DIY apothecary jars

Organize your bathroom sundries with our DIY apothecary jars. With a little glass paint and drawer knobs, you can add a touch of antique style to your bathroom. We even tell you how to paint your own labels right on the jars!

We lucked out by finding Fido jars at a thrift store, but you can use any kind of jar that matches your style. We purchased iron knobs to give our lids easy access. Once you’ve found the jars you like and have selected your knobs, glue them to the lids using industrial-strength glue that screams durability. You need to let them dry at least 24 hours, so plan ahead.

Grab your jars, remove the clasps and wipe them clean. Then decide how you would like to use each jar—cotton balls, cotton swabs, whatever. Place the appropriate adhesive letters on each jar then mask off portions of the jar with painter’s tape to create a label of your own design.

Retrieve your jar lids then paint both the lids and labels with frost paint for an antique finish. We applied three coats for less transparency—just make sure you allow for 20 minutes of drying time in between each coat.

Once dry, score along the letters you’ve placed on the jars and carefully peel them away using an X-acto knife. Don’t forget to remove the tape as well.

Decorative glass such as these can air dry, but it takes 21 days. For a faster, more durable solution, allow the jars to air dry for an hour then place them in a cool oven, set the temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven and leave them inside to cool for another 30 minutes.

We’ve shared our design with you—now it’s your turn.