Who doesn’t love a good cookie? I mean, they’re so fun, absolutely versatile as gifts, and perfect for filling that munchie craving without all the guilt. That is, unless you eat a dozen. ahem. However, stashing them shouldn’t be boring but rather make a fun statement! Check out this vintage cookie jar I recently snatched at the thrift store.
This is a late 1940’s early 1950’s cookie barrel, actually. It’s sweetly made of staves held together with the barrel rings. It’s just… a bit… dated.
That’s nothing that a little creative juices and DIY elbow grease can’t fix, right? Let’s get at it.
FALLING DOWN
First, I just want to say that you could totally keep this as-is with the story it tells. However, for the sake of today’s post, let’s say it doesn’t suit your decor, and you want to freshen it up. In order to do that, I need to take it all apart. Loula is always watching me closely.
Then, I remove those rings that are literally holding it together. And this happens… BAM.
In a flash, I’m reminded of my whiskey barrel upcycling projects I’ve done in the past with the staves and rings.
- Whiskey Barrel Staves Art
- Whiskey Barrel Ring Art
- Upcycled Whiskey Barrel Planter
- Reclaimed Barrel Ring Art
Now back to my hot mess pile. To start, I take the rings and lid outside after cleaning them all up and spray them with a flat black paint. It’s like 12-degrees on this day, so I spray outside and bring them in to cure.
While those cure, I head out to my freezing workshop to sand down the staves AFTER numbering them for assembly later.
Keep in mind that this is made of pine, a soft wood, but still wood and worth refreshing. After sanding, I apply a light coat of creme wax and let cure.
Now for the funny part… trying to put it back together. If you’ve never messed with staves and rings, it takes a bit of finagling. eep! I found putting the base on a similar height block as well as a form (paint can) did the trick.
I pop the rings back on and the handle and we’re back in business. whew!
Last, but not least, I re-paint on the “cookie” text using my transfer method.
BRING ON THE COOKIES!
Finally, here is my vintage cookie jar (or barrel) makeover with a modern vibe.
By leaving the raw wood look paired with the black, it’s clean and simple. Might you like to try one of these chocolate chip cookies my youngest whipped up for me in minutes so I could stage?
Additionally, as an added bonus, you can turn it to the back side and use it plain for whatever your heart desires.
Do you like? I’d love to hear your comments below as you are who are write for. Likewise, pin and share to inspire others to make their own house their home.
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Until next time!
While you’re at it, here are more projects like my vintage cookie jar:
I love this. It’s so gorgeous.
Merry Christmas to you all at the xxx
Thank you, sweet Janette. And same to you.
Such a great change. 🥰 I would definitely eat the cookies out of this jar!!! (Especially if they were chocolate chip!🤣) MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all!!! You deserve it!! 🎄🎁🎄😍
Right?? I’m more of an oatmeal raisin or mule ear kinda gal, but I love any cookie. 😀 Thanks so much, Rebecca.
Very cute now !!
Merry Christmas to you and yours 🙂
Thank you.
Charming little make over. May you have a most blessed Christmas
Thank you. It was a doozy to put back together, but quick once I got the right assembly process.
The cookie barrel is definitely more eye catching now. The black just sets it off. Does it actually go wider towards the bottom? I’ve been scratching my head because before the redo you can’t really tell but after it sure looks like it.
Yes, it does and the rings had to be placed in the right direction as well. It was tricky! 😀
Nice job, but I don’t think it was originally a cookie jar. I believe it is an old sugar bucket.
Merry Christmas.
It’s a cookie jar and there were serval made of a decade just like it. I mean, it even says Cookies on it 🙂
Looks so much better and I’m with you Oatmeal girl here. Merry Christmas. Will all the family be together?
Now you’re talkin’! Thank you, Bonnie.
Perfect!!! This cookie bucket is ready to dive back into life now!
You just made my day, Becky! That means much. 🙂
Wow! The remake is so much cleaner looking. .I really like the black with the natural wood. You have great vision.
Wishing you and your family a blessed New Year.
woot! That is what I was after as I don’t know if I’d put cookies in the “before”. Thanks, Joanne!