Painted rack with jars of beads

Old spice rack

My first project on Craftynest was a spice rack. So it’s fitting that, nearly a year later, I work on another one. I bought this old Spice Islands rack at a thrift store for $3.50. After dumping out the ancient spices, soaking off what was left of the labels, and laboriously scrubbing the jars, they were finally ready to hold my beads. And a little paint took care of the grimy, discolored rack.

Old spice rack = bead storage

Supplies

Tools

  • bottle brush
  • sponge paint brush
  • drop cloth
  • paint stirrer
  • paint can opener

Spice jars scrubbed clean

1. Soak the labels off, then scrub the jars and lids clean. I used a baby-bottle brush and dish soap. Let dry.

Prime and paint the rack

2. Dust and clean the rack with a damp paper towel. Dry it off, then paint two coats of primer. Let dry for about 15 minutes after each coat. Then apply three coats of paint, letting it dry about 30 minutes in between coats.

Finished bead storage rack

3. Stuff a paper towel inside each jar to make sure it’s completely dry. Then fill the jars with beads, buttons, paper clips, or other small knick-knacks.

Related content