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DIY:  Organized Spices = Chalkboard Paint + Glass JarsMore than ten years ago, at our first duty station, after experimenting with several systems for dealing with my herbs and spices, I finally found a method that stuck. This method helped me quickly find what I needed and it was versatile enough to allow me to easily add or subtract from my collection.

I used a label maker to mark glass jars so I could alphabetize my collection for quick and easy access while cooking. This worked great for quite awhile, but recently the jars got a little grimy and the labels were looking dog-eared. I wanted a system that would look prettier and allow me to throw the jars in the dishwasher before refilling. Chalk paint on the lids was the answer! And, the extra bonus is, I can simply wash the chalk paint off if I choose not to refill a particular spice. Super versatile.

My daughter and I did this project together on a snowy weekend. Here is a list of materials you will need and the steps to help you to spice up your kitchen organization.

Materials Needed

  • Paper to protect work surface
  • Cleaner (wipes, or glass cleaner)
  • Soft rag
  • Paper towels
  • Glass jars (buy new or use empty baby food jars)
  • Multi-surface chalkboard acrylic craft paint
  • Fine tip (1mm) chalk ink pen
  • Small sponge paint brush
  • Chalk

Instructions

1.	Cover your work surface with newspaper or other paper from your recycle bin.

2.	Clean lids with disposable wipes or glass cleaner and wipe dry with a soft rag.

3.	Squirt a small amount of paint directly onto the brush.

4.	Carefully paint the top of the lid with brush strokes going in the same direction.  You will not get full coverage after one coat.

5.	Use a damp paper towel to clean up any stray paint around the edges. 6.	Rinse paintbrush. 7.	Let lids dry for at least one hour.

8.	With a clean brush, paint a second coat. 9.	Repeat steps 6-8 if necessary for full coverage. 10.	Let sit for at least 24 hours.

11.	Lightly rub chalk over the surface

12.	rub clean with a soft rag.

13. Shake the paint pen 14.	Depress tip on scratch paper until saturated. 15. Label lids with chalk pen. 16. Alphabetize jars.

How do you organize your spices?