I love ladybugs. :) Ladybug crafts are always cute, they make you smile, and they are easy for kids too. I have a tendency to give everything that’s round and red a second look. Could that be turned into some sort of ladybug?? You’ve probably already seen my plastic lid ladybugs, and my paper plate ladybugs, so it’s probably no surprise that I’m posting yet another ladybug project.
My daughter, Kristen, is 16, so making crafts that she’ll use or display in her room is a bit trickier than it was, say, 10 years ago! Used to be that anything cutesy was welcomed in with open arms. Now? Not so much. She seems to have the same love of ladybugs that her mom does though, so I knew this would be put to good use. Can you see what’s inside the jar? Those are little ladybug shaped thumbtacks I found on clearance at WalMart, cute!
Kristen and I love to make homemade mocha frappacinos, and because of that, we tend to go through quite a few of those little plastic jars of instant coffee. As soon as I saw the empty jar with the red lid, I knew exactly what I was going to turn it into! The only real issue I ran into was some sticky glue from the label that just didn’t want to budge. I was able to get it off with Goo Gone, but I scratched the plastic surface using my kitchen scrubber sponge getting the goo off.
So I remedied that by using a simple foam stamp and black paint to add a bug to the scratchy spot.
Recycled Ladybug Jar
Recycled Ladybug Jar
Supplies
- plastic or glass jar with lid
- red black and white acrylic craft paint
- paintbrush
- bug foam stamp
- red polka dot fabric
- scissors
- sealer spray
Instructions
- Put lid on jar. If the lid is not red, paint it red. I added a thin coat of red to mine because it was a little cloudy looking. Paint a black semicircle at one end of the lid. Use the handle end of the paintbrush dipped in black paint to add different sized spots. Let dry.
- While that is drying, paint the surface of your foam stamp with black paint and press it onto the surface of the front of the jar. For mine, since I was using the bug to cover up a boo boo, I made sure that I painted the ladybug head (semicircle) on the lid to line up with the boo boo. Let dry.
- use the handle end of the paintbrush dipped in white paint to add eyes. Let dry. Use a small paintbrush, handle end, dipped in black to dot on pupils. Let dry. For the tiny whites on the eyes, you can dip a toothpick in white paint, or use a white paint pen.
- Use the handle end of a small paintbrush to add white dots to the back of the stamped bug. Let dry.
- Wrap a piece of red polka dot fabric around the jar and tie in a bow, trim the ends. Give everything a quick burst spray of sealer.
I’m participating in the following craft carnivals. To see some other awesome projects, be sure to visit them!
- Paper Plate Aquarium Craft - June 17, 2025
- Patriotic Bandana Wreath - June 13, 2025
- Ladybug Painted Rocks - June 10, 2025
Diana says
I just thought of doing these (I also use the folgers) and hanging them on the wall w/small pic hooks or a small nail, to have a trail of them across my wall :)
Diana says
Just the lids that is :)
Amanda says
Sounds like a fun idea Diana!
Rachel (Lines across my face) says
I love these! I featured them on my blog.
http://linesacrossmyface.blogspot.com/2011/08/adorable-ladybug-crafts.html
Kayla @ MPM School Supplies Blog says
Hi Amanda! We just loved this ladybug jar and featured it at our blog today! You can find it here >> Lovely Lively Ladybugs | Crafts, Science & More!. We were sure to give photo credit and a link back to your website, but we'd love for you to take a look at it and if there are any problems, we'll take the feature down immediately!
Thanks so much!
Kayla Johnson
[email protected]
Anonymous says
to get sticky labels off just smear with a little bit of peanut butter and let set over night is loosens the glue and washes right off.
Baby Girl says
These are SO cute! Great idea for the rainy days we've been having in the midwest! Thanks!
Rory says
Hi,
I followed you over from the Life As Lori link party. I am now a follower of yours. I would really love it if you stopped by and visited me too. Be sure to enter the drawing if you do. Keep up the good work. Rory http://toolsareforwomentoo.blogspot.com/
Room to Inspire says
This is a great project as well! Thanks for linking this up last week too.
Chelsea
Tracey @ My House of Giggles says
sooo cute! You are so talented, girl! How do you come up with these ideas ? :)
Andy Porter says
CUte CUTE CUTe!!!
Fawnda says
That ladybug is SO CUTE! I love it! :)
Amy @ Positively Splendid says
How cute! I love ladybugs, too!
Sammy says
So cute! It would be perfect for our Bring Spring Linky party over at Scraps N' Strings. Adorable!
Lanie Ree says
I love your ladybugs! I think it's the eyes. you make them so cute.
Thank you for linking this to A Little Craft Therapy, with Life in the Pitts.
Kim @ seven thirty three says
You have some of the cutest projects and this is no exception!
Thanks for linking with What are little boys made of?
Amanda says
Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments!
Lanie thank you for the feature, so nice of you! I am displaying your button proudly ;)
Lanie says
Hi Amanda! This project was featured on Trendy Treehouse today.
http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2010/04/feature-favorites-from-around.html
Hope you will stop by for a "featured" button! ~Lanie J.
Megan says
So cute! I did a ladybug birthday party for my daughter a couple of years ago and I STILL can't stop considering how I can incorporate everyday items into a ladybug theme. Your jars are a great idea!
Kristi says
Too cute! I love ladybugs too. My daughter is 11 and I've already begun having problems decorating her room. Why does she have to have an opinion about it? What can't I just decorate like I want to? ha ha
Molly @ A Bit O' Shine says
Cute, cute, cute!
Maria says
Cutest jar EVER! I have to make these!
Denise Marie says
Dang, that is cute. your projects are just adorable.
Marie says
Hello sweet Amanda – I'm new to your blog via Tip Junkie! Your lady bug jar is adorable! My Emma would love something like this. She has been using my bud vases to collect her rolly polly bugs in! Thank you for sharing!
Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com
Linda@Coastal Charm says
What a stinkin cute idea…luv it! Hope you have a FUN week:)
Blessings,
Linda
I’m having a GIVEAWAY…come by and check it out…I think you will like it!
Amy Bowman says
you are full of great ideas. my daughter saw this and said "i wanna make one!! i know where to come when we are in a crafty mood!!
Liz says
CUTE!!! When I was little I would have loved this. I always had a thing for Ladybugs. :)
~Liz
The Nichols Fam says
precious! We are fellow ladybug lovers!
Stephanie Lynn says
Thanks again so much for stopping by and joining the Sunday Showcase! You have such creative projects to share. Thank you! Hope you have a great week! ~ Stephanie Lynn
Stephanie Lynn says
Super cute! This would be perfect for my little guy to catch some bugs {just poke a few holes in the top} Stop by the Sunday Showcase party if you get a chance. This is adorable – thanks for sharing!
Katrina says
That's really cute, Amanda! SU'd
Heather - Dollar Store Crafts says
I like your ladybug crafts!