Do you have people that you have followed on Instagram from the very beginning and still look forward to their daily content? When I first joined Instagram there were a few of those accounts that I was attracted to right away. One of those, was Susan and Will from House of Brinson. What I was especially drawn to (and still am) is their ability to teach about the home, and as a result, I learn a lot from them.

Keeping that teaching element in mind, Susan contacted myself and other like minded people about sharing “One Small Thing” that we can do to help the environment. The idea being that together those small things will add up. I couldn’t help but think about how I believe in the same concept when it comes to the home. Start by doing one thing today for your home and those things will add up brick by brick and will eventually tell your story. So, I got to work thinking about how I can give you an actionable step today to do “One Small Thing” in your home.

My lightbulb moment went off when I began thinking about my belief of first shopping your own home. So my idea is that together we can repurpose an item that you already may have in your storage bins, cupboards, pantries, etc. Thinking about them in a new way vs. throwing them away.

So, my version of “One Small Thing” for the home will involve repurposing a different item once a  month and for you to achieve it in 5 steps or less. It really will be that simple.

Now, the items that are included in this series may be ones that you already own, but if you do not have the exact piece then by all means create your own version.

So, for our first “One Small Thing” project we are talking…

MASON JARS!

First, a little history…

Mason jars are something that we see serve various purposes today, but their original story dates back to their invention in 1858. The jars were designed to make an airtight seal when heated, making them ideal for preserving food. The jars were affordable, re-usable, and an immediate success.

***On a side note, isn’t this old mason jar advertisement wonderful? I love the beautiful illustration and story element that played a roll in selling goods at that time.***

Today people still use mason jars for their intended purpose of canning, but there are many other uses for these pieces that will repurpose them as well.

Below is a variation of an airtight container that you may find in your home if you do not have a mason jar. Do what works best for you!

Now, let’s put our “One Small Thing” into action!

WHAT TO DO: 

Step 1: Find a mason jar, old or new. New versions can be found in your grocery store.

Step 2: Determine your “filler”.

Step 3: Place it on a shelf, on your kitchen counter, outside, whatever floats your boat!

It truly is that simple.

If you decide to take action on this mason jar project in your home I would love to hear about it or better yet see pictures! You can either email me at melinda@house214design.com or use the hashtag #finallyfeelhome on social media to share with me. I may just share it on my social media platforms or on my blog.

Oh, and if you have any “One Simple Thing” project ideas of your own that we can repurpose, you can email me those as well. I would love to continue to inspire one another in our community of like minded friends.

Speaking of like minded friends, be sure to visit the blogs of others in the series who are sharing their own version of “One Small Thing”. You never know where inspiration will come from.

• House of Brinson
• Room for Tuesday
• Jojotastic
• Domicile 37
• Up To Date Interiors
• Park and Division
• Deeply Southern Home

Take care my friend,

Melinda

Oh, please join my closed Facebook group where I teach the “Everyday Home Decorator” their unique decorating style and how to finally make the right decisions for their homes. I would love to have you! Join me here: House 214 Design with Melinda McCoy