This is another project I saw on Pinterest a couple years ago that I knew I had to try. That Pinterest, it has ideas for everything and everyone. I love mason jars, if you haven't noticed in my posts yet, you probably will, they are all over my apartment, and I use them to store all kinds of things in the kitchen. My mom has even started collecting me some antique ones :) Anyway, the idea of making the lids into chalk boards seemed like a no brainer to me, so here I am, with cupboards full of mason jars!
I needed new spice jars - my spice cupboard was filled with half empty containers and little baggies of spices spilling all over the place. I wanted a cute and inexpensive way to make over my spice cupboard, I searched for ideas on Pinterest and I found these. They are really simple to make, and if you have a few painting supplies on hand, they will cost you less than $15! I initially thought I would have to buy chalkboard paint (which is pretty expensive for this small of a project), but then I found a recipe to make your own chalkboard paint!! I was in heaven :P (I can't remember where I found this- but if you google it there are a bunch of recipes). If you love mason jars like me, or are in need of an inexpensive way to organize your kitchen, give these a try!
^^ they are stackable too! ^^ |
Mason jars- I used the 250 mL wide mouth ones, but you can use any size you like depending on what you are making. (You can find mason jars in packs of 12 at most grocery and hardware stores. Sometimes the 250 mL size can be harder to find if it isn't canning season, so you may have to shop around a bit, but stores usually carry the bigger 1L size.)
Acrylic craft paint in any colour of your choice
Foam paintbrush
Baking soda
A piece of cardboard
Tape
Chalk
Blowdryer - this speeds up the process but it's not essential
Spices of your choice - or anything else you want to fill them with
Directions:
First you want to wash and dry all your jars and lids. Then tape all of your lids/sealers to the cardboard, this makes it easier to paint them. Mix a combination of 2 parts paint to 1 part baking soda in a bowl, so for example if you are doing 12 lids you will probably need 4 tablespoons of paint to 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Paint the lids with a thin layer of paint, then blow dry to speed the drying process (I'm impatient so this step is key for me). Paint a second layer and blow dry. At this point it's up to you if you want to do a third coat, if you want them to be completely covered and smooth then I suggest doing a third coat, but if you like them a little imperfect with some variations in colour then 2 coats is perfect! You will want to let them sit for a little while before writing on them with chalk (I made this mistake the first time I made them and scratched off some of the paint- you can see in the pictures). While you are waiting for the lids to set, you can fill your jars.
^^ homemade chalk board paint! I made blue paint for a Valentines Day project that I am working ^^ |
^^ this is after one coat - don't worry about them looking perfect ^^ |
^^ my spice cupboard! ^^ |
-When you are writing on the lids make sure you press gently with the chalk to prevent the paint from scratching off
-You can get them wet, but I have never put mine in the dishwasher, so when washing just get them wet with soap and water, rinse and air dry.
-I have found that chalk doesn't erase that well from these lids, so the best way to change up what you have written is to rinse the lid and let it dry. Once it's dry is should be clean of any chalk.
Have fun!
-M
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