DIY Desk Organization Made With Mason Jars

Learn how to make some DIY desk organization out of mason jars and some chalk! This makes a perfect gift for teachers too! Make sure to add this project to your must-make list.

How To Make DIY Desk Organization

Y’all, organization in mason jars is my favorite type of organizing. But- you are not surprised, right?

Well, you’ll love this DIY project!

Today, I’m going to show you how to make some really cute desk accessories out of mason jars and a serving tray. This mason jar desk organizer will make a perfect back-to-school teacher gift or a way for you to decorate your desk at home with some cute accessories.

Plus, the supplies and tools that you need are all super affordable!

Supplies Needed For DIY Desk Organization

• Pine Wood Serving Tray (the smallest one out of this set of three fits two pint mason jars perfectly)
• Pint mason jar or recycled jars (you need ones with at least one side that is smooth)
• Americana Multi Surface in your choice of colors (I used Shrimp and Peach Silk)
• Americana Gloss Enamels Chalkboard Paint (this is formulated for glass)
• DecoArt Clear Chalkboard Coating
• FrogTape Multi-Surface Painting Tape
• Chalk Marker, White
• Regular chalk
• Paint brush

TIP: If you are keeping the project for yourself, be sure to pick the colors that will coordinate with your home decor!

Step 1: Paint The Tray

The very first thing you will do is paint the wood tray. Make sure to do this first so that it can dry while you paint the mason jars.

For my tray, I used the color “Shrimp” and painted two coats on all surfaces. Please wait for the paint to fully dry before adding any additional coats.

While you wait for the tray to dry, move on and paint your jars.

Step 2: Add Painter’s Tape To The Jars

Mask off a little over half of your jars for painting. Keep your line straight at the top for this step.

To get the location of the line, be sure there will be plenty of chalk above your line when the jars are located in the tray.

As you can see below, my jars have one smooth side with no writing. This is important for this project. I dug around in my wide collection of jars until I found two this way.

Step 3: Clean The Jars Before Painting

After you add the painter’s tape, clean your jars well with rubbing alcohol before painting. Do not touch the surface after cleaning as your fingerprints can cause the paint to lift.

Step 4: Paint The Mason Jars

Paint the jars with a few coats of Americana Multi-Surface paint. I am using Peach Silk for the jars. It took around four coats before I was happy with the coverage on my jars!

NOTE: Leave the painter’s tape in place until you are finished painting this area. Be sure each coat dries completely before you add another coat.

Once the tops of your jars have been painted, remove the painter’s tape.

Step 5: Repeat The Same Process For The Bottom Half Of The Jars

Allow the area to cure completely then add the painter’s tape so you can paint the bottom of the jar.

Again, be sure the surface is clean by using rubbing alcohol. Add two coats of Americana Glass Chalkboard Paint to the jars.

Also, allow to dry between coats. At the end of this step, remove the painter’s tape. Touch up the line between colors if necessary.

Step 6: Use Clear Chalkboard Coating On The Tray

In the meantime, you can also work on the front of your tray. I wanted it to have a chalkboard surface as well but not in black. The Americana Clear Chalkboard coating is the answer.

Add two coats of it to the front and back of the tray.

This product is clear and you will not be able to tell it is on the surface once it is dry. Paint the front and back of the tray so both sides are a chalkboard surface.

Step 7: Let DIY Desk Organization Cure

Once everything is dry, be sure to let all of the products cure according to the package directions. You will need to condition all chalkboard surfaces by rubbing them with the side of a piece of chalk and then erasing them.

You can then write anything you wish with a chalk marker. These markers will erase with something wet but will not rub off if little hands touch the writing.

Any teacher would love this mason jar desk organizer to kick off back to school. Throw in some pens, pencils, markers, and more for a back-to-school gift the teacher will actually use this year!

FAQs About DIY Desk Organization

Here are a couple of questions that I see readers ask about this DIY desk organization. If you have a question, please check to see if I’ve already answered it below. Don’t see your question? Leave it for me in the comments!

What Size Mason Jars Did You Use?

I used pint-size mason jars.

Can I Use Any Type Of Jar For This DIY Desk Organization?

Technically, yes. However, since we want to write on these jars with chalk, I recommend using a smooth-sided jar.

I’m Using A Jar With A Label. Do You Have Any Tips For Removing The Label?

If you are using jars from your kitchen (like pickle jars, jam jars, etc.) there are several ways that you can remove the original label.

For these types of jars, I would let them soak in warm soapy water then use a scraper to remove the label. This has worked for me, but if you are dealing with a stubborn label, below are a few more things you can do.

• Pour hot water into the jar, let it sit, and it will loosen up the label on the outside. 
• Create a mixture of dish soap and vinegar.
• Apply heat to the label using a hair dryer.

I’m Using A Jar With A Label. Do You Have Any Tips For Removing Sticky Residue?

To remove any sticky residue from the jars, I would use Goo Gone, along with soap and water. However, if you don’t like the smell of Goo Gone or need other options, below are a few ideas.

• Adhesive Removers (like 3M Adhesive Remover, Un-Du, etc.)
• White vinegar
• Nail Polish Remover

Can I Change The Size Of This Project?

Absolutely! You can adjust this project by using a smaller or bigger mason jar/tray.

Can I Add More Mason Jars To This DIY Desk Organization?

Yes, you can. However, if you add more mason jars, you will need a tray that is big enough to hold everything.

5 More Teacher Gift DIYs

If you love this DIY desk organization and are looking for more teacher gifts, then check out the projects below!

• DIY Desk Name Plate with Sublimation
• “Get Your Cray-On” Teacher Gift Card Holder
• Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas in a Mason Jar
• Teacher Appreciation Gift Tags {Free Printable}
• Teacher Appreciation Thank You Gift Tag