A Time for Canning Jar Storage

Please don't notice the set up of this
cupboard too much. It's a work in progress
as I figure out what to do with it!

I have been using mason jars for several years now to store food. I just love the look of mason jars and they're a practical way to store food, especially bulk items, which we do buy a lot of things in bulk. 

One day when I was browsing on Pinterest I saw this idea for storing loose leaf tea. I loved that the cover was spray painted in chalkboard paint and she had written the name of each type of tea on the lid. I thought, this system could work really well for me since I already use canning jars in this way. The other reason why I wanted to spray paint the covers is because I wanted them black. 

The blog where this idea came from did not mention where she was able to find chalkboard paint that you paint on with a paintbrush and I couldn't find any. I have only ever seen it in spray paint form so that's what I used since I had it on hand anyway. I will say this is not the easiest, cleanest or most efficient way of doing it. One I laid out all the lids and bands I started spray painting them (in a well ventilated room, like a garage with the door open). It took several coats to get the bands fully covered. Once they were dry I was able to put the lids back on the jars and start labeling. What I like about this is if I decide to use the jar for something different once it's emptied,I only have to erase the label and write it on again. I am really pleased with the look and am happy I tried this. It's a cute idea for gift giving too!