Other Uses for Canning Lids

While it’s ideal to reuse or recycle the lids, when that’s not possible, there are still ways to make sure they don’t end up in the trash. Once you start brainstorming, you'll see that these tiny circles can work for numerous crafts and projects around the house, from fun activities with the kids to home decor to gifts or cooking items, the list is endless. Here are a few creative ways to give those lids a new life.

Coasters

Choose your preferred fabric or material for the coaster. Cut out the appropriate size to fit the lid by using the lid to trace onto your template. Remember to make it slightly smaller so it will fit inside the ring snugly. Using a glue gun or strong adhesive tape, press into the lid, holding firmly to ensure the backing has sealed completely.

Holiday Decor & Ornaments

Canning lids and accompanying jars are a quick and easy way to embellish your holiday decor without having to buy anything new. Place tea lights in the glass jars for a festive and cozy atmosphere. Try decorating the lids with paint, stickers, or glitter, or simply put battery-operated tea lights inside jars. Then, attach a small string to hang the ornament. Depending on which lid you use, either drill a hole, loop over the lid, or glue the string with a glue gun.

Egg holder

If you're frying eggs, a lid ring is a handy tool to make perfectly round eggs. Simply put the lid in the pan, crack the egg into the center of the lid, and cook as usual.

Cookie cutter

Aside from canning, these lids can have other functions around the kitchen. If you find yourself searching for a cookie cutter while baking, simply use a clean lid to shape the dough; this could work for homemade biscuits or doughnuts as well.

Picture magnet

Why not dress up your refrigerator with a few canning lid picture magnets? Like the coaster craft, you'll need to choose the photo, image, or design for the center. Trace the lid to create the circle and cut out. On the back, add a small strip of magnetic tape and in no time you'll fill up the space with hundreds of handmade creations.

Wreaths

Spruce up any door or wall with a DIY canning lid wreath. This simple craft may require anywhere from 10-30 lids, depending on how large (or small) you'd like your wreath to be. Feel free to paint the lids, decorate with ribbon or tape, or cover with fabric. Some people like to let the metal get rusty for a more vintage, rustic look. Once you have gathered and positioned your lids, run a string or heavy-duty ribbon through the openings and tie at the end.