Repurpose Mayonnaise Jars Into Pretty Craft Storage Containers

Repurpose your mayonnaise jars into pretty craft supply storage containers for free with a little paint, glue, and pretty paper.

My recent Craft Room Makeover inspired me to make more storage for supplies. Nothing says thrifty more than turning empty mayonnaise jars into pretty craft storage containers!

Most crafters have repurposed containers in their craft space. Food cans, all sorts of jars including Mason jars which we all love. I have developed an affinity for using mayonnaise jars and I enjoy decorating them so my craft space is more attractive.

If my Two Tier Spinning Tray looks familiar that is because it was a Thrift Upcycle project from a while back. I am still enjoying it and keep it always located to my right on my crafting work table. It holds about five mayonnaise jars on the bottom with commonly used supplies.

A few simple supplies

• Clean empty mayonnaise jars with lids
• Pretty craft paper (Music notes from Hobby Lobby)
• Mod Podge
• Jute twine
• Hot Glue

Step 1

I begin by painting the lids. If you are as impatient with the paint drying process as I am, use a small fan to speed it up! My lids are drying on repurposed ice cream cups turned upside down.

I am using pink and brown so I painted an equal number of lids each color.

I use DecoArt Tutti Fruitti and Cinnamon Brown for all my lids. The brown covers with two coats but the Tutti Fruitti takes closer to four coats to cover those Duke’s Mayonnaise jar lids. That is where the pretty craft paper comes in! 

Step 2

Use the lid as a template to cut out your choice of craft paper.

Cover the lid with Mod Podge and press the paper into place. Allow ample drying time. 

Step 3

Then add a coat of Mod Podge to the top of the paper as a sealer. 

Even if you are not covering the lids with paper, you will want to seal the paint. Mod Podge is quick and easy to use as a sealer for such a small project. It goes on white but it dries clear.

My napkin of choice to pretty up this particular mayonnaise jar has a beautiful hydrangea print. I found them at a store called Tuesday Morning which is a great place to find pretty napkins for Mod Podge projects. Amazingly I also found them on Amazon here!

Step 4 Decorating the outside of the mayonnaise jar

Apply Mod Podge to the jar and carefully place the napkin as you wish it to be. It may be easier to paint small portions of Mod podge glue and apply the napkin in small sections at a time.

Pack your patience when cutting the pattern out of the whole napkin. That process takes a few tedious minutes.

Carefully paint Mod Podge on top of the napkin in place on the jar. After the first coat dries. Add a second coat.

I always paint Mod Podge around the edges of the jar because it creates a frosted look which I like. This is completely optional. You can still see through the mayonnaise jar even with the frosted look.

It is my intention to cover some white candles with this same napkin for spring decor! 

Jute also works well for decorating mayonnaise jars into pretty craft supply storage containers. I used hot glue to attach the jute.

Repurpose mayonnaise jars for storing craft supplies or anything you may need. Be creative with decorating the outside of the jars. Scroll down for more around-the-house repurpose projects.

More Repurpose Projects

• DIY Framed Pegboard
• How To Make A Two Tier Tray Using Thrifted Picture Frames
• Solar Floor Lamp Thrift Upcycle Project
• DIY Mason Jar Wall Vases @Domestically Creative

Craft Room Storage Supplies

• 10 Drawer Organizer Cart
• Bankers Box 8 Compartment Sorter
• Craft Paint Storage Rack
• Storage Cube Organizer