Thrift-store spice rack = DIY bead storage rack

Spice rack turned into bead storage rack, photo

My first project on Crafty Nest 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.

How to turn a spice rack into a bead storage rack

SUPPLIES

old, discarded spice rack (check thrift stores)
primer (I used Kilz 2 latex primer)
paint (I used Benjamin Moore Aura in Steam [AF-15])
dish soap
rag or paper towel

TOOLS

bottle brush
foam paint brush
drop cloth
paint stirrer
paint can opener

INSTRUCTIONS

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

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.

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.