I love a project that turns something destined for the recycling bin into something I’ll actually use every day, and this 3-item autumn soap pump set does exactly that. With a few old glass spaghetti sauce jars, a little paint, and pump lids, you can make a coordinated set that looks right at home on a kitchen sink, bathroom vanity, or laundry room counter for fall.
This is the kind of DIY I reach for during a busy week because it’s simple, inexpensive, and satisfying without taking over my whole evening. If you like seasonal décor but prefer practical pieces over extra clutter, this one is especially worth making.
Materials
Instructions
1. Wash the three spaghetti sauce jars thoroughly with hot soapy water, remove all labels and adhesive, and let them dry completely. Wipe each jar with rubbing alcohol so the paint will stick cleanly.
2. Lightly scuff the outside of each jar with 220-grit sandpaper, then wipe away the dust. This quick step helps the finish look more even and hold up better with regular use.
3. Decide on your color plan for the set: paint one jar orange, one warm white, and one muted golden yellow for a simple autumn palette. I like keeping sets coordinated but not identical because it looks collected instead of too matchy.
4. Apply the first coat of paint to the outside of each jar with the foam brush, using thin even strokes. Let the coat dry fully before adding a second coat.
5. Add a second coat if needed for solid coverage, then let the jars dry completely. If you want a softer, slightly worn look, gently sand a few raised areas once the paint is dry.
6. Place one leaf stencil on the front of each jar and dab on a contrasting paint color with a small brush. Remove the stencil carefully while the paint is still a little wet to keep the edges crisp.
7. If you want labels, use a black paint pen or marker to add simple words like “Soap,” “Hands,” or “Lotion” beneath the leaf design. Keep the lettering small and centered so the jars still feel clean and polished.
8. Seal the painted outside of each jar with a thin coat of matte sealer or Mod Podge, avoiding the jar rim and threads. Let the finish cure fully according to the product directions before handling a lot or filling.
9. Screw a soap pump lid onto each dry jar and make sure it sits securely. If the lid style uses a dip tube that’s too long, trim it so it reaches near the bottom without bending.
10. Fill the jars with dish soap, hand soap, and lotion, then tighten the pumps and test each one. Wipe the outside clean and arrange the three finished jars together as a matching autumn set.
Variations & Tips
Use one room’s color palette: If your kitchen already has a lot of rust, cream, or black accents, lean into those shades so the set looks intentional instead of overly themed.
Try a frosted finish: Mix a little baking soda into the acrylic paint for a chalkier, more ceramic-looking texture. I’ve done this on upcycled containers before, and it gives them a surprisingly high-end feel.
Skip painted words if you prefer: You can tell the jars apart by color alone, especially if one lives in the kitchen and the others go in a bathroom or laundry room.
Protect the finish: These hold up best when you paint only the outside and hand-wipe them with a damp cloth. I would avoid soaking the painted jars or running them through the dishwasher after decorating.
Make refilling easier: Use a small funnel when adding soap or lotion so the pump threads stay clean. This sounds minor, but it saves a lot of sticky cleanup later.
Swap the motif: If leaves aren’t your style, use tiny pumpkins, acorns, or a simple color-blocked design and keep the same basic method.