Decorating Tins

Written and Created by PaperCraftCentral Susan

Decorating tins can be a great way to recycle and create some special altered art at the same time.

"When life gives you scraps,
make something with them!"
~Unknown

Decorating tins can be such fun. For example, have you ever wondered what to do with your empty Pringles (potato chip) cans? They seem too good to throw away, do they not? They have nice solid sides and a top that seals. If you need a container to hold small items or give away as a gift, Pringles cans can be just the thing.

Instructions for Decorating Tins

First, buy a tin of Pringles or similar.

Next, eat or store your potato chips or other food.

Then wipe the tin out with a clean, damp rag a few times so that no salt or oil remains on it or on your fingers. Allow it to dry thoroughly. 

Now you are ready to begin the fun papercraft part..

There's a way to share your own decorated containers at the bottom of this page. Scroll down to see!

Now, gather your supplies.

You will need:

• Cardstock or designer paper of choice
• Strong Double sided tape, Stampin' Dimensionals
• Decorative elements such as flowers, buttons, brads, lace, ribbon, sequins etc
• Stamps and stamping supplies of choice, if desired
• Your choice of paper craft tools

Here is How I Made My Decorated Tin:

1. Cut cardstock or designer series paper to fit the sides of the tin. You want it to be as wide as the body of the tin and able to overlap on the edges when you wrap it around.
2. Decorate your cardstock as desired before you adhere it to the body of the can. Here I used some Stampin' Up! flower stamps and then I stamped a few more on different coloured cardstock, cut them out and adhered them over the original stamps to make a 3d effect.

You have now completed decorating the body of your can. Next turn your attention to the lid.

As the lid is plastic, it is easy to cut through it with a paper punch and is no match for the Crop-a-dile. Here's what I did:

1. I cut a circle of cardstock to fit the top of the lid
2. I decorated the lid by punching holes through the centre and inserting a silk flower or two with a decorated brad to hold it there

I started decorating tins when I took part in a scrapbooking swap where we exchanged them. I filled the can up with all manner of scrapbooking goodness. It was a fun swap!

Do you have an altered tin to show me? I would love to see it. You can add it by typing in the spaces below: