I’ve owned this ceramic cat cookie jar for years. It turned up again after our move to the new studio, so I decided to refresh it and turn it into a planter.
Why convert it? Two simple reasons: cats are the unofficial mascots of the internet, and I rarely need a cookie jar—cookies never last long enough to justify one. Turning it into a planter felt like the perfect second life.
I didn’t have to repaint it before adding soil and a plant, but I wasn’t keen on the original brownish-green finish. I grabbed primer and paint and went to work. Painting store-bought ceramics is straightforward, and with a little prep you can get smooth, lasting results. Below is a concise, practical guide plus photos of the finished cat planter.
Here’s what the jar looked like before I started.
Materials
- Large upcycled cookie jar (mine was a thrift-store find)
- Primer suitable for ceramics
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Flat interior paint (color of your choice)
- Small and medium paint brushes
- Clean rag for wiping dust
- Gloss finish or sealer (optional)
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Clean the surface thoroughly. Remove any dust, grease, or residue so the primer adheres properly.
2. Apply two thin coats of primer over the entire piece with a brush, allowing appropriate drying time between coats. Lightly sand with fine-grit sandpaper between primer coats, then wipe away the sanding dust with a clean, dry rag.
3. Paint 1–2 coats of your chosen base color. I used a soft lilac for this project. Allow each coat to dry fully before adding the next.
4. Use a small brush to add details and touch-ups once the base color is dry. Work slowly and let paint dry between layers to avoid smudging.
5. If you prefer a shiny surface, apply a clear gloss finish or sealer after all paint has fully cured. I left mine matte because I liked the more subtle finish.
6. Add potting soil and a plant of your choice. If the jar lacks drainage, choose a plant that tolerates limited drainage or add a layer of small stones at the bottom to help with moisture control.
This quick refresh brought new life to an inexpensive thrift find. The same approach works for many household items: vases, thrifted ceramics, old planters, decorative bowls, or even small furniture accents. With proper cleaning, priming, and paint, you can customize colors and finishes to match your space.
Do you have ceramics that could use a makeover? Consider what you might convert using this technique and which finishes would suit your home—matte, satin, or glossy.