Help..need vase ideas

**frugalfranny** · 05-22-2009, 11:16 AM

I need some help for some vase ideas to take flowers to nursing home/assisted living people that I visit.

Nothing fancy just something to hold a few flowers and water. Thought of jars, but ideas for how to 'doll them up' a bit with things that I would have around the house and EASY and fast.

Wow got this posted ....I hope...thanks to indigo mom...thanks! Since I didn't know what I was doing.

To see more about why I need the vases, read my blog...accidently posted it there to begin with....I will learn. I am a newbie!

**The Muse** · 05-22-2009, 11:25 AM

I love the look of fresh flowers in Mason Jars. I actually reach for a Mason jar before one of my Tiffany vases. Go figure!

**jollyquilter** · 05-22-2009, 11:44 AM

I was going to say the same thing about the mason jar.

Or you could even use jelly jars or pickle jars. Dress them up with some thin copper wire and a few beads.

Or just tie a ribbon around the neck to make a bow.

**lotsadebt** · 05-22-2009, 11:54 AM

Tin cans covered in contact paper or constuction paper with kid art on it.
Will not break if knocked over by a resident in a nursing home.

**Judi Dial** · 05-22-2009, 12:57 PM

There's an instructable on making a vase from a plastic bottle. You could put rocks in the bottom instead of shells like the example. Cover the bottle, or add a bow or what have you? Also, I agree with the commentors. Instead of taping or melting the edge, I'd probably hit it with an old emery board or sand it. You could put it on a sheet of sandpaper and do it pretty quick!

See here:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Pret...lastic_Bottle/

Judi

**4islandgirls** · 05-22-2009, 01:17 PM

Check out your thrift stores, I was in our Salvation Army once and saw them take a whole shopping cart of vases off the shelves and take them out to the dumpster. I still remember the crashing as they were all disposed of. There were still a bunch on the shelve, evidently they can't get rid of them. Maybe if you explain your good cause, they might be willing to donate some.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 05-22-2009, 02:42 PM

Ask on Freecycle! Explain what your doing if allowed. Everyones got atleast one under the sink.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Grainlady** · 05-22-2009, 03:22 PM

Check the nursing home. They may have a stockpile of them they would be happy to contribute.

Thrift stores, as 4islandgirls mentioned, always seem to have LOTS of them around here. Talk to a manager and see if you can make a "good" deal - especially when they find out what you need them for.

I'd start calling my friends (especially the hoarders - and you know who you are - LOL)... If you were to call me with this request, I have 3 sitting on the work bench in the garage right now you could have (they are destined for the next give-away to Goodwill).

**frugalfranny** · 05-22-2009, 03:51 PM

Thanks gang, I just KNEW I could count on you.

All of them are great ideas and for some strange reason I lost all creative ability when it came to this idea. You saved my buns and I will start saving the bigger jars (usually only save 8 ounce or smaller)......and cans! (hadn't even thought of those) Also made me realize I need to go downstairs and dig through my 'plastic container' box.

Very good point was made about the plastic/cans and not breakable so will have to keep that in mind too.

I can even get some made up ahead of time....so if you think of any more...let me know......I am off to create. Took lilacs today in the only 'larger' jar that I had......thanks again

**known2him5** · 05-22-2009, 04:38 PM

My friend works at a hospital Some medication she gives frequently, comes in a tiny glass bottle. She saves those, cleans them out, and puts a single flower in it, with some colored water. Very pretty.

**suki** · 05-23-2009, 03:09 AM

At the Assisted Living facility and nursing home where I worked, we had a ton of vases... and no room to add more to our collection. I highly recommend checking with them.