This winter has been busy traveling, working the IMS Shows focusing on photography, and building in the workshop….

For the past year I have been addicted to collecting and hunting vintage Ball Mason jars; specifically the Pale Blue jars made in Muncie, Indiana from 1900-1940.
After amassing/hoarding quite a collection of them, I found myself imagining how I could incorporate these cool jars into my everyday life. Their having survived this long; after being put to YEARS of good use (canning and storing food for generations, not to mention their illicit lives transporting moonshine and illegally made whiskey) really struck a chord. I was looking for a way to show my respect to them, if you will. Re-purposing them into something that could be used again, everyday.

I thought about modifying the lids and started digging around on the interwebs. I found several folks are making dispensers out of these same jars; most using the cheap plastic from a soap bottle before it goes in the trash!

After more searching, I came across the much better quality METAL pumps…Better!

I modify the delicate zinc lids by hand, installing the metal pumps after a quick blast of sealant and epoxy inside. I do my best to leave the original jars intact, preserving their patina.

I’ve been selling them locally, and online…. http://www.Etsy.com/shop/VanVintageDesign

And, of course I HAD to Facebook it