Repurposing old spice organizing jars can be a fun and creative way to reduce waste and add a unique touch to your home décor. These little containers might be the key to organizing, styling, and repurposing in ways you never imagined.
You can transform them into mini herb gardens, perfect for growing fresh herbs in your kitchen. Or use them to make your spice blends, giving your recipes a personalized touch. They can also be turned into candle holders, craft supply storage, or containers for storing seeds.
This article contains twelve unique ideas for repurposing old spice jars. From storage solutions to craft projects, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to put those jars to good use. Get ready to spice up your life, one jar at a time.
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12 Unique Ideas to Do With Your Old Spice Jars
If you are looking for creative ways to repurpose your old spice jars, here are the 12 most unique ideas to inspire you.
1. Mini Herb Garden
You can easily create a mini herb garden with your old spice-organizing jars by filling them with soil and planting small herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary. This is a practical and decorative way to utilize your old spice jars while adding fresh herbs to your cooking.
Simply wash out the jars, remove any markings, and stuff them with potting soil. Plant the herbs in the jars, making sure to provide them with enough sunlight and water.
Arrange the jars on a windowsill or in your kitchen for easy access. Not only will this mini herb garden add a touch of greenery to your space, but it will also provide you with fresh herbs for all your culinary needs.
2. Candle Holders
You can transform your old spice organizing jars into unique candle holders with simple materials and creativity.
Clean out the jars thoroughly to eliminate any spice residue. Decide on the style you want for your candle holder. You can wrap twine or lace around the jar to give it a rustic look or paint it with vibrant colors for a more modern feel.
Once you’ve chosen your design, place a small tea light or votive candle inside the jar. The jar will act as a protective holder for the candle, preventing any wax from spilling onto your surfaces.
3. Craft Supply Storage
For easy access to small craft supplies like beads, buttons, glitter, or small pieces of ribbon, attach a magnet to the lid of your old spice jars and hang them on a magnetic board.
Another option is to organize your sewing supplies by filling the jars with different types of buttons, needles, and thread. You can also use the jars to store small paintbrushes, markers, or colored pencils for your art projects.
4. Seed Storage
Spice jars are perfect for organizing and preserving your seeds. Clean the jars thoroughly to remove any spices or residue. Label each jar with the type of seed and planting instructions. This will help you stay organized and easily find the seeds you need.
You can also create a seed library by arranging the jars alphabetically or by plant type. Another idea is to decorate the jars with colorful labels or paint to make them more visually appealing. Don’t forget to store your seed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain viability.
5. Travel Spice Kit
You can create a compact spice kit for your travels, hikes, or picnics by filling them with your favorite seasonings. Simply clean out the old spice jars and remove any labels.
Then, fill each jar with a different spice or seasoning, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or chili flakes. Label each jar, so you know what spice is inside. The small size of the spice jars makes them perfect for on-the-go use, and the secure lid ensures that your spices won’t spill or leak.
6. Bath Salts or Scrubs
Make luxurious bath salts or scrubs by mixing Epsom salts, essential oils, and a bit of food coloring in your old spice jars. Bath salts can help to detoxify your body, soothe sore muscles, and promote relaxation.
Scrubs can exfoliate and moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and smooth. The Epsom salts provide a gentle exfoliation, while the essential oils add a pleasant scent and provide additional benefits like calming or energizing effects.
You can customize your bath salts or scrubs by choosing different essential oils and food coloring options. Simply scoop a small amount of the mixture and use it in your bath or as a body scrub.
7. Mini Vases
If you’re thinking about repurposing your used spice jars but don’t know where to start, use them as mini vases.
Simply decorate or paint the old jars to match your home decor, and they’ll add some natural texture. You can place them on your windowsill, coffee table, or even hang them on the wall using adhesive hooks.
8. Drawer or Cabinet Organizers
Organize your drawers and cabinets with these unique ideas for your old spice jars.
