From Trash to Treasure: How to Make DIY Apothecary Jars
Looking for a fun and practical DIY project that can also add a touch of vintage style to your bathroom decor? Consider making your own DIY apothecary jars!
These jars, originally used by pharmacists to store herbs and medicines, are now a popular decorative item due to their versatility and timeless appeal.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
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Follow these simple steps to create your own unique set of faux apothecary jars that will add a touch of charm to any bathroom.
1. Gather Materials
For this craft, I am using corks. These are from a tequila bottle, but you could also use regular corks, or you could just use wooden knobs instead.
These glass candle holders were from the Dollar Store and I picked up four.
I also grabbed jars of all sizes. I have four, but you should see my cabinets. I collect these things and probably a lot of you do as well.
2. Prepare the Jars and Candle Holders
Take off any stickers that are on these jars. This one has sat for a while, so there is a good amount of residue left behind.
Use some Goo-Gone to get off any residue. Surprisingly, the Dollar Store actually had some when I was there, so make sure to look when you were there as well.
Wipe off the jars with a clean paper towel, remove the cap and go and wash the jars.
3. Paint the Lids and Candle Holders
Take your lids outside and spray paint them. These needed two coats of spray paint and yours probably will as well.
Let these dry and move on to the glass candle holders. I put a very light coat onto these. You could also put on a darker coat, but I just want a light coat because I think it's going to look better.
I realized that the corks fit in the top of the candle holder, so I was able to spray the tops, let them dry and then spray the bottoms.
4. Attach the Knobs to the Lids
Mix up some five-minute epoxy. Again, your local Dollar Store might actually have some of this. Use this in a well-ventilated area with gloves on.
After it's mixed, dip your knob into it and center it onto the painted lid. Repeat this for all jars.
5. Attach the Candle Holders to the Jars
Move on to the candle holders. Dip it and center it on the jar. Keep in mind you only have five minutes to work with this, so if you need to adjust it, adjust it fast.
After about five minutes, check to make sure everything stays in place.
Now let's place these in the bathroom. These jars are all different sizes, so I wanted to place these from large to small.
You can really put anything into these that you want to. I ended up choosing hair clips for the biggest one. Some Q-tips, smaller hair ties, and also cotton rounds for the smaller ones. Since I really do use them all a lot.
More Bathroom Storage Projects
DIY apothecary jar tutorial
Not only are these jars a fun and easy project, but they also offer a practical way to organize your bathroom essentials.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your materials and get started on your very own set of DIY apothecary jars!
Be sure to share your creations in the comments below, I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Resources for this project:
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Comments
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Cinnamon sticks, bay leaves etc. would be nice in a kitchen!
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Great idea. Actually quite easy and looks very nice and is practical.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I did this with covered candle, like you get with Yankee Candle. I, too, had graduated sizes. I painted the jar portion, as well, and jazzed up the pieces by highlighting raised areas with a complimentary color. Rather than use epoxy, I used super glue and instead of the cork, I had some old cabinet knobs that I highlighted with the complimentary color. So the paint won’t easy chip or wash off, I covered the entire piece with two coats polyurethane finish. I chose matte but one can choose any finish ( eggshell, satin, gloss) depending on personal preference. I LOVE this blue. What was the name on the label?
Love the idea, but can't seem to Pin this to my Pinterest board .. ?
Does anyone know the blue paint color that was used? What a pretty color!