In the homewares section at thrift stores, you can often find vintage ceramic salt and pepper shakers in fun shapes, ranging from cows and carrots to Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Every now and then, there is a single salt or pepper shaker on the charity shop’s shelf that’s so cute — but what are you going to do with just one? I just came across a genius — and super simple! — DIY on Instagram for upcycling vintage salt and pepper shakers, and I can’t wait to try it. Read on for all the details.
How to Turn Salt and Pepper Shakers Into Picture Frames
Vintage Santa and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers Photo by Tammy Jones on Getty Images
(Photo by Tammy Jones on Getty Images)
“This is your sign to buy the random single salt shaker,” Kellyanne K. (@yourhomeygirl) wrote on a recent Instagram video, which has racked up more than 52,000 likes.
In her video, the creator details her unique and easy DIY to upcycle salt and pepper shakers into photo holders. Though she developed this DIY with single shakers in mind, you could also do it with a matching pair of vintage salt and pepper shakers that you don’t actually use for salt and pepper.
Here’s what you need to turn a shaker into a picture holder:
And here’s how to assemble your photo holders:
-
Use the pliers to cut a wire place card holder to be about 1 inch longer than your salt or pepper shaker.
If you are just using plain wire, use your pliers to create a two-layer circle at the top of your wire. -
Insert the wire into the shaker via a hole on the top.
-
If there’s a cork or plastic stopper at the base of the shaker, you can press the wire through the stopper to stabilize it. If not, add a dab of glue to the base of the wire so it stays in place.
-
Slip a photo, greeting card, postcard or any paper you’d like to display into your new photo holder!
There Are So Many Ways to Upcycle Vintage Salt and Pepper Shakers
In the comment section, people told Kellyanne that they loved her DIY.
“this is such a good idea!! i collect pairs & sometimes only one survives…” creator Tyler Oakley commented on her video. “How cute! Something else to look for while thrifting – thank you ❤️,” another commenter added.
“I collect salt shakers! This is a great idea!” added another commenter. “you could fill the shaker with some sand to give it weight and to hold the photo stand in place!!” someone else suggested.
A few others shared their own ideas for using thrifted shakers. “I love them as Xmas ornaments! Thread a ribbon through the holes in the top and tie inside,” one commenter wrote.
“I use them as vases for beaded flowers 💜,” another commenter added. “Good idea! I usually use them for incense holders around the house but I like this as well,” someone else wrote.
This story was originally published by Parade Home & Garden on Mar 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the House & Home section. Add Parade Home & Garden as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
