Use Glass Jars To Make A Handy Tool For Hanging Things On The Wall

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We've all been there. You find an amazing-looking floating shelf that you're so excited to mount to the wall, but then you realize you don't have a level. How will you ensure it's straight? Or you finally got the perfect art piece to complete your gallery wall, but unfortunately, no matter how much you adjust it, it still looks crooked when you step back to admire it. What would you say if we told you that you can make a level with just a glass jar, a marker, and some water? You can thank us later. Not only is this project quick and simple, but you actually only need a few items you probably already have lying around your house.

First, as mentioned, you'll need a glass jar. With all the clever ways to reuse old glass jars around the house, you probably already have a few handy for this DIY! If you don't, you could always pick one up for very little money from a local craft store, grocery store, or thrift store. You'll also need a permanent marker to draw a line on the glass jar. Now, if you only need a temporary level solution or want to reuse the jar later, a water-based marker should work just fine — after all, there are tried and true ways to clean Sharpie off of glass. If you're looking for a more permanent solution, use an oil-based or acrylic marker. These Craiiby Black Paint Markers could be a good option. Finally, you'll just need a small block of wood about half the height of the jar and some water, and you're ready to get started.

You'll be shocked how fast you can make this level. Simply place your jar on a flat surface, and place the wooden block in front of it. Next, you'll use your marker to draw a horizontal line on the jar, using the top of the block as a guide. The line should span the width of the jar. Then repeat that same process on the other side of the jar. The final step is to fill the jar with water, right up to those lines. Congratulations! You just created a tool to help you hang items straight on the wall. You can add a little food coloring to the water to make it even easier to see the water line. Try this affordable pack of Amazon Grocery Assorted Food Coloring.

Technically, any glass jar will do, but in this case, a jar with an elongated oval or rectangular base may work better than a jar with a circular base, especially if you're using this level to straighten framed wall art. The frames usually aren't that deep. A jar with a flatter profile may provide more accurate results. Alternatively, if you need a level in a pinch and only have a transparent plastic jar, you could use that, too. Your walls are about to be covered with color and personality, and every piece of decor will be level! When you're done, repurpose the jar for workshop storage — stop losing your small tools by organizing them with old mason jars.