This past weekend I stumbled upon a treasure trove of vintage Jell-o molds at an antique store liquidation sale. They were asking $3 each for them, but after some negotiations I got them way, way, WAY down from that price and brought home the entire lot of 40 (FORTY!) Jell-O molds. I also got them to throw in a bag full of old zinc canning jar lids. Score! When I got them home I found some of the molds say “Jiffy Jell” which I learned was the precursor to Jell-O that began in 1916! Another mold simply said “Made in England, Nutbrown” I have no idea what these might be worth (probably nothing), but they came with the lot, so I was excited to get them.
I racked my brain with ideas on how to repurpose these little aluminum goodies. Since I could picture them in so many different scenarios I knew I could never narrow it down to just one idea. I decided to dedicate this post to decorating with vintage Jell-O molds for all four seasons.
Since it’s nearly here, let’s start with summertime.
These little molds remind me of making sand castles on the beach and they look a little bit like clam shells, so here is a cute vignette with mini-starfish and a pretty blue Ball jar. Easy breezy.
Squish two Jell-O molds together and you know what you get? A cute little pumpkin shape! Perfect for an autumnal arrangement.
Stack layers of different shaped molds into a Christmas tree shape for winter sideboard scene. The pointy tree toppers? Those would a pair of vintage salt and pepper shaker lids.
And finally, spring! An upside down mold forms the base for another mold to be a pretty egg cup. Fill the cup with reindeer moss and purple pansies and hydrangeas for a happy springtime scene.
I still have a ton of great ideas to decorate with these cute little guys, but that is a pretty great start!
Tell me–What would you do with them? What items are you always on the lookout for when you go to antique and thrift stores?
Jill Flory says
Great find Beth – I would have been excited too! I have been wanting some zinc canning jar lids 🙂
Bliss says
My mind might breeze right past Spring decorating, but it is always focused on Fall. I see these molds from time to time and wonder too what I could do with them. Now…. I gotta have some for silver pumpkins.
Bliss
Billie says
I have some like the ones shown as well as a couple of larger ones. Seeing
your last picture with the moss made me think this might be just the thing
for me to use in a grouping on my porch for some succulents. I keep pinning
ideas with succulents and think these would be fun on an old tray with the
larger molds and smaller ones with a moss base and a bird’s nest I’ve saved.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Jane @ Cottage at the Crossroads says
What a SCORE and you’ve come up with some clever ideas to use the molds in decorating. I have no idea of their worth but it’s worth researching. I’m sure there must be people who collect them.
Mindy says
Wow!!! That’s one of those scores of a lifetime! FORTY?! I’m a wee bit jealous.
Is it wrong that when I first saw the top picture, I immediately starting thinking about putting plants in them? I do love me some random planted objects. :o)
Amanda @Dreamsicle Sisters says
I love how you repurposed these! What a great find. Super jealous. And you have mad negotiating skills 🙂
Amy Renea says
LOVE love love love! You are so creative!
Courtney says
I have never seen these molds before (besides the Tupperware ones), but you made them so pretty the way you photographed them! Now, I think I need some 🙂
Vanessa says
Saw those on instagram and was curious about what you would do with them. So many ideas, you’re amazing! I especially love the pumpkin idea!
Northern Cottage says
I adore your collection – score!!!!!
Thistlewood Farms says
Such a neat find!
I am anxious to see what else you can do with these!
Have a great weekend!
Barbara B says
I love these molds! I have used them: to make pin cushions, to make Christmas decor (filled with kosher salt for snow and bottle brush trees), jewerly containers, craft supply containers, potpourri containers etc. What a lucky find!
Deanna says
Would you sell some of them?
I would like to buy some to use for soap making
Deanna
[email protected]
Texas Nana says
My mother used the metal jello cups as scoops in the flour and sugar .I use them as rice molds for presentation on plate ( spray with pam first)