Hi All,

I am so excited to be here on Traci’s blog today to share a tutorial for creating this cute Gratitude Jar using the new Grit & Grace collection.

What you need:

A Jar
A selection of papers from the collection for your tags
One (or two) papers printed on sticker paper for your jar exterior (if you don’t have this, then print a couple on thin copier paper)
A selection of embellishments
The die cut numbers from the collection

Process

Gather together all of your supplies and decide on the size of your tags (where you will record your gratitudes)

I chose to work with the 4x3 patterned cards for this as I love the smaller scale of the patterns on these and I could easily cut each in half to create 2 tags from one card.

Cut your tag shapes. You could opt for any shape here.

I toyed with the idea of die cutting some circles from the patterns, but I wanted lots of space for embellishments and writing so I chose to cut tag shapes. I cut one tag first and then used that as a template so all of my tags were the same.

Layer up if you want additional interest

I chose to spend a fun crafty afternoon working on my Gratitude Jar so I decided I wanted lots of layers to each of the tags I would write on. With this in mind for each tag I layered up: a pinked circle in a co-ordinating pattern with a word-phrase element and a number.

I also opted to ink the edges (front and back) of my tags for additional texture.

Add additional details to the back of each tag

I decided to stamp some generic gratitude sentiments on to the back of my tags.

Add finishing touches

I opted to add string to each of my tags. This adds alot of bulk, but my jar is big enough to take it and I really like the look when they are all in the jar together.

Decorate your jar - this is where the sticker paper (or the thinner paper comes in)

Trim one of your sticky patterns so that it will serve as a label for your jar. The sticker paper makes it really easy to wrap the jar in the pattern without any bubbles or creases.

If you don't have sticker paper, then copier paper and adhesive will work better than cardstock as it will wrap easier.

I also opted to trim a second paper into a circle and covered the lid of my screw-top jar with that so the whole thing was co-ordinated.

Bonus Tutorial - Gratitude Prompts

I decided I wanted to work with Traci’s FREE Gratitude prompt PDF as an additional element for my jar… by creating a prompt pull for myself.

Print the Gratitude prompt from Traci

I printed my PDF on a sheet of cardstock and then also printed one of the patterned papers on the BACK of the PDF so that my strips are patterned on one side - this is just for prettiness!

Trim out the prompts into strips

Create something to hold your prompt strips

I worked with a We R MemoryKeepers envelope board to create an envelope for my strips.

How I will work with my jar

I am going to pull a prompt from the envelope early each evening and then write a response on the back of the tag for that day. My tags are stored in a little box to the side of my jar and when they are complete I am putting them into the jar. By the end of November I will have a jar FULL of Gratitudes.

A Gratitude practice is a WONDERFUL way to maintain a positive mindset - particularly when life is challenging. It takes on an additional dimension when you work with it as a tool to inspire positivity within you. To do this, when you are feeling challenged, turn to your gratitude AND READ SOME OF THE GRATITUDES YOU HAVE ALREADY ADDED TO IT!! The simple act of re-reading your own words, your own captured gratitudes, will have a powerful effect on your mind and will shift your mindset into that place of remembered positivity.

I hope you enjoy this crafty project, and that your jar becomes a tool for you to work with whenever you need it in the future. Feel free to tag me on Instagram if you share pictures of your jars, I would love to see them! @carolinescreativehealing

Much love, Caroline