Don't you just love glass food jars? You can make them into a gazillion things. I'm in love with pickles jars. They come in nice large sizes that beg to be re-purposed. I'm currently in the process of replacing various food storage containers in my kitchen with upcycled pickle jars.
Tags: #upcycled #pickle #jar #tutorial #remove #smell #french #label #diy #tutorial #french #vintage #storage #container #how #to #make
The only problem with using glass jars from store bought food is that the smell of the previously stored product often lingers even after cleaning. This is particularly the case with pickle jars! However I discovered an easy way to get rid of the pickle scent and other food odors from glass jars. Simply clean away all food residue, fill the jar with hot water and a few tablespoons of baking soda and stir to dissolve. Put the cap tightly on the jar and allow it to sit for a couple of days and PRESTO the smell is totally gone. Once you get rid of the stinky smell, remove any manufacturer labels (I usually soak paper labels in warm soapy water and remove any left over glue residue with a cleaner like 409) and toss jar and cap in the dishwasher or hand wash thoroughly. Now you are ready to decorate!
I'm currently working on a coffee storage container for my kitchen counter. Ahhh...coffee the magical brown substance straight from heaven above!
After taking the previously mentioned steps to clean and deodorize the pickle jar, I painted the outside of the lid using black hammered spray paint. For these particular lids it takes several coats sometimes to keep the bright yellow/green from peeking through. It took quite a while to dry also but it may be because I painted it on my back porch when it was cold. When I did the last storage jar, I used a cheap can of flat black spray paint and it worked fine as well.
Next I headed over to the Graphics Fairy website and found a reproduction of a vintage french coffee and food label. I saved the graphic and then played around with it in a paint program until I got it to the size I wanted. Then I printed it on standard printer paper and cut it out.
There are probably a gazillion ways to add a label to a jar. For this particular label, I simply taped over the paper label with packing/box tape. I got the idea when peeling off the original label on the front of the jar. The consistency of the label reminded me of packing tape. If you smooth the tape over the entire label and extend the tape past the edges of the paper, it adheres well, helps protect the label and looks great.
You can find this particular label on this page of the The Graphics Fairy site.
I then tied a piece of thin jute rope around the top neck of the jar. I added a little glue to the ends to stop it from unraveling. I then filled the jar with coffee grounds and replaced the top. I think the jar looks much better sitting on my counter than a standard coffee bag or can. What do you think?
Happy crafting!!! :)
Update: This project has been featured on the Graphics Fairy Website. I am so honored! Graphics Fairy is the "go-to" place for graphics. It's an invaluable source for taking your project to a whole new level.
****
DIY Upcycle: Pickle Jar Turned Vintage French Storage Container
****
So Cute!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely job and thanks for the tip about how to get rid of smells in pre-used jars - VERY useful.
ReplyDeleteJudi
No problem. Thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the label, I find the smell seems to come mostly from the lids ...
ReplyDeleteThat is very true, Sherrie! That's why I also make sure I put the lid on it when I soak it with baking soda and water. I tried washing in the dishwasher a gazillion times, soaking it dish soap, vinegar and etc. Nothing worked like the baking soda. It totally does the trick. It's a trick I saw my mother in law once use to clean the smell and milk residue out of a milk jug. It really works! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm hosting a party and just bought 4 huge pickle jars. I can't wait to do this and use them for various items--sugar, flour, dog food. Sure'll save me money from having to buy those fancy glass containers at *** store. Thanks for this timely post--saw you on Hometalk.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather! I already have plans for my next pickle jar too when I get one. This time I'm going to play around and do my own graphic! I already have a design scheme in mind. Pickle jars are PERFECT for food storage. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can paint the lids any color to go with your kitchen decor! Love the idea!!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Karm. I love them. Slowly but surely I'm collecting enough jars to store everything I need. Thankfully I love dill pickles! Thanks for stopping by! :)
ReplyDeleteSympa (j'habite Marseille) cette étiquette ancienne
ReplyDeleteMagnifique! Merci de votre visite! Le monde est petit, ma amie. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the directions on deodorizing used jars, also for the label design!
ReplyDeleteI love reusing jars. I'm going to use your idea of tying the jute around for decoration. I have several Mason jars I use for pens, pencils, markers, etc., the jute would bring them all together like a set. Thanks much.
ReplyDeleteI love reusing jars. I'm going to use your idea of tying the jute around for decoration. I have several Mason jars I use for pens, pencils, markers, etc., the jute would bring them all together like a set. Thanks much.
ReplyDeletei am having a tough time getting rid of the smells from the lid of a small jar of minced garlic. i have tried everything i can think of to even tone down the smell of garlic coming from the plastic coating on the inside of the lid. the jar itself has no smell now but the lid is something else. i have tried baking soda, vinegar, and even ground coffee. any other suggestions?
ReplyDeleteHave you tried turning the lid upside down, filling it with baking soda and a little water and allowing it to sit for a few days? You may also want to try soaking the inside of the lid in a little rubbing alcohol? Let me know if you figure out something that does the trick and good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the tip on removing odors from food jars. Linda
ReplyDeleteNo problem! So glad you enjoyed. :)
DeleteI have used Lemon juice for strong odors like garlic, also automotive strength Febreeze! I have removed strong tobacco smells plastics, vinyl and fabrics with the febreeze.
ReplyDeleteAwesome tip! Thank you! :)
DeleteWhat a great idea! I save every single jar I empty. I'm like a jar hoarder but don't tell anyone! It must be a hand me down thing from my depression era grandmothers. And now I know a cute way to dress them :-)
ReplyDeleteYou can also glue little plastic farm animals or toys to the lids first and then spray then. I did mine with a cow, pig, rooster and hen. Then painted them red for a country kitchen...
ReplyDelete