Getting Started
Alright so I’ve been staring at this ugly blank wall in my hallway forever. Figured why not jazz it up with some old family pics? Saw these fancy glass displays on Pinterest but no way I’m paying boutique prices. Decided to DIY it myself.
Scavenger Hunting Time
Hit three thrift shops Tuesday morning. Found mismatched glass stuff dirt cheap – apothecary jars ($2!), square candy dishes ($1.50 each), even some dusty clock covers. Grabbed five pieces total for under eight bucks. Pro tip: check kitchenware sections – people donate the weirdest glass containers there.
The Great Cleaning Disaster
Got home all pumped. Soaked everything in vinegar water. That clock cover? Totally foggy when dry. Tried toothpaste scrubbing – nada. Almost chunked it out the window before remembering baking soda paste. Rubbed like crazy with newspaper – boom! Crystal clear. Felt like a damn wizard.
Photo Prep Circus
- Printed 15 old vacation pics on regular paper (glossy would warp)
- Trial-fit them inside jars – some looked silly floating around
- Cut circular backers from burlap scraps to anchor the photos
- Glued tiny seashells around grandma’s beach photo edge using Mod Podge
Final Assembly Chaos
Thought stacking jars would be easy. NOPE. First tower crashed like Jenga. Wasted three coffee filters cushioning pieces before switching to dollar store foam pads. Secured layered setup with clear mounting putty. Took more swearing than expected but finally got that vintage “curated” look without looking like a museum exhibit.
Why Bother Though?
Here’s the real talk. My cousin visited yesterday, pointed at that seashell photo and suddenly we’re laughing about that 2004 beach trip where Uncle Dave lost his trunks. Would never happened if pics stayed buried on my phone. These junky thrift store glasses? They’re time machines now. Cheap crap holding priceless stuff – that’s the whole point.