyplace that sells home accessories - they may have a decorative box that would work.

Be sure and let us see the finished product, whatever you choose to do!

If you need help with a poem, I'd be happy to give it a shot. Used to do a lot of that for folks on the crafts forum here.

I would love help with the poetry, Les!

Thanks!!!
:-)

Okie-dokie.

Give me a sense of what you want to convey - just something about the purpose of the jar (or chest - that would be good to know before we write). Their first names, what people call them (in other words, what do the grandkids call them versus the great-grands, etc.) Maybe how long they have been married, their ages, and anything else you think is important to be included.

You can e-mail me at lhollowed@comcast.net if you would rather not post everything here. Just to be clear, I am not trying to pry into personal stuff, I just think the poems mean more if they have some personal connections mentioned, rather than just a generic "We gathered all these memories, asked everyone to share, and put them in this special jar to show how much we care."

I like to have a couple of days if possible to work, but one day is okay if that is all we have.

Thank you SO much, Les! I don't mind giving the info here. We call them Grannie & Grandaddy, and I feel bad for admitting this, but I'm not quite sure of their *exact* ages ... 90 and 93, I'm thinking. They've been married over 70 years, have two sons, two daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, two grandchildren-in-law (if there's such a thing!), and 3 great-grandchildren. I want to convey how much joy and warmth they've always brought into our lives over the years ... how they've imparted a sense of real belonging to the family ... and how we're all so blessed to have shared so much laughter and happiness with them throughout the years. I want them to know that our memories -- be they monumental or simply sweet and sentimental -- will always be treasured.

I just wanted to tell you that I think that is the coolest gift. Keep the kleenex handy!

I think what you've just written is already beautifully conveying your message......very sweet idea/gift.

I think since they are in their 90's simple is better.Just a nice red wired bow around the neck of it with streamers would be plenty.JMO
Kathi

Love your idea! If I were going to decorate it, I would go for simple, as someone said wire something on it, maybe a bow.

I've been buying a lot of custom painted stuff on ebay.. there is no shortage of stuff with things like roses, pinecones and other flowers. While it's probably too late to do something like that, you've given me ideas for next year for my hubby's grandmother.

That gift is such a wonderful idea. I'm in the keep-it-simple camp with just a bow. My grandmother is 102. I wish I'd done something like that for her 100th birthday blow out bash we had!

Okay, auntjen, see how this works for you. I wrote it in three parts, so you could use something shorter or the entire poem. If you want me to try and make changes, please let me know - I won't be offended in the least. I hope this is something like what you wanted.

Grannie and Grandaddy, a wonderful pair,
YouÂre the heart of our family and the love that we share.
Please enjoy all the thoughts in this memories jar
Collected to show you how special you are!

Having shared life together for more than 70 years
YouÂve had wonderful moments, and also some tears.
With warmth and great wisdom, you have taught right from wrong,
And made us all feel that we truly belong.

Of the remembrances gathered you likely will find
There are some monumental that stick in the mind
Others are simple, but each in their measure
Are times shared with you that we always will treasure.

Oh, Les!!!

I am in tears ... that expresses beautifully what's in my heart. It's absolutely perfect!

Thank you so, so much. You're a gem!

By the way - I just shared the poem with my cousin via email, and she responded with, "Thanks a lot! My mascara is now running!"

;-D

Glad to be of help, and that it says what you wanted to say. Please wish them happy holidays for me. You are truly fortunate to have grandparents that are so much a part of your life.

Jen & Les ... all I can say is WOW!!!

And Merry Christmas to all!

Aunt Jen,

No matter what you decide, the whole idea, the whole sentiment behind this gift has got to be one of the most beautiful that I've ever seen/heard of.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, how you feel about your Grandparents. Beautifully expressed.

I just went back and instead of scanning, I read the posts.

Les, you should have put a warning on the top of your post/poem -- Kleenex Required for Reading.

I don't think there is a Grandparent around who wouldn't absolutely love this gift and poem.
I only hope I'm worthy of rec'ing something similar some day.

Beautiful, all of it, beautiful.

This gift may be especially timely, as Grannie & Grandaddy are having some foundation work done in their apartment (they're in a retirement center), and they are just about at their wits end because of this. Grandaddy told my dad yesterday that, "This is the worst thing that's ever happened to us." And it's not, you know -- but at age 93, everything is magnified about 1,000 times, so the inconvenience of having to pack away some of their breakables and allow workmen into their home is sending them both into a tizzy. Nerves are frayed, instructions are being misunderstood, and my poor dad's trying to help them keep it all together ... trying to soothe them, and let them know it's not a huge deal -- "this too shall pass." It's hard for him, because G&G have reverted to being very childlike in many ways (displaying those characteristics big time these past few days!) -- and dad fights to keep his patience with them.

Anyway - I said all of that to say that the memory jar and beautiful poem probably couldn't have come at a better time for them. They desperately are needing something positive and loving to cling to right now, and I am sure that this will fill that requirement beautifully.

Jen, I can totally empathize with your grandparents and I'm 40 years younger. It can be so disruptive to your lifestyle when you have to allow "strangers" to invade your space. And the longer it goes on, the worse it gets.

I'm sure your gift will be a welcome respite.

I wanted to thank you for such a great idea!!! My grandmother will turn 87 in January. We have already planned on having a family photo done this weekend (the first time in a long time that everyone will be in one place!) to give to her, but this will be really nice gift to go with it. So, I've sent an email to the family to put on their thinking caps! I'm looking forward to reading what everyone writes.

Thank you again!! This will be something she will really enjoy.

Robbi

AuntJen, this is the coolest, most lovingly simple Christmas present ever!!! I was trying to come up with some ideas for my parents and in-laws last month and kept hitting a dead end. This one is going on my list for them right now for next year, so we'll all have time to collect the memories.

And Les, your poem was just beautiful.

I also like the idea of putting it in a book with photos of the folks in the memory. So they can go back to it anytime they want.

Beautiful, just beautiful!!!

Jen,
What a wonderful idea! This is a wonderful heart warming gift, and one that is priceless!

I was in tears reading Les's poem. We are so lucky to have a talented woman share not only her creative decorating ability but also creative writing talent.

Les, you are truly and amazing woman!

Blessing to all!

Oh my goodness - that is all that I have to say.

The sweetest, ever. Memory jar and poem.

Smiles:)