DIY Upcycling – Tin Box Makeover

DIY Upcycling: Turn your empty tin cans/boxes something special! I’ve collected many dozens of tins/cans of various sizes and shapes, and upcycling them was a very fun project!! You can use these as small storage boxes in your handbag, or as tiny jewelry boxes or simply to keep those hard to find small knick-knacks in the drawers.

Here’s how:

Here’s what you’ll need: A mix of PVA glue+water mix (2:1 ratio), scrapbook paper, a pair of scissors, a brush, a ruler, and an empty tin.

• First of all carefully plan out how and where you want your patterns to be placed.
• Trace the outline of the tin cover onto the paper and cut carefully with the scissors.
• Now brush a good amount of Glue+Water mix on the top of the tin. Place the paper onto the wet surface gently, avoiding any bubbles.
• After the paper is completely dried up, with a sharp blade carefully cut off the extra paper around the edge of the tin.
• Measure the sides very carefully. You will be covering the sides with two separate pieces.
• Making sure your measurements are very accurate, cut the strips needed to cover the sides.
• We will do the top strip first. Measure to make sure it is the right fit.
• Then, brush the glue+water on the narrow side of the top, and begin attaching the strip, making sure you butt the paper right up against the little lip of the tin.
• Pay special attention to the corners, as the paper may want to gap in those areas.
• Smooth as you go.
• Same process for the lower part.

The details are important

Just pay attention to how the pattern falls. Really tuck those corners in tightly. The paper is going to want to pull out, so watch it and make those corners obey! 

You can add a final layer of lacquer to the tin all over, but let it dry up for a whole day.

This will give your tin that extra bit of protection to bear the daily wear and tear!! Now that your tin is fully covered, decorate and embellish. I added some pink glittery ribbon and pink roses matching the pattern, with PVA undiluted glue. 

If you’re like me, you’re going to have a little glue residue on the exposed metal parts of the tin.  Scrape all that off with a toothpick or a dry cloth.  

Here’s the finished DIY Upcycling project:

Sometimes I like using beads for feet, or ribbons for trim; the decorating possibilities are endless. Don’t ever throw those tins away. Make something!  

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