DIY Recycled Vase

I don't usually buy fresh flowers because for many years I had the mentality of "They're basically dead. They last two days before they go brown and shit and have to be thrown out... what a waste of money!" so I never asked and expected flowers for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. But unbeknownst why, I changed my mind and told my husband this year he had to buy me flowers for my birthday. I think it was the emergence of Instagram into my life and all the pretty floral features some people show that made want some of that pretty into my own life. 

Once I got flowers I had nowhere to put them. I have a couple of old vases around the places but most were chipped or crap looking (nothing survives these kids) and of the opaque variety. I really wanted a transparent vase to give off that clean and minimalist look but the thought of paying $40 plus for a vase that my kids will no doubt one day smash to pieces didn't exactly appeal to me or my common sense. 

Forward to me cleaning my kitchen yesterday and after spooning out the last little bit of coffee from my coffee jar to have my morning halal crack (I swear some days a cup of the brown stuff is the only thing that keeps me awake) I realised that the massive jar was transparent, strong, huge in width and height and was pretty much perfect for an el-cheapo vase. If it breaks I won't cry myself to sleep because I can always go grab another jar of coffee from the grocery shop and recycle that in the same fashion if needs be. I also kept the lid in case one day I want to use the jar for small storage when I go back to teaching. Seriously, teachers are the craftiest when it comes to recycling household goods.

All I did was rip off the label and soak it in warm soapy water for a while so it was easy to scrub off the remnants of the label's glue that was still attached. I let it air dry and then went and bought this colourful bouquet for $9 from Coles, placing it on the white Ikea dresser in my bedroom.

I doubt I would ever go to an actual florist to buy flowers for my home because they ridiculously overcharge for something that will be dead in a few days. Both Coles and Woolies are starting to sell a large variety of fancy flowers in gorgeous colours so they've been my go to when wanting something to brighten up my home and most of the time I find those same bouquets (if not better) for much cheaper pricers at the grocery store. Personal instagram example: This bouquet from a florist cost my mother $40. These even more gorgeous bouquets from Woolworths cost $15.

Have you ever handily recycled household goods for other purposes?