It’s ’bout time I took care of some business in my kitchen, I’ve been searching, making do, and ready to make new on a solution to my kitchen food scraps. Thankfully, I found this vintage cookie jar that is perfect for my DIY compost crock. Ready for some fun?

Yes, if you’ve been around this blog long, you know that 80’s decor is not my jam(see my 80’s makeovers HERE).

However, DIY is, so I’m game to give this dated gem a new lease on life. If you’re wondering (or already know) this is a stoneware crock by Treasure Craft that does have some value.

Apparently I’m a bit tired and I mistakenly said it was ceramic in my video, like the butter churn I did, though the bottom and weight told me otherwise.

It does have chips and a slight crack, but that makes it fine for me to take a drill to it.

mwahahaha…

Here’s what I use current day because the vintage graniteware stock pot for compost I had for decades was too big for the my daily needs any longer (see my DIY compost bin tutorial HERE).

DRILLIN’ TIME

First, before I go any further, you’ll want to watch my video tutorial for all the steps. At the same time, I’ll have the steps written out below as well.

If you want to have a crack at this (not literally, of course) here’s what you need:

TERMS OF USE: If you want to create a your own compost crock, you agree to the following: it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own. 

• ceramic or stoneware cookie jar or similar
• drill
• diamond drill bit in size of hole desired (I use a ¼” bit)
• water for drill bit
• masking tape or painters tape
• hot glue gun and glue stick
• 120 grit sandpaper if covering existing design
• carbon filter sheet (like you use in your range hood exhaust filters)
• optional – Zinsser BIN primer, paint, or other decorative accents you want to add, plus a gloss spray poly for protecting
• foam brush or similar for primer and paint
• optional – rope or heavy-gauge wire for a handle

STEP 1

First, place pieces of tape around the lid so that when you drill it will prevent chipping.

As you see in my video, I use a marker to give me an idea of where to drill, though I mostly eye it.

To start, have your lid on a surface that is protected or a scrap piece of wood under it so when you drill through you don’t damage your surface.

When you’re ready to start, begin by wetting the drill bit with water and then running the drill slowly and go in at a slight angle to “bite” the surface, then move upright. You’ll also want to keep the hole and bit wet to make it easier to work. This is best shown in the video as well.

You can create as many vents (holes) as you like, just make sure to take it slow and let the drill bit do the work.

Also, I add two holes to the sides of the crock bottom to be able to add a handle. If you prefer, just skip to the next step if no handle is desired. Otherwise, also skip to step 4 if you have no design to cover.

STEP 2

Next, if you have a design you want to cover like I do, use a 120 grit sandpaper to scuff through the glaze and give the surface tooth for the primer and paint. You can see how I did the same thing to a vintage butter churn HERE.

After sanding, use a bit of rubbing alcohol to clean the surface properly removing any residue and debris.

STEP 3

Then, once you prep your surface you’re ready to add your primer. I’m using a foam brush and apply a smooth base layer.

As I mention in my video, your base layer is very important, like a foundation, on which you’re building your layers.

After your primer cures, you add your layers of paint in whatever color and design you desire. Normally, I’m all about typography as you can see in these past posts, but this time I want it super simple.

Likewise, I use a gloss spray poly to topcoat my paint to match the original glaze on the crock. Feel free to mix it up as you see fit.

STEP 4

To really make this a workable piece in your kitchen, you’ll want to add a carbon filter cut to size. I buy carbon filter sheets for my range hood and custom cut them, so I have scrap.

Once you have it the size you want, use a bead of hot glue to tack it in place. This will prevent fruit flies and odor form escaping from your DIY compost crock.

STEP 5

Last, if you want a handle, now’s the time to add it. I’m using dollar store rope, but feel free to use whatever suits your need.

Simply cut to length and knot off ends.

COMPOSTIN’ TIME

Finally, I can have my glass bowl back and I’m stylin’ when it comes to my counter compost. woot!

Can you see the half-circle of where I painted on the left side? Not bad, me thinks.

Likewise, doesn’t it look sweet on my reclaimed wood countertops and the gas range I replaced not too long ago?

You can see my kitchen remodel HERE.

This same day I put it to use and feel accomplished. It’s the little things…

 

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As always, my goal is to inspire you no matter what you’re facing in life and to give DIY a try. Leave some comment love below as well as pin and share to inspire others.

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While you’re at it, here are more upcycled projects like this DIY compost crock: