Turn Basic Old Jars Into Chic Seasonal Decor With A Napkin DIY

At first glance, spaghetti sauce, strawberry jam, and dill pickles may not seem like they have very much in common. But these ubiquitous pantry staples all happen to come packaged in glass jars that are perfectly reusable. It's a shame to toss them in the garbage once they're empty, as there are many clever ways to reuse old glass jars around the house. One stylish DIY idea? Turn them into stunning seasonal decor by decoupaging pretty paper napkins onto the surface. Not only does this instantly transform regular jars into beautiful vessels, but you can use them any number of ways, such as candle holders, vases, pencil jars, or utensil holders. 

It's also quite easy to customize the look of your jars according to the various seasons. To create fabulous fall decor, you could use napkins that feature autumnal elements like pumpkins or leaves, or you could add a touch of holiday magic to your home by using festive napkins with mistletoe or holly. No matter which season you're decorating for, this is an easy DIY that any beginner can do. We're breaking down all the steps below, so you can upcycle your empty jars into chic decor for your home.

Start by removing the label from your jar and wiping it clean with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any sticker residue on the surface. Next, you'll need to decide if you want to paint your jar before decoupaging the napkin onto it. If you opt to paint it, be sure to use either glass paint or chalk paint. This will help prevent the paint from chipping or scratching down the road. Apply at least two coats of paint and allow it to dry fully between coats. Once the final coat of paint is dry, you can start decoupaging the napkin onto the jar. 

Cut out the portion of the napkin's design that you'd like to use or use the entire napkin, and carefully separate the layers so the napkin is just one ply. Decide where you want to place the napkin on the jar, paint a thin layer of decoupage medium like Mod Podge ($5.99 at Michaels) onto this area, and carefully place the napkin onto the jar. Gently paint another thin layer of decoupage medium on top of the napkin, and let it dry. 

DIY crafter @kraftykathy posted a YouTube video with some useful tips for this DIY. She suggests using a sponge to apply the paint and pressing the napkin on the jar from the center outward to prevent wrinkles. To finish the rim of the jar, either decoupage a patterned border around it, gild it with gold paint, or glue ribbon or twine around it. You now have a beautiful jar you can use to decorate your home!