Finding Jars (BBB) | Chickens in the Road

Jan
2

Every once in a while, I get some more canning jars. Sometimes I get huge bunches of them, other times just a box of 10 or so, like this recent haul of mostly Golden Harvest quart jars. I give away a lot of canned goods, so I need to restock my supply. And besides, I’m crazy about canning jars. Especially old ones. And you never know when you’re gonna find a goodie in a box of jars.

A good way to find jars is to look in the penny papers. You can find all kinds of jars people just want to get rid of out of their attics. You can also tell everybody you know that you want jars. Network. Sometimes you can get jars for free that way. Most people think you’re weird if you want jars, so go ahead, be weird and take their junk. You might find a gorgeous old jar in there. If not, you’ve got more jars for canning. It’s all good either way, and usually people are really happy to unload on you.

Golden Harvest jars aren’t old, by the way. They’re made by Jarden, which is a spin-off from Ball. Oddly, Ball Corporation no longer sells home canning products! Jarden makes today’s Ball and Kerr jars.

And now for the first BBB of 2011!

***

It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by CB in TN.

For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (January 2). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (January 3). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).

Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.

UPDATE 01/03/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is comment #47, Deb. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping! (In case there is more than one Deb, please check comment #47. The comments are numbered.)

More posts you might enjoy:

142 Responses
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1-2
1:10
am

I also love old jars. BBB, please.

cricketjett

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1-2
1:19
am

I would love to win..

melody

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1-2
1:44
am

BBB!

mariah

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1-2
1:45
am

I’d to be in the draw please (BBB)

Sheila

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1-2
1:57
am

Oh, pick me, pick me, please. I would love to win a BBB. Happy New Year to one and all.

Carolyn- Tx Aggiemom

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1-2
2:07
am

BBB please! I love old jars too – look gorgeous with a bunch of weeds/flowers in them.

Charlotte

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1-2
2:37
am

Please enter me in the BBB drawing! Thanks .

CindyS

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1-2
2:55
am

indalove to be in the BBB drawing.Thank you.

Linda G

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1-2
4:18
am

Maybe this year I get lucky and win a BBB!

Richelle

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1-2
5:07
am

I would love to be considered for the book. BBB

Sibyl Scott

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1-2
6:18
am

My jars are my treasures and I hope to get to do a whole lot of canning this year! BBB

Sherie Adams

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1-2
6:44
am

My dh collects the old blue jars and we’ve put them to many a good use! BBB!

Paula

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1-2
6:51
am

Thanks for the history lesson. You are a wealth of knowledge. :-) BBB

Teresa from Lancaster, PA

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1-2
6:52
am

would love a chance to win the BBB, and have put the word out on jars in my neck of the woods…BBB

justdeborah2002

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1-2
7:01
am

I love your stories, your photos, and the recipes. BBB, please.

hollygee

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1-2
7:02
am

Please include me in the BBB drawing. Thanks!

Barbara at AtLast

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1-2
7:07
am

After record warmth here ( 55 degrees), we are back to brrrrrrrrr and I need a BBB to cozy up to and dream of spring.

irishhillstrish

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1-2
7:12
am

I love all kinds of jars, too. Sometimes I buy something just so I can have the jar. BBB, please.

Kathy in FL

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1-2
7:21
am

I collect old jars, too — I’ve got some of the old ones with the glass lids, and some larger ones, too. I usually keep my pantry items like beans and macaroni in those. I’d love a BBB book, please!

Jana NC

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1-2
7:37
am

You have got me looking at old glass jars – especially the Ideal ones like you got from Georgia for Christmas!

Please enter me in the BBB please.

Patricia

ticka1

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1-2
7:47
am

Me too – Please pick me for the BBB!

Gem

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1-2
7:56
am

Used to do a lot of canning, so have a few jars of my own. One of my favorites is a Mason jar from the centennial, that has the liberty bell on it. The seed catalogs are starting to come, always a good thing. “BBB” Have a great day!

Sheila

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1-2
8:00
am

Canning is my new drug! lol…I love it…It relaxes me and I hope one day to teach my daughter how to can too. Love your site! BBB

Julie Hardie

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1-2
8:06
am

I love to can and yes it is great to receive jars…a friend and I were walking on her property one day and ended up going through “stuff” in the barn. Yes there were jars and yes she gave them to me…and I was thankful to receive them..I to love old jars!

Linda Segerson

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1-2
8:08
am

I would LOVE to win! Happy New Year, Susanne! Please enter me BBB

rileighsmom1

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1-2
8:09
am

I love the old jars too. I have my favorites lining the top of my kitchen cupboards as part of the decor!BBB Please!

