Have you ever been browsing through a thrift shop and seen one of these spice racks? Or maybe you have one in your own kitchen? 
I was at a shop the other day and spied this one, bereft of its glass jars, looking a little lonely on the shelf. Indeed, the price tag only showed $1, an indication of its fallen state. I thought, "surely I could do something with that." Not sure what I'd do, I decided that $1 was a price I was willing to gamble on and I picked it up. (This is why I'm in danger of becoming a hoarder some day.) When I got home and walked into my laundry/craft room, I was greeted by an overflowing mess of acrylic craft paint and painting supplies. Inspiration strikes in the strangest places!
Using just a few tools and some leftover supplies, I redesigned my sad spice rack into quite a happy little paint caddy, complete with carrying handle, and slots on the side to store brushes!
Here's how:
First, I sanded the whole piece down really well, then cleaned it with a cloth.
Then I spray-painted it white. I had a hard time deciding what color/style to make it, but in the end I went for fun and colorful, since it would be carrying all different colors of paint.
I free-handed the different size polka dots all over, using the craft paint that I'd be storing in it. You could also use a hole punch and small pieces of blue painter's tape to create little dot stencils for yourself, if you're not into free-hand painting.
Then I screwed eye-hooks into the sides of the caddy. Hint: Pilot holes are your friend. It's so much easier to screw in these little eye-hooks when there is already a hole to screw them into. Simply select a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter to the size of the shaft on your hook.
Drill the hole almost as long as the length of the shaft.
Then screw in the hook, making sure it ends up level horizontally. I used one hook for the top, and one at the bottom to stabilize the brush.
Next, I used Weatherstripping Foam Tape to line the inside of each space for the paints to rest on. My paint bottles were too narrow to sit comfortably in these holes, without wanting to slide out. I found that weatherstripping is adhesive on one side (allowing me to attach it to the inside of the circles) and slightly tacky on the other side (perfect for gently gripping the paint bottles).
Now the paint bottles are nice and cozy, and don't go sliding out when I move the caddy around.
Tip: If you are the type of crafter who hoards stores small supplies like beads or glitter, then look for a spice rack with its original glass jars still in place. They'd be perfect for those little items.
Finally, it came time to attach the handle to the top, for easy carrying ability. Have you ever attached a drawer handle to a drawer, and struggled to get the measurements right for the screw holes?
Here's a trick: tape a piece of blue painters tape to the bottom of the handle.
Mark the holes.
Remove the tape from the handle and apply it to the surface you're going to drill through (careful not to stretch the tape!).
Now drill through the holes you marked on the tape. No measuring, and the tape protects the surface you're drilling on.
All finished! I loaded up my caddy with paint and brushes and congratulated myself on how easy it would now be to keep my paints organized. Then I abruptly came back to reality again when my kids claimed my masterpiece for themselves.
Guess it's back to the thrift store again to find one for myself!
Rena McDaniel says
You have an amazing eye for treasues! Beauiful and useful. Shared.
Meredith says
Thanks Rena!
Johanna says
Super cute!
Meredith says
Thanks Johanna!
melissa @ my whole food life says
Just found you via the social media link up. Looking forward to connecting!
Meredith says
Thanks Melissa...nice to meet you!
Paul Graham says
Good share on the Paint Caddy Meredith and well presented. Painters tape is useful for many drilling projects and also keeps the dust contained if the material is noxious. Hope the kids paint you something nice !
Meredith says
Thanks Paul, I love painters tape for all sorts of uses!
Laurie S Hurley says
In my next life I will come back as a DIY person. I seem to have not a creative bone in my body, except when it comes to online stuff. Hands-on projects and I are just not compatible. I love what you made!
Meredith says
Thanks Laurie! I think my husband wishes I was less of a DIY person. It's not all fun and games when there are power tools in the kitchen and drop cloths all over the house. 🙂
Trish says
That's such a cool idea! And even someone who's craft-challenged like me could pull it off 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks Trish - you definitely could! Sometimes it just takes a little nudge in the right direction....
the Frozen Canuck says
Excellent paint caddy! Always a pleasure discovering new uses for something that has been thrown aside. I liked the polka dots!
Meredith says
Thanks! I always love a good excuse to use polka dots. 🙂
ballnchainz says
This is Jay
Very nice. You should do your Owen hgtv show restoring items back to being useful. Great pics and great post. Thanks for sharing.
Meredith says
Thanks Jay!
Lenie says
Meredith, I love your ideas. I'm not a crafter, but always on the lookout for a bargain and you get me started thinking - If you got one with the jars, wouldn't it be great to use it in the sewing room to store all those little things like pins, bobbins, etc.?
Lenie
Meredith says
That's a great idea Lenie! And you wouldn't have to paint it, if you're not into that kind of crafting, it would be perfectly useful as is.
Jeri Walker-Bickett (@JeriWB) says
That is too cute, and I used to have one of those types of caddies, but it's long gone now. I would love it if you did a post on mod podge. I have some rustic pine furniture that I hate to replace, but it could use a face lift. I'm not sure if painting or some other creative application would be for the best.
Meredith says
Great idea Jeri! I love mod podge. I'll put it on my list...
Christina says
Cool idea for repurposing! And the tape tip is great. Have you showcased any of your projects at the county or state fairs?
Meredith says
I never thought about the state fair, but that would be really fun. Thanks for the idea!
jacquiegum says
Adorable! I so envy your knack!!!! Hope you found another for yourself 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks Jacquie! I'm on the hunt...
