Updated 2019
With Thanksgiving approaching, we adapted Sherry’s gratitude journal habit into a simple, family-friendly craft: a Thanksgiving “Thanks Jar.” Instead of keeping our daily thank-you notes hidden in a notebook, we display them in a glass jar all month long—an easy way to encourage more gratitude and create a meaningful seasonal tradition.
Supplies for a Thanksgiving “Thanks Jar” (Glass Etching Option)
You can make a Thanks Jar with any clear vessel—an apothecary jar, a drinking glass, or a vase. We found a thrift-store apothecary jar for a great price, but the concept works with whatever glass you already have.
- Small glass jar or vase
- Glass etching cream
- Small paintbrush
- Craft knife or X-Acto
- Printer and plain paper
- Painter’s tape
- Colorful cardstock cut to fit inside the jar
Etching the glass is optional, but if you want a lasting label that looks custom and elegant, it’s an easy way to personalize your jar. Below are straightforward steps to create a homemade stencil and etch the word “thanks” onto your jar.
Step 1: Design and Print a Simple Stencil
Choose a straightforward, blocky font (we used Helvetica) and size the word so it fits on your jar. Any word processor or simple design tool will do. Keep the design simple and stencil-friendly—clean lines are easier to cut and etch.
Step 2: Transfer the Design to Painter’s Tape
To make a stencil that will stick to glass, layer painter’s tape over your printed design. Tape a broad strip of painter’s tape onto a cutting board, then tape your printed paper over the top so the design is visible through the tape. This helps the tape hold the shape of the cut letters and conform to the curve of the jar.
Step 3: Cut Out the Stencil
Use a craft knife to cut carefully through the paper and the painter’s tape, removing the interior of each letter. Go slowly and use a steady hand. For small enclosed letter shapes (like the inside of an “a”), you can choose whether to preserve the inner piece or remove it for a simpler look.
Step 4: Apply the Tape Stencil to the Glass
Peel the tape stencil away from the cutting board without stretching it, and press it onto the jar. Smooth it well so the edges are tight against the glass; add extra strips of tape around the stencil to seal any gaps and prevent the etching cream from seeping under the edges.
A slightly imperfect edge in one letter won’t ruin the overall effect—glass etching has a handmade charm.
Step 5: Apply the Etching Cream
Using a small paintbrush, apply an even coat of etching cream over the exposed letter areas. Painter’s tape helps prevent seepage. Follow safety recommendations on your etching cream container—work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves if advised.
Step 6: Wait, Rinse, and Remove the Stencil
Leave the cream on for the time recommended by the product, but when using painter’s tape rather than vinyl, check the tape through the glass—after about 90 seconds you may notice some degradation at the edges. The longer the cream stays on, the deeper the etch, but be careful not to overdo it if your stencil material is vulnerable. Rinse the cream thoroughly, then remove the tape to reveal the etched word. Small areas of bleeding can be expected, but the finished result typically looks great and handmade.
Step 7: Fill Your Jar with Gratitude
Cut small cards from fall-colored cardstock and commit to writing one note of gratitude per day during November. We aimed for one note per person per day, so by the end of the month we had a lovely stack of memories and appreciations. We also had a “no peeking” rule so each family member’s notes remained a surprise until the end of the month—perfect for a family reveal.
Preserving Your Notes and Building a Tradition
At month’s end, consider punching a hole in each card and storing the collection on a ribbon or binder ring. Over the years you can build an archive of thankful moments—an easy, low-maintenance family diary of gratitude that grows annually. This simple craft can become a cherished tradition for your household and a tangible way to reflect on what mattered each year.
Ideas for Expanding the Tradition
If you enjoy the Thanks Jar, try pairing it with other Thanksgiving activities—printable gratitude cards, a chalkboard display for guests, or a yearly photo of your jar. Over time you’ll have a visual and tactile record of gratitude that makes the holiday more meaningful and helps everyone focus on the positives.
Do you have Thanksgiving traditions or a favorite seasonal craft? Glass etching is surprisingly satisfying, and a Thanks Jar is an easy way to encourage gratitude and create a family keepsake each year.