Crafting

Easy DiY Button Lid Jar

If you clicked this post with the expectation of being wowed by complexity today, that’s weird, but also I’m sorry to disappoint you: this idea is ridiculously simple. I almost didn’t post it, because of how basic it is, but then I see things like this:

These little jars are in the button aisles of every store which sells buttons and that means people are buying them. Sure, the idea is cute and the shape of the jar is nice, but I have yet to see one that isn’t cheap in quality. They are always made of that thin sort of plastic which feels disposable and the lid is just one solid color. If ever there has been a thing that anyone can make for themselves, this is it – this is the thing.

I was inspired to make one since I bought a ton of buttons recently. You could easily make this out of something around your house, whether that’s an empty glass jar destined for the recycling bin or a mason jar. You could even thrift something unique and interesting, which I would love to do! I used something on hand this time though.

WHAT I USED:

  • Wide-mouth mason jar
  • Sandpaper, very fine
  • Acrylic paint
  • Basic painting supplies
  • Matte Mod Podge

I started by roughing up the metal lid of the jar (both parts) with some very fine sandpaper so the paint would stick. I always wear a respirator when sanding and I always do it outside. I then washed and dried it to ensure there was no remaining grit or dust before painting.

I applied several coats of white acrylic gesso for a base coat. I could see a little rust ring coming through the white paint in the middle so that worried me at first. I guess the exposed sanded metal did not agree with the moisture in the paint. However, it did not show through the color coat, which I applied next.

Once that was dry, I painted on four little button holes. Obviously I’m terrible with symmetry and drawing circles; I’m sure you can do better! You could even glue on some buttons for the holes instead of painting holes… button-hole-buttons. For the last step, I applied a couple of coats of matte Mod Podge to seal the paint. Just a note, if you are using a mason jar lid, be sure to paint the pieces separately so they don’t stick and allow the Mod Podge to fully cure before bringing them together.

See how incredibly simple that was?! Why buy what you can make with such ease. If my button collection grows, I will have to make another one. Hopefully next time I can be more symmetrical, but I love the color I mixed up for the lid.

If you’re looking for more easy crafts, check out my post on tin can pencil cups, which you can also make with recyclables.

If you make your own button jar, please share a picture with me on social media! I would love to see what you did.

Cheers!

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