Mrs. Weeb

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1-2
8:12
am

Happy New Year! And BBB, Please?

Zusiqu

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1-2
8:13
am

I never can get enough jars especially wide wouth. BBB

Glenie

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1-2
8:20
am

I’d love to win it.

Connie

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1-2
8:22
am

I’m a sucker for those old jars too! And I REALLY need more. BBB please

Deni

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1-2
8:24
am

BBB BBB BBB BBB 4 me friend, PLEASE

love canning. I got 2 boxes from a friend last year and they were old pints I use for relish. And one box for milk sales 1/2 gallons.

holstein woman

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1-2
8:45
am

enter me please

Mim

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1-2
8:47
am

I love the old Ball jars in general, but my favorite are the blue! I don’t have nearly enough, but the ones I have, I treasure. I love the design on the Golden Harvest cans as well. BBB

Lindsay

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1-2
8:50
am

Nice lookin Jar….would love to win the BBB…please enter me

Robyn

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1-2
8:51
am

BBB me please!

Kristen A

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1-2
8:51
am

Would love to try canning in 2011! BBB! Please enter me-thanks!

windspiritwhimsies

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1-2
9:01
am

I went to an auction. If I remember right they had a yellow Ball jar. It went for over $70. So, someones junk is anothers treasure. BBB

Barbara W

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1-2
9:02
am

One can never have too many canning jars! Please enter me for a BBB!

Landodixy

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1-2
9:04
am

BBB me please, this will be my year for canning.

Marianne G

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1-2
9:04
am

Just like a lot of other companies that find it cheaper to outsource then to manufacture the product themselves. I like storing items in canning jars too.
Enter me into the BBB contest also please.

maryann

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1-2
9:05
am

What a wonderful way to start the new year! I’d love the new Ball Blue Book. Another place to find canning jars is garage sales, thrift shops and my favorite, Good Will.

Carol Radtke

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1-2
9:05
am

I have the same love for canning jars- but hey… that’s a good thing! I have a chicken question for you… I live in Kansas-dead of winter now- and one of my hens is molting, she was born in April and is the only one out of 5 to be doing this… isn’t her timer off… I was certain they did this in the fall not winter??? Just wondering if you or any of your followers had any ideas???? Thanks!! Sign me up for the BBB PLEASE!!

Tanya Miller

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1-2
9:07
am

Please include me in the BBB drawing. Thanks!

CraftyK

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1-2
9:12
am

I find most of my jars at garage sales. I have found some nice old jars mixed in with new ones. The old ones I use to store my dry goods. Put them on display – makes me happy! Would love a BBB!

Kathleen H in Indiana

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1-2
9:17
am

BBB me please! We try to hit estates sales. Almost everyone has a box or two of jars in their basement. Last year we misses a major score of about 10 boxes by just minutes. The early bird got the worm that time!

farmershae

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1-2
9:18
am

Yes, yes, please put me in the draw for the new Ball book! Happy New Year!

Chris Bredenkamp

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1-2
9:23
am

I love to can, it can get tiring, especially if I am doing a LOT of one thing, but it’s so fun seeing all the home canned goodness on the pantry shelves. I never thought I’d want to do much of it, when I was younger, but now that I have a good canner I’m loving it! (BBB please)

Deb

Flag this comment
1-2
9:26
am

Yes, I also love old canning jars. I sometimes put tea lights in them or potpourri, etc. Please sign me up for BBB!

katherine jenson

Flag this comment
1-2
9:28
am

Of course I want it:))) Hope your holiday season was the best!

Lisa

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1-2
9:28
am

I would love to win a BBB!!!

CntryLadi

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1-2
9:38
am

BBB please. That is one of my New Year’s Want to’s…become a little more self sustaining. Canning sure would fit into that category!
I love the jars too! I have some very nice half gallon jars that I got at work. They come in handy for as multitude of things and they look great doing it!
Happy New Year Suzanne and family!

claudia w

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1-2
9:39
am

BBB I just began canning last year and love it! We have 8 raised bed gardens and this year I canned tomatoes, salsa and corn relish. I plan on loads more next year! I sell houses for a living and last spring sold an old house involved in an estate. In the basement were a few boxes of old canning jars. I asked the nephew of the former owner if he had any plans for those jars and he did not…………….so, I got a couple of boxes! I have already gone through almost all of them! Some were chipped and I had to get rid of them, but for the most part, they were most all usable, after bleach and hot, hot, hot soapy water! Anyway, BBB…………I would love it!

