DIY Upcycled Apothecary Jar

Upcycled Apothecary Jar DIY (Using a Plastic Candy Canister)

Turn an empty plastic candy jar into a vintage‑style apothecary canister with paint, packing paper, and a few simple supplies. This easy upcycled project is perfect for craft room storage, kitchen styling, or spring decorating — and it’s budget‑friendly to boot.

Why You’ll Love This Upcycled Apothecary Jar

This project checks all the boxes:

• Affordable — uses items you already have

• Beginner‑friendly — no fancy tools required

• Vintage‑inspired — perfect for your cottage‑style vignettes

• Versatile — works for storage, decor, or gifting

• Landfill - keeps more trash from the landfill

And yes… it’s also a great way to de‑stress when life gets a little chaotic. Some people meditate. This gal grabs a paintbrush.

What You Need to Make an Upcycled Apothecary Jar

• Plastic candy canister (mine once held Fischer Milk Chocolate Covered Peanuts)

• Chalk paint (I used Waverly Celery)

• Chip brush

• Packing paper

• Stamps of your choice (apothecary stamps  works beautifully)

• Black ink pad

• Antiquing wax

• Twine

• Corner Rounder Punch

• Craft tag punch 

• Mod Podge

How to Upcycle a Plastic Candy Jar into a Vintage Apothecary Canister

1. Leave the Label On

Plastic labels rarely peel off cleanly. Keeping it in place actually helps create a smooth base for your faux vintage label.

2. Stipple on Chalk Paint

Use a chip brush to dab paint over the entire jar — label included. One coat gave me full coverage. Let it dry completely.

3. Paint the Lid

Choose a coordinating color and set it aside to dry.

4. Create Your Faux Vintage Label

Cut packing paper to the size of the existing label. Round the corners with your punch so it fits perfectly.

Crinkle the paper for texture, then smooth it back out.

5. Stamp Your Design

Use black ink and your favorite apothecary‑style stamps to create a vintage motif.

6. Seal the Jar with Mod Podge

Brush Mod Podge over the fully dry painted surface. If the paint is even slightly damp, it will lift — so patience is key.

7. Apply the Paper Label

Brush Mod Podge under and over the packing‑paper label. Let it dry completely.

8. Add Antiquing Wax

Once dry, lightly brush antiquing wax over the label to deepen the vintage look. The Mod Podge base lets you adjust the intensity easily.

9. Make a Vintage Tag

Punch a tag from packing paper, ink the edges, and stamp the center.

Thread twine through the tag, wrap it around the jar several times, and tie a bow.

10. Add Final Details

I brushed a little extra black ink around the label edges for a more aged look.

Ways to Use Your DIY Apothecary Jar

• Craft Room Storage — buttons, ribbon, washi tape

• Bathroom Organizer — cotton balls, bath salts, makeup sponges

• Spring Floral Display — faux tulips or wildflowers

• Gift Packaging — cookies, bath bombs, homemade treats

• Entryway Drop Spot — keys, spare change

• Laundry Room Storage — detergent or scent boosters

Free Printable Apothecary Label

Want the vintage look without stamping your own?

I turned my design into a free printable you can use instantly.

A Little Cottage‑Life Inspiration

While I was working on this little cutie, I kept imagining shelves lined with old‑fashioned jars — something straight out of Little House on the Prairie. If I ever find a giant antique wall cabinet, I’ll be in trouble… because I’ll never stop decorating it.

That’s the magic of upcycling: one minute you’re brushing on chalk paint, and the next you’re dreaming up an entire vintage apothecary shop. My husband loves those days, let me tell you.

A Little Note Before You Go

If you love vintage‑inspired decor, budget‑friendly projects, or simply turning “trash” into something charming, this upcycled apothecary jar is such a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Next time you finish a container of candy, don’t toss it — transform it.

As my grandpa always said: Keep your chin up, kid. 😉

Wishing you peace, creativity, and a good day ahead,

Cara