Do I have a fun thrift store transformation for you all today!
You never know what you’re going to find at thrift stores, garage sales and such, which of course is part of the “thrill of the hunt.”
I’ve gotten into the habit of making quick walks up and down the aisles every couple of weeks just to see what I can find. I’m usually in and out in about 15-20 minutes and I typically find one or two items on these quick trips, though I have been known to come out empty handed.
I try to be very careful not to be on a “junk hunt” but to look for items I really can use (for me or for gifts) or that I think are really beautiful.
Of course when I have extra time or if Brian and I are on a “date” (I think I’ve mentioned we enjoy visiting these stores together?), I love to take my time looking at things and figuring out ways I could use them differently. Ahh, now that’s my definition of fun.
Thrifted Apothecary Jar
Here’s what I discovered on one of these quick walk-throughs: a ceramic apothecary jar, marked down to $1.99.
Even though it was blue and white (have I mentioned I’m not a blue person? For some reason this really bothers my daughter, but I’ve never worn or decorated with blue – it’s just not me) ceramic made to look like enamelware, it kinda reminded me of this from Pottery Barn:
I thought – very briefly – about putting a French image on it to knock it off properly, but I read that I’d need special water slide paper, and there were all these steps, yada, yada.
Since I wasn’t sold on the French part anyway, I decided to go a simple route and use something I already had: stickers.
Quick & Easy Apothecary Jar Transformation
Step 1: Paint the blue edges with black craft paint (I used Martha Stewart’s all-surface paint, which I LOVE). And notice I didn’t even attempt to paint the lines perfectly – the blue lines weren’t straight either, so I just continued the hand-painted look and didn’t sweat it. (Of course if you’re into blue, you can leave it!)
Step 2: Apply stickers to create a numbered image. These are a calligraphy font, but obviously use any font you like.
Done and done. I think this is one of the easiest transformations to date – don’t you?
And guess what?
I discovered the new jar coordinated with another ceramic faux-enamel jar we already had in our main bath!
So I slapped some stickers on that baby and, ta-da! A set of bathroom apothecary jars a la Pottery Barn.
Oh, and just a tad less than the $39 and $24 price tags, too.
I really like the clean and simple look of the numbers versus the French labels on the PB jars, especially since there are two. I think that might’ve been a bit much for our little bathroom.
This was so easy I almost feel like it barely counts as a transformation. But the jar does look different (and better for my no-blue world), so I’m going with it.
Plus, makeovers like this always get me excited to troll the stores again and see what other treasures I can unearth!
What do you think – a transformation or no?
Update: After putting these in the bathroom, a guest laughingly pointed out the No.1 and No.2 with regards to what you do there – sheesh! It never even occurred to me, lol. So I changed the numbers to 3 and 4!
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The Refeathered Roost says
Oh this is just the inspiration I needed. I have seen egg cups that look very similar to your project that I’ve wanted but couldn’t justify the price. I picked up some plain ivory ones today for about one fifth the price…now you’ve shown me that I can have the same look as the ones I love.
Fantastic post!!
melinda
Stephanie @ The Cozy Old Farmhouse says
I love the simple transformation, very cute! I never even noticed the #1  thing, but it did make me giggle when I read it. 🙂 I noticed your Ikea canister in the background of the last picture. I have the same set of canisters and I did a tutorial on how to make the lids look galvanized if you’re interested. You can see that here: http://thecozyoldfarmhouse.blogspot.com/2012/04/kitchen-canisters-makeover-with-faux.html
Jami says
Very cute, Stephanie – thanks!
Crystal says
Definately a transformation. They turned out beautiful. Love it!!
[email protected] says
awesome find, jami!
visiting via jennifer rizzo and would love to have you stop by when you have a moment.
happy weekend to you.
michele
Mary Ann says
I like them, but have had NO luck at the thrift stores lately!
Daniela @frugal ain't cheap says
those look amazing!! well done!
Tanya Hulbert says
I noticed the price tag said, “Goodwill”. Our Goodwill stores’ prices in Washington State have gone up drastically I hardly go there any more or donate. I garage sale more now but that is definitely not a year round activity in this state so I have to wait for Spring. Good find, and I too, like the black over the blue. Good choice.
Becky says
Beautifully done!
Annie says
They look lovely! A designer item for sure. Never even thought of the 1 and 2 as some have commented. They look so fresh and clean. What a good way to keep things undercover in the bathroom. I’ll bet you’ll be on the look out for 3 , 4 and 5 for the next while!
Deb A says
I love this. It looks awesome. Great find
Old Time Cindy says
I think the transformation is great! Very sweet and simple solution.
Farmhouse hugs,
Cindy
KathyJ says
Love it!! I’m always on the lookout for jars… I have one that looks identical to your #2.. it was a candle and it now holds my cotton balls. I also repurposed another candle ceramic container – brown though and it holds my q-tips.
What a great find!
Diana says
Great transformation! I love Martha’s paint, too.
I do have to snicker a bit with #1 and #2 in the bathroom, lol. Although what came to my mind first was Dr. Seuss with Thing 1 and Thing 2. Or Alice in Wonderland, with those “drink me” bottles. Very mysterious at any rate — which definitely tickles my fancy.
Sharon O says
I never thought of the ‘number one and two’ in that way before. (well you know what I mean) The jars are adorable. I wish I was more creative. That is awesome.
Kelly says
Those are beautiful! But, doesn’t it bother you that people will snicker when they see No. 1 & 2 jars in your bathroom? Or do I just have a puerile mind? (Probably… I’m afraid that’s the first thing I thought of when I saw they were placed in your bathroom.)
Kerry says
Oh dear, my head is in the gutter, as well. I do have to say, however that you did a phenomenal job and really nailed “the look”. So cute!
Sakura says
You crack me up!!! Funny stuff!
Gypsybiscuit says
That’s exactly what ran through my mind too! Some days my sense of humor reverts back to summer camp at 11 years old… But once I got past my giggle I really thought this was a clever transformation. 🙂
Jami says
Oh my goodness, Kelly!!! I never thought of that – ack. Now I’m going to have to be on the lookout for something to add at least a “3” to so that it’s not just 1 and 2 on everyone’s mind. 🙂
Jen says
Definately a fantastic transformation!
northern cottage says
oh i just love when you score a deal & make it so much better….good with the black and numbers are right up my alley – well done girlie!!
http://www.northerncottage.net