DIY Apothecary Jar: A Display Jar for Spring!

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What is an apothecary jar? According to the Merriam Webster online dictionary, the definition of an apothecary jar is : a usually wide-mouthed covered and ornamented jar (as for drugs, herbs, or bathroom and kitchen supplies). Well, I really enjoy the look of these jars, so I started to make my own using recycled food jars. Let me show you a fun DIY apothecary jar for your spring and Easter Decor!

Step one: Remove the label from a jar

a hand removing the label from an empty pickle jar

After I clean the jar, I remove the label. If you need instructions for removing old food jar labels, I have that information >>HERE<<.

a hand holding an empty pickle jar that has had the label removed

Step two: Paint the jar lid

You are not actually going to do much with the jar itself. The only thing you will paint is the lid.

a hand holding the lid of a large pickle jar

I like to use chalk paint for painting on metal as it covers so well. The color I used for this project was called Stormy Seas by Chalky Chicks Furniture Paint. Use our coupon code [ECLECTICTREASURES] for our discount.

a hand holding the lid of a large pickle jar that is starting to get painted with white paint

I primed the lid using white chalk paint first.

painting a primed pickle jar lid with a blue paint

Once that was dry, I used the blue chalk paint to add the second and final coat of paint to the lid.

a painted pickle jar lid that has had a coat of mod podge added to it

Step three: Paint the candlestick

While that was drying, I started to paint a candlestick.

a dark candle holder on top of a paint carousel that is about to be painted

This candlestick was perfect for this project, because it had a wide top that fit the bottom of the pickle jar perfectly. Plus it was tall which fit the whole theme I was going for.

a hand beginning to paint a dark candlestick with white paint

I did the same here with the white paint first which acts like a primer for your second coat.

a candle stick sitting on a paint carousel that has been painted with a white primer coat

Once that first coat was painted on, let it air dry or you can use a heat gun.

the bottom of a candlestick that has been primed with white paint next to a container of paint with the color Storm Seas in it

Here is a picture of the chalk paint that we love! This blue is amazing!

someone in the process of painting the primed candlestick with blue chalk paint

Start on that second coat just like you did the lid. It should glide right on and there should be no need for a second coat of the color.

a candlestick that has been painted with a Stormy Seas blue on top of a paint carousel with the paint jar beside it

Look how beautiful!

a blue clay bird from the Dollar General being held by a hand by it's tail

Step four: Paint the bird for the top of the jar

As mentioned in the introduction, this is going to be a Spring apothecary jar. So, it’s only fitting that the topper for the jar be a bird! I found this one at the Dollar General. They have some really great stuff there for Spring! Check it all out >>HERE<<.

a blue clay bird being painted with white paint to prime it for a second coat in a different color

I decided to paint it the exact same color as the other pieces. Once again, the first coat was the white primer. It’s not actually primer, it’s just white paint. lol

a clay bird that has been painted white sitting on a paint carousel

Once our little birdie friend was painted in the white, after that coat dries, add the blue paint.

a white clay bird being painted with a blue paint

I debated here if I wanted to paint his eyes, beak and feet a different color, but I wanted the whole aesthetic of the piece to be simple so I decided against it.

a heat gun being used to dry the paint on a bird, a pickle jar lid and a candlestick

Step five: Glue the jar onto the candlestick

After I got everything dried up, I pulled out the e6000 glue to put everything together.

a hand holding a tube of e6000 that has been added to the bottom of a large pickle jar

I flipped over the jar and added a line of glue all the way around the bottom.

gluing a large pickle jar onto the top of a blue candleholder

Then I placed the jar onto the dried candlestick and held it in place for a few minutes to set it.

a hand holding a blue clay bird upside down showing where glue has been added to the bottom

Step six: Glue the bird onto the lid of the jar

Next up is Mr Birdy. Add some e6000 glue onto his underside and place him in the center of the jar lid.

a blue bird placed on top of a painted lid using glue to secure it

Check out how this DIY apothecary jar turned out!!

an empty blue bird diy apothecary jar sitting on a mantel surrounded by other pieces of decor

I love how simply gorgeous it is! Also, I love the presence of the jar. It’s huge!

a large blue diy apothecary jar with a bird as a the finial on display on a mantel with other decor around it

I added some decor balls here, but you can add whatever you decide. Use it in your bathroom for cotton balls, or use it in your kitchen for cookies!

a close up of a bird that is on the top of a decorative jar that was made from a pickle jar

Check out that sweet little guy!

I’m just in love with that color blue, are you not?!

Thank you so much for visiting our blog! I hope you found this inspirational and that you might try something similar for your home! Make sure to join our email family for weekly DIYs and crafts! God bless friends!