The Sentimental Way To Repurpose A Glass Jar And The Dandelions In Your Yard

Dandelions only bloom for a short time, but they always make a big impact in your yard. Though they're technically in bloom from May to October, they hit their peak around the end of May and early June, growing quickly and stubbornly, and turning into white puffballs that you used to make wishes on as a kid. What if those wishes could still happen, but just in a way that doesn't spread dandelion seeds all over yours and your neighbors' yards? Instead of searching for ways to stop dandelions from taking over your yard or garden, collect a few of them, grab some stones, florist wire, and a glass jar that you'll repurpose into a wish jar.

On their TikTok account about baking, gardening, and crafts, @delightfully_darcie shows how to create your very own wish jar with these simple items, half of which you can find in your garden and backyard. For the dandelion blossoms themselves, the TikToker recommends picking dandelions that have gone through the "yellow" phase but have not started the "white" phase yet. This way, they'll bloom in the jar, becoming puffy and ready for your wishes.

Creating a wish jar doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. Instead of throwing out old jars, turn them into this affordable decor and give them a new, hopeful life with your wishes. In the video, @delightfully_darcie uses a glass mason jar and smooth stones that they purchased, but you could also use shells you found on the beach or small rocks from your garden. The TikToker fills the glass jar with the stones, then twines the florist wire around a few to thread the dandelions on so they stand up. While in the jar, they bloom and morph into their classic white fluff that's ready for you to make a wish. 

For an added pop of color, you could even use beads instead of stones, though you'll need a few that are large enough to hold the dandelions — about as big as your thumb. If you want, you could even write your wishes on a small note and tie it to the jar with some ribbon for an added sentimental touch. Another way to keep this project affordable is to use a jar, either glass or plastic, that you already own. It could be a mason jar, an applesauce or spaghetti jar, or even a jam jar that you've cleaned out. As long as it has a lid, it'll work perfectly for holding onto your wishes.

A wish jar could also be used as a housewarming gift that any person would love. If you have any friends or family members who are moving into a new home, consider gifting them their own wish jar with your well wishes for new beginnings and a bright future. Making it yourself will give it a personal touch that any friend would appreciate, and it's also a great way to bring back a bit of nostalgia with the dandelions and those summer memories.

You can personalize the jar, too, with colored stones, shells, or beads, different jar shapes and sizes, or even by decorating the outside of the jar itself with ribbon, stickers, or written notes. Just make sure to not make the wish jar too far in advance, as the dandelions will likely only take 12 to 18 hours to fully open inside the glass jar. You also won't want to screw the lid on too tight, as stopping the airflow into the jar could result in the dandelions not blooming at all.