Introduction: Pretty Preserves Tied Up With String

About: I write. I craft. I blog about it.

They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach but I've found that this old adage applies to pretty much everyone! Each year I make up a huge batch of something delicious to give to loved ones for the holidays and so far, homemade jam is the stand-out favorite. While making jam is a messy, all-day-long (but totally rewarding- make a batch now for last minute gifts for months!) process, wrapping up jam is quick and easy.
Feel free to adapt any of these materials to suit your taste: any decorative paper or fabric can substitute for the craft paper and if you don't like the ceramic spoons, try a vintage silver one instead!

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

For one jar, you will need:

One jar of jam
Something to trace a circle 2 1/2" large than jam jar top (either a bowl, lid or a compass)
Craft paper
Pencil
Decorative edge scissors- zigzag, scallop or both
Ruler
Scrap paper for the label- I used an old ledger sheet
Typewriter or fine tipped marker
Sewing machine and thread, optional
Hot glue gun and glue stick
3' baker's twine (here's a giant selection)
A few spun cotton mushrooms (order them here or search for them on eBay)
One small spoon (mine are from CB2)

Step 2: Trace a Circle, Cut It Out

Trace a circle that is 2 1/2" larger than the top of your jam jar. You can either find a bowl or lid that measures this or use a compass. Cut along these lines with a pair of decorative edge scissors. Erase any left over pencil lines.

Step 3: Make Your Label

Measure and draw a 2" x 3" rectangle with a pencil and ruler. Now here's where you have some options. If you happen to have a typewriter, you can type out the label within the traced rectangle. If not, hand write the label (or find a friend with great handwriting- you know you have one!)
Cut along the traced lined with decorative edge scissors. If you have a sewing machine, sew along the edges of the label. Sewing on paper is just as easy as sewing on fabric, I swear! To protect your sewing needles and machine, just change out the needle when you go back to fabric.
Dot the back of the label with hot glue and affix to the jam jar.

Step 4: Top Your Jam Jar

Center the craft paper circle on top of the jam jar and crease it over the jar with your fingers.

Step 5: Wrap Your Jar

Take the bakers twine and, leaving a 2" tail at one end, start wrapping around the craft paper topped jar, wrapping with one hand and holding the craft paper circle in place with the other hand. If this gets tricky, have a friend help for a minute! At the end, tie the twine in a knot and trim if needed.

Step 6: Add the Shrooms and Spoon!

Grab a few mushrooms and wrap the wire ends of the shrooms around the twine a couple of times, then trim the wire with scissors to conceal the wire.
Tuck the spoon under the mushrooms and twine so that it lays flat against the jar.
You're done!