Holiday Craft Ideas: Five Minute Bean and Glass Jar Centerpieces

Sometimes quick and simple crafts are the best. This five minute bean and glass jar centerpiece takes many items you probably already have in the house and turns them into a fun centerpiece idea for the holidays.

For this project, you will need:

- One large clear glass apothecary jar or canister

- Several bag dried red beans

- Several bags split peas

- Masking tape

- Ruler

- Soap and water

- Paper towels

Carefully wash the large clear glass canister and/or apothecary jar with soap and water. Be sure to rinse it well to remove any dust. Wipe down the inside, outside, and lid of the jar with paper towels. Let it set upside down until all the moisture has dissipated from the surface of the glass. Since we are adding the beans, it is really important that there is zero moisture or water inside the jar.

Use a ruler and strips of masking tape on the outside of the jar to determine where your "stripes" will be. Begin pouring in the red beans to form an even layer. Next, add the split peas. Add a second layer of red beans over the green peas. Continue to layer the dried legumes until they reach the top of the glass jar. This will create a red and green layered effect, which will show through the clear glass. Secure the lid to prevent spills and set the centerpiece in the middle of a table, on a kitchen counter, on a shelf, or wherever you wish to display it!

If you have a little more time, consider spray painting the beans with Krylon Indoor Outdoor Paint before placing them into the jar. You can also add a saying or family monogram with vinyl decals to the outside of the jar. Or, add a ribbon around the lid. Add a matching pillar candle at the top, nestled in the beans for stability. Whatever you wish, so look through your scrapbooking and/or craft supplies to see what you have to add. This project is so simple that even the slightest embellishments give it a lot of charm.

In fact, this project can even be customized for different holidays throughout the year.

TIP: Look for apothecary jars, clear glass canisters, and vases at your local thrift store. Not only are they less expensive than dollar or department store varieties, they often have a bit more charm!