Since it is unsafe to reuse a used canning lid to seal another canning jar, what to do with all of the used lids? It may not seem like a big problem for the occasional home canner who puts up a couple of batches of tomatoes, jelly and a jam each year.
If you get into the habit of canning a lot of stuff you will end up with a pile of used lids. Instead of throwing them into the trash and adding to our landfill problems, here are ten creative ideas for repurposing used canning lids.
1. Mobile
Spray paint the lids bright colors. Drill a hole through each lid about a 1/4 of an inch from the edge. Tie the string to the lid and then to the coat hanger.
2. Matching Game
Create a matching game. Print out two of each letters, numbers, pictures of animals, shapes, colors, characters, etc. Cut out the items and glue them to one side of the lid.
3. Wind Chime
Drill a small hole near the edge that is wide enough for the string to fit through. File off any rough edges that the drill bit created while boring through the lid. String them together at different levels but close enough so that they will touch each other. Optionally you can spray paint the lids different colors before assembling.
4. Children’s Toy
Drill a small hole near the edge that is wide enough for the string to fit through. File off any rough edges that the drill bit created while boring through the lid. Use string ribbon or string to tie the lids together. Don’t use any rusted lids or paint them. The paint could flake off.
5. Scarecrow
Polish the lids with #0000 steel wool to give them a nice bright shine. Hang them with string around the garden to keep the birds away.
6. Refrigerator Magnets
Print out family pictures. Cut them to fit the lid. Glue the picture to the lid and a small flat magnet on the back side of the lid. They make great Christmas, birthday and grandparent’s day gifts.
7. Mixes in a Jar
Put together the dry mix for a family favorite recipe (cookie, cake, baked beans, etc.). Discount retailers sell inexpensive canning jars. Fill the jars with the dry mix seal with the used canning lid and ring.
8. Dry Goods Storage
The used lids work well for sealing mason jars filled with dry pasta, sugar, flower, noodles, etc. You don’t need a vacuum seal, just enough of a seal to keep the dust and weevils out.
9. Christmas Yard Art
Drill or punch two small holes on the ends. Spray paint or buff the lids. String them together into strands. Another idea is to create garland with drop downs of 3-5-7 from the main strand.
10. Christmas Ornaments
Make a series of Christmas ornaments out of the lids by punching different patterns into the lid. Be creative by punching in patterns such as snowmen, snowflakes, Santa Claus, Christmas tree, cross, etc. Take lace and glue it to the outside circumference of the lid.
I hope these ideas will provide you with some creative uses for used canning lids. Don’t have enough canning lids to make these crafts?
The Author:
Ann Richter
Photo. ds30