Summer may be winding down, but you can hold on to the season’s special moments by creating memory jars. Craft expert Gina Tepper of giftdecorating.com shares how to make these themed miniature time capsules.

Sand and Shore Souvenir
Beach weekend? Shoot a photo of the kids splashing in the sea or building sand castles, then print and size the shot to line the back curve of a jar, facing in. Have your kids scour the sand for small shells, stones and other items, add dry sand to the bottom of the jar, and arrange the items on top to create a beach scene with the photo. Decorate the lid with shells and raffia, and label the inside with the visit location and date.

Birthday Keepsake
To remember your child’s summer birthday, print a picture of him blowing out the candles and fit it to line the back curve of a jar. Have him fill the bottom of the jar with streamers, deflated balloons and small favors. Glue a birthday candle in front of the picture to make it look like he is blowing it out. Decorate the jar’s lid with party ribbons and a gift bow, then write or paint your child’s age on the jar.

Amusement Park Memento
Re-create a theme-park visit by placing ticket stubs and a park map inside a jar and adding buttons or stickers collected from the information desk. Have the kids write a list of top rides and attractions, and place it inside along with a photo of them with a park mascot or on a thrilling ride.

Watch a video demonstration