From the page: The glass jar still has plenty of stories left in it
Idea 8
Paperweight and desk organizer
Glass has always been paper's companion: before modern staplers, scribes and cartographers used heavy glass blocks to keep maps and documents stretched flat on the table. It works because glass is dense and smooth — the weight distributed across the base presses evenly without crushing, and the transparency lets you see what's underneath.
What you need
- Glass jars with various openings, clean and dry
- Fine sand, pebbles, or coarse salt for weight
- Fabric scraps or cotton cord (twine, t-shirt yarn)
- White glue or fabric glue
- Scissors
- Small items to store: paper clips, pens, buttons, threads
How to make it
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1
Wash and dry the jars well, with no labels or grease, because any residue interferes with gluing and the clean look of the glass.
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2
Fill about a third of the jars with sand, pebbles, or coarse salt: this weight in the base is what provides stability when you hang things or rest papers on top.
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3
On the heavy jars, fit a rectangle of firm fabric or a block of pretty paper between the contents and the bottom — it becomes the surface that presses the papers, working as a desk press.
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4
On the lighter jars, wrap a cotton cord or strip of fabric around the mouth and glue it well, creating a soft finish that keeps the glass from "clinking" on the table.
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5
Line the jars up in a group on the desk, grouping by height: the heavy set holds papers down and the narrower one keeps pens and paper clips within reach.
Finishing touches
Tie a fabric label with the name of what's inside each jar, for a workspace that's organized and has an artist-studio feel. If you want a more rustic look, a piece of sisal rope spiraled around the body of the jar changes everything.
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