So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Functional And Decorative Barbicide Jar

By Christi Larsen


The Barbicide Jar is an icon and has been used for over half a century. Setting the standard for cleanliness, it is a familiar sight to all who have made a trip to the barbershop, hairdressers, manicurist, or spa. Still in use today, the jars are now being seen in many homes for a variety of reasons. Its simplistic design makes it a unique display. It also serves anywhere inside the home including the kitchen.

In 1947, Maurice King, a science teacher, came up with a formula to sanitize hair combs, brushes, tweezers, razors, scissors, and clippers. This liquid solution rids the items of fungus or germs when immersed in the fluid. The blue solution has set a high standard of cleanliness for over a half century and is still used, in its namesake glass jar in shops and homes today. While still seen in barbershops, salons, manicure stations, and spa's it is now being used in the home for a variety of reasons.

These molded glass jars have fitted self draining retrieval basket inside which allows the tools to be immersed in the disinfectant and removed without putting fingers into the solution. The stainless steel parts never rust and the iconic jar is also seen being used for decoration purposes in addition to being treated as a collectible.

The jars have not changed much over the years. They are still clear glass with the name Barbicide on the side with the same stainless steel basket and cover. Some spas and salons use a wrap with different patterns to match the decor and their clientele. A few of the designs used are animal prints, bamboo, rose gardens, and tie-dyed patters in addition to many more.

Most people still use them to sterilize their hygiene tools. In the shop or at home people dip their razors, brushes, combs, tweezers into a disinfecting liquid to keep their tools safe for future use. Bathrooms and shaving areas in many homes are using the jars.

They are also growing in popularity for decorative use. Collectors display old jars. Bath salts and fragrant oils are stored and displayed on bathroom counters. Colored sand or holiday decorations are also placed inside the jar and placed on table tops, cabinets, and shelves.

Other uses for the jars are just as practical as the original intent for its design. Expensive makeup brushes can be stored inside and easily accessed with the retrieval basket. In the kitchen, drinking straws are often seen in these containers. Wrapped mints and other candies can also be placed inside and presented for gifts or just placed on a coffee table for small gatherings of friends for coffee or tea.

The functional and decorative Barbicide Jar is being used in many different ways. In the home to sanitize hygiene tools such as razors, clippers, and tweezers or in the bathroom for easy access to makeup tools, cotton balls and swabs, soaps, small bath soaps, scented candles, or scented sachets. The design and nostalgic value has made it a collectible with many admirers. Its design and functionality has made a place for it in a display at the Smithsonian at the National Museum of American History.




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