Janis Francis

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1-2
9:40
am

I too love old jars and have several that were my Granny’s that surprisingly, no one else in the fammily wanted after she passed away. Please enter me in the BBB drawing

Denise

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1-2
9:42
am

Thank you for still hosting the BBB this year.

Anke

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1-2
9:45
am

I didn’t know Ball no longer made jars. I went to college at Ball State University which the Ball brothers started after moving from NY to Muncie, IN. The Ball name was not associated with the school until 1922. I would be interested in the BBB.

Peggy

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1-2
9:52
am

BBB please!

Faith

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1-2
9:54
am

please put me in the drawing. I would love to win a BBB. Thanks

Linda Goble

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1-2
9:57
am

Oh I love collecting canning jars too…BBB me also…
Thanks

Tonja

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1-2
10:01
am

Would LOVE the BBB. I turned down a box of jars a few years ago. WHAT was I THINKIN’?

Connie Beachy

Flag this comment
1-2
10:10
am

Still a tryin! BBB!

Bonnie

Flag this comment
1-2
10:11
am

BBB would be a great way to start the New Year!

patrice

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1-2
10:11
am

I would love to win. Thank you for opportunity. BBB

Joy

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1-2
10:14
am

BBB, please.

Lacey

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1-2
10:17
am

I would love to have some jars. BBB

Cesar Diaz

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1-2
10:18
am

I should get serious about canning. It would be a great help to use this book to actually do it right!

heidiannie

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1-2
10:20
am

I have a green and clear 2 qt Ball Ideal jar with Patd date July 14,1908. Also have green and clear qt jars and green and clear pt. jars, and clear 1 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1/3 cup. All of them have the same patented date on them. They have the glass lids attached by the wire. I don’t know if they are old or not. They look pretty with odds and ends in them. I would enjoy the BBB book. Have a wonderful New Year. You make my day, every day.
MN Mona

Ramona

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1-2
10:21
am

I just love old canning jars and use them for storing all sorts of things like beans bobby pins buttons etc. I would love to win a BBB!!I have some of my Grandmothers blue wire bail jars, they are a treasure to me.

Patty

Flag this comment
1-2
10:32
am

Would love a BBB!!!!

prvrbs31gal

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1-2
10:38
am

Happy New Year. BBB

Diane

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1-2
10:43
am

Please count me in….happy new year!

Linda T.

Flag this comment
1-2
10:44
am

I can never have enough jars – I would love to win the BBB. Thanks Suzanne.

Brenda E

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1-2
10:50
am

Guess I am going to have to start a garden this year and learn to vann because you make me want to do everything!

Please enter me for the BBB giveaway! Thank

Susan Mitchell

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1-2
10:52
am

Happy Sunday to all. Canning is on my learn-how-to list for 2011. Count my name in the electronic hat.

Made my first cheddar cheese yesterday. Way to start the new year I’d say.
Pam

Pam

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1-2
10:57
am

enter me please!

mygirls01

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1-2
10:57
am

I want it, Suzanne! (And I wouldn’t mind some canning jars either. Methinks I may post a FB status with a request for jars. My friends and family already think/know I’m weird!

Kara

KaraLeigh

Flag this comment
1-2
11:05
am

Finding people who don’t CAN, can’t CAN, have no idea how to CAN, or feel the need to CAN – but now are living with or taking care of the “older person” who obviously did, are a good source for jars. Two years ago we came home with an entire pick-up truck load of jars (all shapes and sizes) from a shed in Alabama. We gave the woman .10 a jar, and ended up giving her $95.00 (yeah,do the math). I had to do some work on them to get them ready for reuse, but it has been well worth the effort. I am just now filling the last two boxes of 48 with Deer and Lamb. This was a blessing of ‘at the right place at the right time’ and may never happen again. We keep putting the word out-more will come.

jan~n~tn

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1-2
11:10
am

Sorry, I hit submit before BBB

jan~n~tn

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1-2
11:11
am

BBB!! (By the way, this is my new favorite site!)

Jennifer Peets

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1-2
11:11
am

After looking at but ignoring a box in the attic for years I finally looked in it this fall…it was full of my mother’s old “Crown Mason” canning jars. I make my own powdered detergent and I store it in them. The color of the powder changes with the color of soap I grind up so it looks very pretty! BBB please!

Nancy Stickler

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1-2
11:13
am

We have a lot of auctions around here in the nicer weather and canning jars (boxes of ‘em) are almost always one of the items. They tend to get to them late in the auction and so the crowds are gone, and the jars go for great prices. Not as good as .10 a jar usually, though!! Wow. BBB, please.

