Make a Broken Jar

Turn an empty jar into a cutting-edge vessel that challenges established aesthetic conventions.

This project has gotten such an overwhelming response maybe it should become a whole new website. Unfortunately "brokenjar.com" isn't available.

Photos by and of Will Bosworth

Here's what you need.

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Step 1: Scratch the Surface

Dip the end of your glass cutter in oil before scoring the jar. Use a tuna can or other object to keep it at the right height. Don't roll back over the old cut or you'll blunt your cutting wheel. No one has actually ever resisted the urge to do this, so this glass cutter is horrible.

bfedorowytsch says: Nov 25, 2012. 6:56 AM

I suggest cutting the glass with heat.

DR_UNIX says: Aug 27, 2007. 9:21 AM

I have the banner for brokenjar.com (once the site is created.)

fallental in reply to DR_UNIXDec 22, 2010. 11:18 AM

LOL

pudicobar says: Nov 23, 2008. 9:27 AM

(removed by author or community request)

Honestinwilkesbarre in reply to pudicobarNov 29, 2008. 8:30 PM

His first sentence.... Turn an empty jar into a cutting-edge vessel that challenges established aesthetic conventions. The last sentence of the actual instructions... When you've got a broken jar you really like, rub the sharp edges with sandpaper til they're rounded off and don't cut you. He considers this an art project. You have to read more than just the title before you comment, please.

WolfVecho says: Oct 11, 2008. 2:57 AM

LOL I love the jar "hit it till it busts" it would be easier to just drop it on the cement

Oblivitus says: Jul 26, 2008. 6:45 PM

LOL! 5 STARS!

Camisado says: Jul 15, 2008. 4:00 PM

I can't believe the oh-so-great TimAnderson would make something this horrible! ( No offense )

PC_Maestro says: Jul 25, 2006. 7:19 AM

in the second photo he swallowed a peice of glass. This is the crapiest instructable ever.

Flumpkins in reply to PC_MaestroJul 4, 2008. 5:36 PM

NO DUH!!! That's why it was in the "Worst. Instructables. Ever." Group. Did you expect it to be the best in the world?

DJ Radio in reply to FlumpkinsJul 4, 2008. 5:51 PM

Look at the guy who made this, why dont you...

Flumpkins in reply to DJ RadioJul 5, 2008. 1:09 PM

This is actually the first thing from this guy that I saw. So... yeah!

awkrin says: Jun 25, 2008. 5:49 AM

u could just put the top of the bottle in hot water, then put it under cold water. it's a lot easier

blazing Ang3l says: Jul 5, 2006. 12:29 PM

what is the almighty point of this?

dianneiyisan in reply to blazing Ang3lMar 9, 2008. 7:03 PM

what is the sound of one hand clapping? point of this. there is no point to anything!

Grey_Wolfe in reply to dianneiyisanJun 19, 2008. 12:28 AM

Sounds kinda like a flat tire in a bugs bunny cartoon.

Valche says: May 28, 2008. 9:35 PM

While it doesn't suit my particular aesthetic taste, I like that you made something that brings up the subject and asks the question of what beauty really is. Very nice, +1 :).

Dungeonbrownies says: Mar 9, 2008. 9:23 PM

it must dribble horribly, artistic or odd, iono, but unpractical fosho. it does make everything seem more... iono. post modern i guess.

haptotrope says: Mar 5, 2008. 1:56 PM

also, perhaps tap it from the inside. tapping on the side of the score confuses the glass!

haptotrope says: Mar 5, 2008. 1:54 PM

I've had mixed luck with the string and fire method... but I was looking for an awesome way to not have to buy a bottle cutter. But the can as a smooth support is brilliant. I'm going to use a taller can for cutting a wine bottle!

kiwi20 says: Mar 3, 2008. 3:22 PM

yeah.... I agree with motorsk8ter- just throw the dang jar on the ground

bowmaster in reply to kiwi20Mar 4, 2008. 1:42 PM

Or slam your jar into your head.

223

TimAnderson (author) in reply to bowmasterMar 4, 2008. 2:35 PM

Did you know I was once a Jarhead?
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Jump-Over-a-Fence/

clanger says: Mar 2, 2008. 10:57 AM

HU !!!!!!!!

EnigmaMax says: Feb 17, 2008. 9:36 PM

"how to make a broken jar" uhh, throw a jar on the ground?

katrina_ says: Nov 4, 2007. 2:28 PM

A guy I know made one of these at the bar last night.

Doctor What says: Nov 2, 2007. 8:28 PM

oohh, that looks like it might hurt, alot,

tooluser says: Jul 23, 2006. 2:06 PM

Never done it myself, but I've been told that heating the score line over a flame will cause it to pop at the score line.

JordanZed in reply to tooluserAug 23, 2007. 10:46 PM

Correct sir (or mam.) http://www.instructables.com/id/EZF5QCGF5HVPCUD/?ALLSTEPS

tcabeen says: Aug 23, 2007. 5:52 PM

I laughed so hard and for so long at this instructable that my fiancee put on headphones. It's just That Good.

spinach_dip says: Jun 26, 2006. 12:43 PM

NO DON'T PUT YOUR LIPS THERE

benhudson in reply to spinach_dipAug 23, 2007. 4:58 PM

*puts lips there*

PC_Maestro says: Jul 25, 2006. 7:24 AM

First of all this looked nice until the 3rd step, it was actually looking cool but then it crapped up. If you look at the second picture on the last step you see that he swallowed a peice of the glass, it's funny and ironic. The glass got it's revenge. Second of all VG CATS FOREVER!!

connorcancount! in reply to PC_MaestroAug 8, 2007. 8:38 PM

how did he swallow glass?

mollypierucci says: Jul 30, 2007. 2:06 PM

uh..cute.

lemonie says: Dec 26, 2006. 10:18 AM

Yes, flame it with a blow-lamp. I've seen professional glass-blowers do it this way.

Xanthippe says: Jul 29, 2006. 6:37 PM

I don't know why everyone is so very hostile. Deceived, you cry, deceived! "I thought it would be cool, but it's simply a broken jar!" The title says "Make a Broken Jar," and that instruction you did recieve. The beauty lies in its simplicity, a symbol, a story, a sculpture or a weapon... or just a stupid broken jar. So stop bitching.