DIY Apothecary Style Candy Jar

This beautiful candy jar is being featured over on the My Minds Eye blog later today and I promised to explain how I created this candy jar from thrift store finds. 

Step 1: First you'll need to find a medium size candy jar with a lid. I found a variety of styles at local thrift stores, an army surplus store in our area called Smith & Edwards and even a Dollar Store or two. You'll also need to pick up average size glass candle sticks. Take a grocery sack and wrap around the jar, tucking the bag inside the jar and place the lid back on the jar. 

Step 2: In a well ventilated area spray paint the lid and the candle stick with the same color. I found that rustolium spray paint worked the best. Cheaper versions were very temperamental for me and would either bubble, crackle drip. The other thing I noticed was if the glass is too cold or two hot then the paint has issues, so room temperature is best.

Step 3: After your paint has completely dried -- about 24 hours should cure the paint. Once you've done that you'll need to take your E-6000 glue and place it along the edge of the candle stick. Be careful this adhesive is missy and very sticky!

Step 4: Turn your glass candy jar upside down and place the candle stick WITH glue on the bottom of the jar. Make sure the surface your jar is setting on is level so you don't have a lop sided jar (I know this from experience) and also do not let your teenagers or children touch the candlestick for at least 24 hours. But once it cures you cannot remove the candlestick...it's STUCK!

Step 5: Fill your jar with coordinating treats and wrap a bit of ribbon around the top to finish off the perfect handmade gift item.

As a side note, I cannot take complete credit for this project. Over a year ago, a dear friend of mine Janet Wilkins made me a jar very similar to this that sits next to my computer monitor filled with M&Ms (yummy Cherry ones right now). I love this gift item and have had so much fun knocking off her idea repeatedly for an entire year!! These are addictive and before you know it you'll be making these in all shapes and sizes for every holiday!! Once you track down a good source for the jars I find that the cost of each jar can be as low as $2-$5.00 depending on the jar. One can of spray paint goes a long ways...about 6-10 jars easily!! Enjoy making your DIY Apothecary Style Candy Jar!