EightPondFarm

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1-2
11:14
am

I would love a BBB! I just discovered your site yesterday and have enjoyed several hours reading your past posts. Thank you for sharing your wealth of info – By the way, I am shopping today for a pressure cooker and scanning the local resources for canning jars. You’ve inspired me! BBB

april

april

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1-2
11:20
am

i love your blog. i love canning jars – they give me a comforting feeling to see them filled with our hard work. please sign me up for the BBB. Have a blessed day!

rhondamae

Flag this comment
1-2
11:45
am

Happy New Year everybody! And thank your CB in TN for the BBB. I would like to start canning this year and really could use a BBB.

Clarissa

Flag this comment
1-2
11:46
am

What is it about glass that is so irresistible??? I love old bottles and jars! (BBB)

CherShots

Flag this comment
1-2
11:46
am

Great idea, we just broke the one we had, we use it to steep tea and coffee…I will post on freecycle.

lilac wolf

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1-2
11:54
am

BBB PLease Pick ME ME ME!

geena22

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1-2
12:04
pm

Love to have the book! Just lovelovelove to have it. ;o)

sal

Flag this comment
1-2
12:22
pm

Happy New Year! Love to win!
Thanks! Debbie

Debbie

Flag this comment
1-2
12:22
pm

when someone gifts me a jar of home-canned goods I make every effort to see that the jar gets back to them, including the ring, if it’s still on there, which it usually is. It used to annoy me when my jars weren’t returned, but as you say, just go out and find more. I don’t usually gift things in my really old jars with the ultra thick glass that I want to keep. lessons learned! BBB.

Miss Becky

Flag this comment
1-2
12:34
pm

Love love old jars:) Really enjoy your website also:)!! (BBB)please

Sonyaw

Flag this comment
1-2
12:37
pm

Please enter me in the drawing for the BBB – and, thank you to CB in TN and CITR for the contest!

Happy New Year, everyone!!!

Lana

Flag this comment
1-2
12:45
pm

What a way to start the new year…I would love to win a copy (BBB)

Wendy

Flag this comment
1-2
12:46
pm

Looking for jars myself, plan on canning more this year than I did last summer. Would love to win this book so pls enter me for the BBB drawing!

Tammy F

Flag this comment
1-2
12:51
pm

Love old jars and canning
Would love the BBB

annabel52

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1-2
12:52
pm

I wants BBB! Happy 2011, Stringtown Rising!

Gini

Flag this comment
1-2
12:57
pm

Being relatively new to canning, I would love this book. BBB
Happy New Year to all.

Alison

Flag this comment
1-2
12:59
pm

Love old jars…and would LOVE to win the BBB! Thanks to Suzanne and the sponsor.

brookdale

Flag this comment
1-2
1:16
pm

Would love to win the BBB and be all set for canning come summer!

Rhonda

Flag this comment
1-2
1:29
pm

Won’t be long I’ll be canning again. Get ready now.BBB

marymac

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1-2
1:30
pm

Please enter me in the BBB. I would love a copy. Thanks

Rosemeri

Flag this comment
1-2
1:46
pm

I so need it! I just got my first pressure canner, 15.5 qt all american.

0rlasha

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1-2
1:50
pm

I was given three large blue jars with lids that appear to be lead. They’re beautiful but probably not safe for food. I’d love a BBB. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Martha in KS

Flag this comment
1-2
2:08
pm

I too love old jars. They are just so useful. I use them in my the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room and my sewing room. My daughter just had a baby and we now are using them for her tiny things. Just can’t have too many jars! BBB

Cynthia

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1-2
2:19
pm

BBB please!
Happy New Year CITRers!

Teresa

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1-2
2:26
pm

please enter me.
Janice Jewett

Janice Jewett

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1-2
2:56
pm

BBB (gift for my daughter) please.

Vicki in So. CA

Flag this comment
1-2
3:09
pm

When I bought my pressure canner last year, I could have sworn I had a basement full of pint canning jars. I canned tomato sauce in them the years that we had a plot in the community garden. I didn’t go buy more because I just know those things are down there. I fear it is time to give up the hunt. Of course you know that as soon as I buy more, the old ones will turn up. But, as you say, you can’t have too many. And I would dearly love a BBB to go with them when they do finally appear.

lavenderblue

Flag this comment
1-2
3:39
pm

I’d like to put my name in for the BBB. Thanks so much to the sponsor.
-Gwen-

Gwen Holderfield

Flag this comment
1-2
3:42
pm

I’d like a BBB to start the year!

Amanda

Flag this comment
1-2
4:16
pm

Awesome inspiration to begin canning this year. (Dehydrating also.) Love the canning stories & articles. Thank you for another chance to win the BBB.

