If I have one problem with saving, it’s making elaborate plans and then lacking stick-to-it-ivness. It’s a budget killer no matter how many expense tracking iPhone apps I have! Since I recently made the decision to make my shoulder tattoo into a half sleeve (So! Excited!) I need to start saving my pennies – especially because Christmas gifts are going to be contending for my income soon.

I know that having pretty little things and visual reminders are a big help for me in sticking with goals, so I decided to make a little budgeting tool that would fit my saving style and keep my tattoo money from being spent, in the lowest tech way possible: a tattoo fund jar!

1 large mason jar
A doily or craft paper
An adhesive runner or tape
You will also want access to a printer

1. I took the mason jar and wrapped its lid with a doily, taping it down to the inside of the the lid until I had worked the whole way around. If you work with craft paper, trace around the lid on the back side of the paper and then cut slightly larger than that. If you then cut slices in towards your original circle the paper will bend more easily, just make sure the paper isn’t too thick to let the lid fit!

2. I hopped onto Photoshop and made a quick 3″ x 3″ graphic using a stock illustration I found online and my favorite font. (Picnick is great if you don’t have Photoshop!)

3. I printed my graphic and added some washi tape to the top of my jar, along with the date of my outline appointment.

4. I cut out the jar’s sleeve and used my adhesive runner to tack it onto the jar.

This took me all of five minutes and while it’s not elaborate it’s sweet and effective. I know it be a great reminder to help me to put away my extra money before the big day.

.Skip the graphic and sponge Mod Podge onto the jar instead for a pretty frosted effect
.Scrapbook the jar with inspiration images to keep you focused
.Posses more self restraint than I do! :)