Custom Decorative Jar

How to create designs on a container that can be used for storage or decoration.

Supplies:
Plastic jar
Wide painter's masking tape
Pencil or marking tool
Fine X-acto or hobby knife
Spray paint, any colour of your choice
Protective gloves

I used a plastic jar with the idea that the spray paint would stick better to it but, a jar of any material should work just as well.

If your jar has a latch or lid that can be temporary removed, remove it or you can mask it off. Take your jar and entirely mask it in tape. I used green painter's tape but, regular masking tape would probably work as well. I don't recommend using packing tape.

After the jar is masked, draw your designs on with your pencil. This is where you can get creative. I free handed my designs but, you can use stencils of any kind.

This step is tricky, especially if you have an intricate design. You also must be careful to not make mistakes as the knife will scar the jar below. After you have all your lines cut, carefully remove the tape of the parts you want painted.

In a well ventilated area, spray paint over all the parts you removed the tape from. A few coats of paint is ideal. Follow the directions on the spray paint can for drying and recoat times. I also painted the lid of my jar black because, I was able to remove it separately.

After a few coats and the jar is dry to the touch, carefully remove the rest of the tape. I used the knife edge to peel an end of the tape that was surrounded by the painted parts. You can also use a pair of tweezers top grip and peel the small pieces of tape off.

Reassembly the pieces (if you took it apart) and your jar is ready to use.