SuzzyQ

Flag this comment
1-2
4:18
pm

BBB drawing entry! Can’t wait till tomorrow!

Jackie Georgiou

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1-2
4:22
pm

BBB please.

Melanie

Flag this comment
1-2
4:35
pm

I wish I could network in person – I’d love to inherit some old jars that someone is throwing away. But every time I make an opening friendly move towards a neighbor, I usually get rebuffed. Afterward, I get those “weird” looks, like they’re thinking “There’s our weird neighbor, she actually said “hi” the other days! How odd.”

~sigh~ Living in a big city area has it’s drawbacks. I kinda miss the small-town mentality I grew up with. Starting to hate Chicago.

Anyway, BBB!

Patricialynn

Flag this comment
1-2
4:37
pm

I would still like this book for my DIL. Please, please, pretty please! LOL Congrats to the winner, and thankyou to the contributor.

Grammie Earth

Flag this comment
1-2
4:54
pm

I would love to have the BBB.

Mark Garner

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1-2
4:57
pm

BBB Happy New Year!!! And thanks to Suzanne and CB for another chance to win!

ladychef

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1-2
5:40
pm

BBB PLEASE!!!

Ashlee M

Flag this comment
1-2
5:51
pm

BBB me, please!

langela

Flag this comment
1-2
5:58
pm

Please enter me in the Ball Blue Book drawing. Thank you. BBB

northcountrygirl

Flag this comment
1-2
6:03
pm

My loving hubby got me a pressure canner for Christmas, so now all I need is the BBB for some recipes and I’ll be raring to go! I’d LOVE to win the BBB!

KellyRR

Flag this comment
1-2
6:08
pm

BBB!

Cyndi B

Flag this comment
1-2
6:09
pm

Old jars – love those old fashioned blue ones – have two and they are so pretty. Please enter me in BBB.

Brenda

Flag this comment
1-2
7:08
pm

My Grandma used to can all the time but I never could get the hang of it! Could you enter me in the BBB drawing? A great way to start the new year!

Annette in Maine

Flag this comment
1-2
7:20
pm

What a great start for the year. Love those old jars for just about everything.

rivergirl

Flag this comment
1-2
7:25
pm

I would love a BBB! Hope to try canning next year!

Karen

Flag this comment
1-2
7:27
pm

Count me in please-BBB.

Willamette Valley Girl

Flag this comment
1-2
8:02
pm

I want BBB, Pleassseee!

Pam

Flag this comment
1-2
8:03
pm

yes, a BBB would be good. i could use that. love your blog.

Jean McClure

Flag this comment
1-2
8:14
pm

I’m still trying!

Michelle

Flag this comment
1-2
8:28
pm

the blog is great! Very inspiring. And count me in for the contest

Janis Freeman

Flag this comment
1-2
8:29
pm

I love ball jars…we don’t use plastic for storage anymore…only ball jars. Of all sizes, they are great for leftovers in the fridge and freezer and of course for canning! No worries about cleaning and staining and everything stays so fresh! Thanks for the BBB and Happy New Year!

Amy Cook in WI

Flag this comment
1-2
8:29
pm

Thanks for the chance to win BBB!!! I need to look deeper in my pantry for more of the old Ball jars.

Barbie

Flag this comment
1-2
10:25
pm

Please, please, please.

Jill Pentkowski

Flag this comment
1-2
10:40
pm

Happy New Year, Suzanne!
I’d love to win the BBB, thanks!

kerri

Flag this comment
1-2
10:50
pm

I also love old jars and often get them from older friends who are trying to get rid of theirs that they’ve had for years. It’s hard for me to store them away but I do have some of my favorites out on top of the Hoosier cupboard to enjoy.

And…sign me up for the BBB… Thanks!

Leah's Mom

Flag this comment
1-2
10:55
pm

Would love BBB

Cathy

Flag this comment
1-2
11:52
pm

would love to win a bbb!

Teri

Flag this comment
1-3
9:32
am

This giveaway is closed! The winner is Deb, #47.

Suzanne McMinn

Flag this comment
1-3
6:09
pm

I would love to win the BBB!

momof3nOK

Flag this comment
1-3
7:21
pm

Your recent posts about finding Ball jars was interesting to me today, but little did I think that on my first day at work I would find a Ball jar. I did, and as near as I can tell, it is a circa 1923-33 blue Ball jar, unfortunately sans lid, but otherwise perfect!

Lyz

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1-3
9:35
pm

Thanks so much!! I e-mailed you, thanks for the giveaway. I’m looking forward reading my new book.

Deb

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1-4
10:57
am

It’s well known that I have a glass fetish….

Ramona

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