I must admit that I have stolen this idea. I saw chalkboard labels for sale online and thought it was a brilliant idea—a label for pantry jars that can be wiped clean and rewritten.

I use jars to store oatmeal, flour, and other pantry staples, and the jars don’t always need to be washed between uses, like when I switch out types of rice in the same jar, for instance. Chalkboard labels seem like the perfect pairing for pantry jars and even closet or craft room storage.

The cost of the labels I found online was a little steep, so as I do, I decided I could figure out how to make them on my own for less. Turns out, it’s really easy. I had some spray chalkboard paint (about $5 a can) from a previous project and some plain white labels (just $1 - $2 for dozens), so I gave it a try. It worked!

You do need to use spray paint rather than regular brush-on paint for this project as regular paint will make the labels too wet and they’ll begin to curl. Spray paint will coat the paper labels without damaging them.

The labels need to cure for 24 hours before use, but the paint dries to the touch (and to recoat) in an hour. I found that two good coats was plenty for the labels I painted.

My pantry is now labeled and much easier to navigate. And it looks good, too.

Where would you use chalkboard labels in your home?
 

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