How to Make Salt & Pepper Shakers

You can use old jars to make homemade salt and pepper shakers.

Salt and pepper are seasoning staples, and shakers are a must at the dinner table. For a one-of-a-kind set that re-purposes old jars, follow the simple steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Empty baby food jars with lids
• Empty spice jars with lids
• Acrylic, non-toxic paint
• nail polish remover
• scrub brush or plastic dish scraper
• Power drill
• Small drill bit
• Thumbtack
• Small paintbrush
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash empty jars and remove labels and lids; set aside to dry. If labels are difficult to remove or leave sticky residue on the jar, use nail polish remover to remove it with a plastic dish scraper or scrub brush.

2. Poke holes in the top of the baby food jar lid with a thumb tack, pushing down from the top. Draw an "S" on one and a "P" on the other, or make your own design with the holes. If using spice jars, the lids might be too thick and sturdy to be poked with a thumb tack, so use the power drill to drill small holes in it. The size of the holes is up to you, depending on what size salt flakes and ground pepper granules you prefer.

3. Paint the top of the lids with acrylic paint, using light layers so you don't clog the holes. Set aside to dry.

4. Fill dry jars with salt and pepper and screw lids back onto the jars.

Tips & Warnings

• The same method can be used to make jars for cinnamon, sugar, grated cheese and other spices. Experiment with various jar sizes.

References

• Minti: 20 Uses for Baby Food Jars