Who’s up for a simple decor idea, be it for Valentine’s Day or any other season? Last summer when I spied the aquarium gravel filled jars that my niece had put on all the tables at one of our outdoor yard parties, I knew that I wanted to somehow bring that idea into my home.
Aquarium gravel filled Valentine jars
What I like about filling jars with fish tank gravel is that there’s a lot of directions you can take this look. Aquarium gravel comes in an umpteen amount of colors, sizes and gravel types, and it’s cheaper than what you might find at the craft store. You can get a calming look with neutral whites, go bold with bright colors, or a blend of the two. I also like that it can be changed up for seasons, even re-purposed.
If you have mason jars, pickle jars, clear wine bottles, etc.. then you just need aquarium gravel in the colors of your choice to pull this together.
With that said, I chose red and white gravel for a Valentine’s Day theme. I also used sour cherry balls and a faux flowering boxwood from Micheals craft store.
To get this uniform, layered look I lined the jars/ bottles next to each other and used a funnel to fill with a bit of white, then red, then white and so on. I also filled a few smaller jars with sour cherries to make the look more appealing to a Valentine sweet tooth.
I snipped off the bottom part of the faux boxwood so that I had several separate stems to fill a few of the jars. I also added flameless tealights into the jars without the flowers.
This is certainly not rocket science and it’s far from fancy or trendy, but it still works as easy decor for my kitchen window sill.
This is what I put on my kitchen window sill at Christmas time.
So I emptied and cleaned out the jars and changed it up with the red and white theme.
You can see what my kitchen currently looks like and how I added more counter top space, here. Believe me, these Valentine jars brighten things up in this room…
Here are the fish tank gravel filled jars my niece had out on her summer party table. I could repurpose the red and white gravel I have by mixing the two colors together, adding water and fresh flowers for a summertime look.
I could even add blue for a patriotic look.
How cute would a red and white combo look on a warm-weather-Christmas tablescape or mantel?
What if anything are you trying to simplify these days? Or have you got a list, like I do?
You can see more Valentine’s ideas, here.
Have a great week ~ Amy
Linking up to:
Redhead Can Decorate/ Inspiration Monday Party
Cupcakes and Crinoline/ Project Inspired
The Interior Frugalista/ DIY Sunday Showcase
The Boondocks Blog/ I Heart Blogging Link Up
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chris aka monkey says
how freaking cute and simple is this love it xx
Sharleen says
Thanks for the cute post . I’m collecting jars for my daughters wedding this year. She wants a country style wedding with candles in the jars. Great idea to use the fish tank stones. I.m Going to tell my daughter to go look at the pretty colours instead of using rice. thank you so cute xoxo
Amy says
That’s so exciting that you’re daughter is getting married!!! Congratulations! I bet she is hoping to get her mama’s help with the planning and decor. I’m glad this post had a bit of inspiration for you, Sharleen, thank you xoxo
Doreen@househoneys says
Super cute and simple Amy, and I could see using these for Christmas too. Fish gravel comes in tons of colors, and is something that tends to be less expensive than what’s available in the craft stores. Thanks for sharing!
xxx
Linda at Mixed Kreations says
Great idea, and there pretty and festive! Great for Valentine day! Love the faux plants that you added.
Amy says
This was such an easy one to do. Thanks so much for stopping by, Linda!!
Stella Lee @Purfylle says
This is perfect for making a jar look all spruced up for Valentines flowers. So smart!