Looking for an easy, family-friendly craft that tidies up the clutter and adds a splash of colour to your child’s bedroom or playroom? This DIY animal jar project is a fun and practical way to reuse empty jars and transform them into personalised storage pots for crayons, sequins, glue sticks, and all those little odds and ends. It’s the perfect weekend activity, and a great way to get the kids involved in decorating their own space.
I’ve used Rust-Oleum spray paint and primer, which come in recyclable metal cans—so once they’re empty, just pop them in your recycling bin. While you’re crafting, their sturdy metal packaging keeps your essential supplies in great condition, ready for every creative session.
What You’ll Need:
- A selection of clean, empty jars (jam jars, sauce jars, etc.)
- Small plastic animals or figures (dogs, dinosaurs, unicorns, whatever your child loves)
- Clear, strong adhesive (suitable for plastic)
- White spray primer (e.g. Rust-Oleum Surface Primer, widely available in the UK)
- Colourful spray paints (Rust-Oleum has loads of bold shades, available at B&Q or Wilko)
- Sticky Stuff Remover (optional, for getting off old labels)
- Warm soapy water
- An old cardboard box or newspaper to spray onto
Step 1: Clean Your Jars
Start by collecting a few jars in different shapes and sizes; sauce jars, old mayonnaise jars, even jam jars. Give them a thorough wash in warm soapy water. If the labels are stubborn, apply a bit of Sticky Stuff Remover and then wash again to get rid of the oily residue. Dry completely before moving on.
Step 2: Choose Your Toppers
I’ve used mini dog figures, and you can find plenty of small animal toys available in many DIY stores, toy and hobby shops. You can even pick them up in charity shops. Whether it’s dinosaurs, jungle animals or even mini cars, let your child choose something fun to top each jar.
Step 3: Stick Them On
With a strong clear adhesive (check it’s suitable for plastic), glue the base of each figure onto the lid of your jar. A dab on each foot will do the trick. Press down gently and allow to dry for 24 hours so it bonds properly.
Step 4: Time to Prime
Place your lids (with animals attached) on some newspaper or inside a cardboard box to avoid making a mess. Using a white spray primer, lightly coat each lid and figure. Rotate as you go to ensure full coverage, including underneath the animal’s legs. Wait 15 minutes, then do a second light coat. Leave to dry completely.
Step 5: Add Some Colour
Now for the fun part—spray painting! Choose bright, playful colours to match your child’s room or mix and match for a rainbow effect. Rust-Oleum’s spray paints are great and widely available across UK retailers. Spray in light, even layers, letting each coat dry before applying the next. Two coats should give you a vibrant finish.
Once fully painted, leave your lids to cure for at least 24 hours so the paint hardens properly.
Step 6: Fill and Display
Now screw the finished lids back on your jars and fill them with craft bits, Lego pieces, felt tips, beads, whatever you need to organise! These jars look brilliant on open shelving, desks or windowsills, and they’re ideal for encouraging kids to keep their space tidy in a fun, visual way.
Ready to give it a go? Grab your empty jars, let the kids choose their favourite animals, and do it with cans—the colourful, clever way to sort your space!
Tutorial by Debs Stubbington @bangonstyle
