Wondering what to do with old cookie tins? Repurposing them into decorative storage is a simple, rewarding craft. With a few basic supplies and some scrap fabric, you can transform plain tins into pretty, functional containers that look custom-made.
It’s the end of the month, and that means it’s time for the Int’l Bloggers Club Challenge. Each month I take part with a group of blogging friends around the world, sharing themed projects and creative ideas. In recent months I’ve repurposed a tire rim into a wind chime and shared a round-up of epic hits and fails. This month’s theme is tin can crafts, so I decided to give my collection of cookie tins a fresh look using fabric.
Upcycled Tin Can Craft Ideas
Tin cans are everywhere in our homes, and they make wonderful bases for upcycled storage containers. Instead of recycling or throwing them away, cover them with fabric and a little craft glue to create pretty cookie tin cans that work well for jewelry, craft supplies, stationery, or gifts.
I had several old cookie tins that were perfect for storing small items, but they looked dull. Updating them with fabric and paint was an easy way to create decorative storage that fits my home décor.
Materials Needed for this Cookie Tin Craft
- Empty cookie tins (clean and dry)
- Fabric scraps
- Scissors
- Craft glue such as Mod Podge or a similar water-based adhesive
- Chalky-finish or craft paint for lids
- Cardboard for the interior base
How to Make Decorative Cookie Tins with Fabric
Choose fabric that complements your decor. I like bright colors with aqua tones that remind me of the Greek sea, but any pattern will work. The technique is the same whether you use bold prints, florals, or solids.
Measure and cut a piece of fabric approximately three times the tin’s side width. For length, wrap the fabric around the tin and add about the width of four fingers for overlap. This extra will allow you to fold and glue cleanly around the rim and bottom.
Fold one-third of the fabric over toward the wrong side and press it down; this fold will cover the tin’s top rim for a neat finish.
Exterior: Brush a thin layer of craft glue around the tin’s exterior in sections so it doesn’t skin over too quickly. Line up the folded edge with the tin’s top rim, press the fabric in place, and work your way around the tin. Use the fold as your guide to keep the top edge straight and taut.
Near the seam, fold the fabric edge over and glue it down so the raw edge is hidden and the join looks tidy. Apply a light coat of glue over the fabric to set it and give it a durable finish.
Interior: Apply glue to the inside of the tin and press the next third of the fabric down into the interior, tucking it neatly into the rim and along the side. Because the outer layer is secure, this step goes quickly.
Work the fabric into the bottom edge and leave excess fabric on the interior bottom to trim and deal with later. Press firmly to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.
Exterior bottom: With the remaining third of fabric, cut the excess into strips radiating toward the center. One at a time, apply glue and press each strip flat so they overlap slightly and cover the bottom cleanly. Place a small circular fabric piece over the center hole if needed.
Interior bottom: Trace the tin’s base onto cardboard and cut a circle slightly smaller than the interior diameter so it fits comfortably. Cover the cardboard circle with fabric and cut the excess into strips, then glue these strips over the edge so the fabric wraps the cardboard neatly. Trim until the circle fits inside the tin without puckering.
Once the fabric-covered cardboard is dry, insert it into the bottom of the tin for a finished interior base.
Finally, paint the tin lids with a chalky or craft paint to coordinate with the fabric. I painted several lids and even covered a small book with matching fabric for a cohesive look.
This project is straightforward, but I showed each step in detail to make it easy to follow. From start to finish one tin can take roughly half an hour, depending on drying time and how many tins you do at once.
The result is decorative storage that looks custom-made. Using leftover fabric and a few basic supplies is a sustainable, budget-friendly way to refresh old tins and reduce waste while adding attractive organization to your home.
Do you upcycle your tins or simply recycle them? This cookie tin craft is a great place to start if you want to reuse materials and practice simple fabric-covering techniques.
More Int’l Blogger Projects
Recent projects from the Int’l Bloggers Club include ideas such as a cordial glass pedestal and a nautical lantern made from a grill. These seasonal craft challenges inspire creative ways to repurpose and decorate household items.
This post is intended for inspiration and entertainment; these DIY tutorials are not professional advice. I enjoy reading your comments and feedback—please share your results if you try this tin makeover.