$4.52 Bathroom Apothecary Jar Upcycle

Do you have candles like I have candles?  I cannot resist buying them on clearance, which has resulted in an entire shelf in the basement being dedicated to scented wax storage. Whoops.

I was scrolling through photos of amazing bathrooms when I realized that those empty candle jars I recycled could have a second life as apothecary jars. I already have one pretty jar (see last photo) that currently houses cotton balls, but I needed someplace for the cotton swabs to go. It is a dire emergency if this household runs out of cotton swabs...

From ChesapeakeBayCandle.com

So back to the candles: I had a lovely-smelling Chesapeake Bay Candle (medium size) that I got from T.J. Maxx.  I was so sad when it ran out, but the jar was perfect for my apothecary jar project. Chesapeake has some other lovely options out right now, too.  I would try your local Marshall's/T.J. Maxx, or you can look at Chesapeake Bay Candle.  The Heritage Collection candles have a built-in handle and would be ADORABLE for this project.  Hmm, might have to pick up one of these...
First, the old wax must be removed from the jar. I put the glass in the freezer for a few hours and then use a butter knife to pop the wax out. This trick has saved more than one thrifted candlestick for me! Then, I had to remove the label. I soaked the jar in warm water after it had adjusted back to room temperature.  Putting a frozen jar into warm water could cause it to crack, thus ruining your entire project! If the warm water doesn't completely do the trick, Goo Gone has always been my go-to.

You can be prepping the lid while you are waiting on the jar.  If you picked a jar that doesn't already have a handle on the lid, you will need to pick out a knob for the top.  I ordered mine from Amazon and have been thrilled with them. They come in a pack of four and are just the right size!
I used a spade bit to drill the hole for the screw head.  I wanted the end product to look finished and the screw to be flush.  You can see some residue in the photo from a sticker on the wood, but I didn't mind because it would not be showing. After drilling the hole, I could attach the knob. I added the knob before painting because I wanted the knob to match the final color of the lid.  (If you like your knob as it is: drill first, paint second, add knob third.) The jars come with an o-ring to create a tight seal.  I removed mine and added it back after painting, but it made the jar too difficult to open so I left it off. Just make sure you don't paint it because the rubber won't hold the paint.

I used a black Krylon spray paint to finish the lid.  It was something I had left over from a previous project, but Krylon also sells small cans called "Touch Ups" that you could use. Be patient with the paint and don't try to cover it all at once. The results are much better if you're patient! (Note to self, note to self, note to self.) There was a painted brand on the lid that was not visible after painting. After the labels are removed and the paint is dry, your jar is complete!

Stella insists on modeling.

FINAL COST BREAKDOWN
Items that I already had are listed in italics.

• Candle Jar: FREE (I would have just recycled it, otherwise.)

• Lid Handle: $6.99/4 pack, $1.75 per knob

• Spray Paint: $2.77 for Krylon Shortcuts 

Total Cost: $4.52