Tuesday, June 26, 2012

DIY Chalkboard Jar Labels

For my sister Michelle's birthday I wanted to make something she would be able to use and not too heavy since I had to ship it.  I thought about making these Herb Pots from Michaels using simple clay pots and chalkboard paint.  However, they are so delicate they may break during transport.  Plus, she has smaller children so they may not last very long.

Lightbulb moment!  
What about using the chalkboard paint on glass jars?  I know my sister uses jars to store some of her families food and baking supplies.  Below are the items you need to get started and instructions to get started.  The jars I used had a square etched into them.  Feel free to use any shape you would like.  Unfortunately I didn't take very good pictures the first time so I made a few jars for myself to show how it works.

You'll need:
Glass Jar
Painter's Tape
Chalkboard paint
Small paint brush


Getting started:
Tape off the area you wish to make the label.
Apply paint and brush lightly to cover the entire taped area.  Let dry (approx 1 hour).  Repeat.  I applied about 3 layers.  I waited 24 hours to be sure the paint was completely dry before removing the tape.
My sister was thrilled to receive the jars.  She had looked at something similar online but they were $26.  I didn't spill to her but I'll share now.  My jars were WAY less expensive.  2 jars at the dollar store, $2 paint, $1 brush and I already had the tape.  $5 for 2 jars and I have enough paint to make my own jars!

I store random tea bags in my jar pictured above.  I don't ever have to wash it and I don't have almost empty boxes of tea taking up space.

I would not recommend putting these in the dishwasher or microwave.  I don't think they are dishwasher safe.  I recommend filling with dry ingredients so they don't have to be washed often.

I'll post a few updates on new jar or paint ideas in the next few days.  For now I am patiently awaiting the arrival of my copy of Mary's Real Food Cookbook.  I've had an amazing response so far and had to re-order more before the first batch even arrived!  
Get em' while they're hot!

26 comments:

Ginny @ OrganizingHomelife.com said...

Great idea! I'm sure your sister was thrilled. :)

Nicole said...

I absolutely love my mason jars and this is a nifty idea for making them look shnazzy, especially for gift-giving. Thanks!

Mary Smith said...

Thanx for stopping by! I've even used this idea on glass jars I've saved from sauces or jelly. They make great storage containers!

I Gotta Try That said...

Great idea. Love doing things with mason jars.
Marcie @ www.IGottaTryThat.com

Donna Wilkes said...

Love this idea - i have been making chalkboards out of just about everything the last few weeks. You have added another to my list!

Distressed Donna Down Home

Christine said...

Yay!! Great tutorial!! I've been wondering how to do that!

Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!

Terrie R. said...

I love this idea! Thanks for sharing.
~ Terrie (your new follower)
http://www.HearthandWhimsy.com

Mary Smith said...

I'm so excited about the feedback so far from this project! Thank you every for you comments. If I wasn't following you before I am now!

Mary Smith said...

Sorry about the odd grammar! I'm balancing my laptop while entertaining a 6 week old kitten.

Kylie Rose said...

Super cute!! What a neat idea, I love labeled ANYTHING!

-Kylie
absolutelyarkansas.blogspot.com

Jessi @ Practically Functional said...

Great idea, then she can change the labels later if she uses the jars for different things! I did something similar by painting the lids of the glass jars I store my loose tea in with chalkboard paint. This way when I finish one type of tea I can switch to another and keep it organized :-) Thanks for sharing this at The Fun In Functional!

Anonymous said...

This is great! Thank you!

Hilda said...

Great idea! I've been thinking of trying out chalkboard paint & I have some extra Mason Jars so this is the perfect starting place for me!

A Daughter of the King said...

I love home made gifts!

Sarah @ Natures Nurture said...

What a neat gift idea! So easy and frugal - love it! Thanks so much for sharing at Tiny Tip Tuesday!

Unknown said...

Love this idea!
www.iheartpears.blogspot.com

Jessica said...

Now this is very clever!

Unknown said...

Absolutely great idea Thank you for sharing on the Our Favorite Things Link Party.

Kaitlin @ Wunderbar said...

Too cute and very easy! I may have to make my mom a set. :)

Betsy @ Romance on a Dime said...

These are so cute and such a great idea! I love them. I'm pinning this for sure.

Thanks for linking up at Romance on a dime!

Mary Smith said...

WOW!!! I never realized how popular chalkboard crafts are until this post. Thank you everyone for stopping by. We have a nice quite day planned for the 4th so I'm sure there will be time for a craft or two!

Unknown said...

This is awesome. Your blog is great...love your brandy recipe, your own tomato cages, and oh so much more! I'm following you on GFC and I'd love for you to come visit my blog sometime. Have a wonderful day and stay cool!
Marilyn
4you-withlove.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Cute idea; so glad you shared at Shine on Fridays! Just a tip; I know I'd love to see a finished product photo too and I'm sure lots of others would as well. Have a great week!

Sketched Soul said...

Awesome idea!!
Thank you so much for sharing :)

Nicole said...

Great idea! It sure would save on sticking and removing labels. I hope you had a great weekend. Thanks for linking up!

Michelle @ Delicate Construction said...

Love this, I have everything I need to do it so I don't know why I haven't done it yet! Thanks for sharing and I am a new follower!
Hope you are having a great day!
Michelle
www.delicateconstruction.com