Monday, May 13, 2013

Jacquie's Up-Cycle Nation: Counter Storage

Studios are plagued with an abundance of supplies and a shortage of storage that is both functional and attractive.  When I stumbled across a counter canister set recently, I knew it was exactly what I needed!  It just needed a little face lift to go from trash to treasure.
Despite many years in a garage's forgotten corner, this set was in solid shape.  The case was sturdy, the glass containers' only flaw was a thick layer of grime.  No evidence of critter infestation- so for $5, this set was headed home for a make-over.
This project has a short supply list:
Sandpaper
Spare paint
Foam and bristle brushes
Scrapbook paper
Mod Podge
4 decorative pulls (optional)
 In warm soapy water, wash the glass jars, dry and set aside.
 Remove old wooden pulls from lids. 
Using 150 grit sandpaper, sand away top layer on lids and canister holder.  Wipe away sanding residue with a damp cloth.
With large foam brush, apply paint to wooden surfaces.  Allow first coat to dry, sand lightly, and apply second coat of paint.
Add distressing by sanding corners and edges down to let wood show through. 
 
Screw new pulls into lids.
Wooo-hoooo!  Canisters are looking gooooood! Labels would help clarify their purpose.
Using scrapbook paper in the household printer, print out content labels.  I will use these for buttons, thread and miscellaneous notions and trinkets, aka "stuff".
 Apply Mod Podge to back of paper labels and stick label to center top of glass containers.
The new and improved canister set is now ready to fill for a cleaner, more visually appealing studio storage solution!
 LOVE  &  UP-CYCLE NATION
Jacquie Wheeler
Hand of Bela Peck