Leora says
Such patience! A creative project indeed. Years ago I painted a old stool pink - that made my daughter happy.
Meredith says
There's nothing like seeing your kids' faces light up when you make them something, is there?
Welli says
Never a gull moment for a creatve mind. Life is much too fun to be dull. Great work and post.
Meredith Wouters says
Thanks! You're right, why let life be dull when you can fill it with fun things!
andleebakhlaqkhan says
It was such a nice idea to change spice jar holding rack.
This is another great Idea and by little work how we can change the looks and usage.... I still have your last Idea in my mind and I will try this as well during my holidays.
You are really creative. All the best.
Meredith says
Thanks, and good luck with your creative endeavors!
Max's Midway Marketplace says
Hi Meredith; just remember all the fun you had doing it. and i have to wonder how long you would have stayed all neat and clean even with your beautiful new catti. I can remember starting school with neat arranged folders that lasted a week or two maybe a month. smile i also wonder if you wouldn't have ended up giving it away as a gift at some point. I can't remember many craft projects I've ever done that i still have. smile thanks for sharing the experience. but now its back to work for both of us. take care, Max
Meredith says
Thanks Max, and I agree. I think the best end to a good craft project is by brightening someone else's life with it.
crystalzakrison says
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing with us! =)
Meredith says
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Beth Niebuhr says
Very cool, Meredith. It looks great! And I like the hint about the blue tape for marking where to drill. Thanks for sharing.
Meredith says
Thanks Beth! That blue tape trick is really handy for hanging pictures too.
theJenWeaver says
You are so creative! I love repurposed items and I'm never going to look at an old spice rack the same way again! 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks! I love using repurposed things too!
Jennifer Saarinen says
This is such an awesome idea! I have a spice rack I don't use and can't wait to do this. I'd love for you to share your post on my Just for Kids weekly link up 🙂 Thanks so much ! http://www.homeschoolingmom4two.com/2014/03/just-for-kids-weekly-link-up-crafts_31.html
Meredith says
Thanks! I just did (and followed you on pinterest and g+!)
niekkamcdonald says
That is really cute! I wish I was creative like this. You have such good vision for the things you are creating.
Meredith says
Thanks Niekka!
Danielle Fouts says
Such a great idea! I love repurposing and this is so cute!
Danielle Fouts says
oh! and I'm stopping by from the Click and Chat Social Media Link Up! ~ Danielle from Family Centsability ~
Meredith says
Thanks Danielle! It's great to meet you.
Marwa Farouq (@marwa_farouq) says
This is so beautiful and has such a lively feel to it! I will try this out with my daughter maybe she loves the DIY kind of things! Thanks for sharing. Found your blog on the Click n chat link up!
Meredith says
Thanks Marwa - that's the best way to do DIY, with a friend or daughter!
Marti @ SewliciousHomeDecor says
This is just too cute and so useful! I've been tempted to buy a spice rack like this just for this reason! Thanks so much for sharing this with us Show-licious Craft party!! I am excited that you liked up! I pinned it to the party board. 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks Marti! Glad you liked it. Heading over to follow your board now...
Cindy deRosier says
I'm the Editorial Assistant for Fun Family Crafts and I wanted to let you know that we have featured your paint caddy! You can see it here:
http://funfamilycrafts.com/spice-rack-paint-caddy/
If you have other kid-friendly crafts, we'd love it if you would submit them. If you would like to display a featured button on your site, you can grab one from the right side bar of your post above. Thanks for a wonderful project idea!
Meredith says
Thank you Cindy! I'm heading over right now... 🙂
Victoria says
Super cute! I made mine a few years back and it's so handy. Here's how I made mine if you want to check it out! http://www.vixenmade.com/2012/03/spice-rack-to-paint-organizer.html?m=1
Meredith says
Thanks for stopping by! I will...
Bre @ Average But Inspired says
I LOVE this idea!!!
Meredith says
Thanks Bre!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Now, I've seen a lot of different uses for spice racks, but I think this one is my favorite! WOW! Thanks for joining us at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again next week! Feel free to bring a friend with you 🙂 Happy Friday! #TGIF
Meredith says
Thanks Kristen! I'll definitely be there this week. I love the #HomeMattersParty!
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
Awesome! Well, in case you haven't noticed it yet, you've been featured this week at the #HomeMattersParty - because we loved your link so much! Feel free to check it out at: http://theroadtodomestication.com/2015/03/06/home-matters-linky-party-27/
Meredith says
Thank you so much for featuring me!
the Painted Apron says
I LOVE this! Great tip on the handle placement too! You can make great polka dots using the handle tip end of a paintbrush too 🙂
Jenna
Meredith says
Thanks Jenna, that's a great tip about the end of a paintbrush. I was thinking a pencil eraser might work too.
satrntgr says
What a great idea!!! I always see those racks at the thrift store, now I can make something to help organize my craft room! 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks! I love to see old things redeemed and put to good use. 🙂
izabelakumar says
That's beautiful Meredith! Very creative! I found you on #homemattersparty 🙂
Meredith says
Thanks, and nice to meet you!
milamyk says
What an awesome idea! It looks so cheerful now!
I would love for you to share your it with our Thursday Link Up Party- Idea box:
http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/03/idea-box-thursday-link-party.html
xx
Mila
milaslittlethings.com
[email protected]
Meredith says
Thanks Mila! Heading over there now...
Danielle says
Super, super cool! I love ideas like this!! Thanks so much for linking up with Idea Box!