Attach small magnets to the bottoms of the jars and stick them to the inside of your kitchen cabinet or pantry door. This provides convenient storage for spices, nuts, or other small items.
Another option is to use the jars as small storage containers for paper clips, thumbtacks, or other office supplies. You can also repurpose them as organizers for beads, buttons, or sewing notions.
If you’re a crafty person, fill the jars with different colors of paint or glitter for easy access during your projects.
Additionally, you can use the jars to store and organize your collection of screws, nails, or other hardware in your workshop.
9. Salt and Pepper Shakers
Turn your old spice storage jars into unique salt and pepper shakers for your dining table. Simply remove the lids and replace them with perforated shaker tops. This way, you can repurpose your used spice jars and add a touch of creativity to your kitchen.
Not only will these DIY salt and pepper shakers save you money, but they’ll also add a personalized touch to your dining experience. You can even paint or decorate the jars to match your kitchen decor. Another idea is to label the jars with a permanent marker or use decorative labels for a more polished look.
10. Jewelry Organizer
When repurposing your old spice jars, consider using them as a jewelry organizer to keep your accessories neatly stored and easily accessible. Spice jars are the perfect size for storing small jewelry like rings, earrings, or charms.
Make a mini jewelry station by attaching them to a piece of wood or hanging them on the wall with multiple jars to separate different types of jewelry. If you want to add a touch of elegance to your jewelry organizer, you can glue decorative knobs on the lids for a more stylish look.
11. Office Supplies
To save space on your desk, repurpose your old spice jars and use them as containers for office supplies such as paper clips, thumbtacks, and rubber bands. These small jars are great for organizing and keeping your desk tidy.
Simply clean the jars, remove any labels, and fill them with your office supplies. You can even label each jar to identify the contents easily. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it will also add a touch of personality to your workspace.
The clear jars allow you to see exactly what’s inside, making it easy to grab your supplies quickly. Spice jar lids keep your supplies secure and prevent spills on your desk.
12. Painted Glass Lanterns
You can give your small glass spice jars a new life as enchanting lanterns with some stained glass paint or translucent colors.
Simply paint the jars outside, allowing light to shine, and place LED tea lights inside for a stunning display. Hang them from branches or hooks to create a magical ambiance in your outdoor space.
These lanterns can also be used indoors, adding a cozy and warm atmosphere to any room. You can even turn them into DIY candles by filling them with melted wax and adding a wick. The possibilities are endless regarding repurposing your old spice jars into charming lanterns.
FAQ’s: What to Do with Old Spice Jars
Can I keep seeds in old glass spice jars?
You can definitely store your seeds in old glass spice organizing jars. Glass containers are a great option for seed storage because they’re non-reactive, meaning they won’t interfere with the effectiveness of the seeds.
When using old glass spice jars, ensure they’re clean and dry before adding your seeds. Labeling the jars with the type of seeds and the date they were stored is also a good idea so you can easily track them.
Store the jars in a cool, dark, and dry place to ensure optimal seed viability. This will help to protect the seeds from moisture and light, which can decrease their shelf life.
Do I need to sterilize old spice jars for reuse?
You should thoroughly sanitize your old spice jars before reusing them. To do this, remove dust or residue by wiping the jars with a soapy cloth.
Next, use a disinfecting kitchen spray to kill any bacteria or germs that may be present. Make sure to spray both the inside and outside jars and the lids.
After spraying, rinse the jars and lids with hot water to remove any cleaning solution residue. Finally, allow the jars to air dry completely before storing them.
Conclusion
Don’t let those empty old spice jars go to waste. These spice jars are not just empty containers but versatile treasures waiting to be repurposed and reimagined.
Whether you use them to store seeds, organize small items, or give your home character, these versatile jars have endless possibilities. So, transform them into stylish and functional containers that add a touch of creativity to your life.
One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Embrace the art of repurposing old spice jars and let your imagination soar.
