Three simple step-by-step tutorials to upcycle jars
If you’ve seen my tutorial for snow scene in a jar, you might recall me mentioning my ever-growing collection of empty jars, all waiting patiently for a makeover. Well jars, that day has finally come!
Today I’m sharing 3 simple ways to upcycle your jars and make them look pretty awesome!
Chalk painted jar
You will need:
- Jar
- Chalk paint
- Paint brush
1# Make sure that the jar is completely clean, you may wish to use rubbing alcohol for this.
2# Grab your paint brush and get to work – I’m using Rust-oleum chalky paint in coral. To make this process a little easier I put the jar on top of a wine bottle to make it easier to turn and avoid getting finger prints on it. I recommend painting quite a thick coat and running the paint brush vertically to keep the finish looking neat.
3# After a couple of hours, if the paint is dry, apply another coat of paint and repeat this process until you are happy with the coverage. I painted 4 coats.
4# If you fancy a more rustic look you could use a scouring sponge to distress the paint. To finish the look I tied some twine around the top.
Mercury effect jar
You will need:
- Jar
- Distilled malt vinegar
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Kitchen roll
- Gold spray paint
1# Make sure that the jar is completely clean, you may wish to use rubbing alcohol for this.
2# Pour equal parts distilled malt vinegar and cold water in to the spray bottle, I used 50ml of each and there was more than enough. Now shake it up, shake it uuuuup (sorry couldn’t resist).
3# Spray the whole jar with the mixture, ensuring everywhere is well covered. Small droplets should appear everywhere. Leave for a minute and then cover using the gold spray paint. Again I made use of an empty wine bottle to enable me to easily spray the jar and for step 4.
4# Allow to dry for 20 minutes and then using some kitchen roll, gently rub over the bubbles that have formed and pop them. Leave for the paint to dry completely.
Decoupage Jar
You will need:
- Jar
- Decoupage paper (tissue paper or a paper napkin works too)
- PVA glue
- Paint brush or sponge
1# Make sure that the jar is completely clean, you may wish to use rubbing alcohol for this.
2# Cut the paper to match the diameter of the jar leaving enough for a small overlap. Leave enough at each end to cover the top and bottom of the jar.
3# Cover the jar in a thin layer of PVA glue using your paint brush or sponge, then place the jar on to the paper and begin to roll it around the outside of the jar. As you do this, apply glue to the outside using your paint brush or sponge and smooth the paper on to the jar, wrapping it into any curve or angle of the jar. Unless you have mad decoupage skills, there’s bound to be lots of creases in the paper. But that’s ok, it adds to the effect.
4# Tuck the excess into the top of the jar, trimming if necessary and then repeat this at the bottom of the jar. If you want to make it look neater on the bottom you could always cut a circle and glue it over the top.
5# Ensure that the outside of the jar is completely covered in glue and leave to dry for several hours.
So there you have it. three simple ways to upcycle jars. They are perfect to use as vases, storage or you could even pop a LED tea light candle inside.
I’m obsessed with all things flamingo, so I was over the moon when I stumbled across this decoupage paper at Hobbycraft.
Which one’s your fave idea to upcycle jars? Let me know in the comments below.
Pin this for later?
