Turn Those Ugly Cookie Tins Into an Adorable Re-Usable Gift Box!

Maura White
by Maura White
4 Materials
$6
1 Hour
Easy
If you have old cookie tins laying around that you want to give new life to - then you must read this post!!!
Who has an old cookie tin laying around their house that gets rarely used? Especially an older one with cheesy and out-dated prints on them? Maybe you aren't raising your hand. If that is the case, then you can enter any thrift store and find a boat load of these seemingly lifeless containers for dirt cheap.
You will want to start by cleaning out your tins (old cookie crumbs anyone?) and taking off any labels that may be on them. Make sure they are clean and dry. Then get some cardboard and head outside where your spray painting magic can begin! I put on about 3 coats of spray paint on all of the tops and bottoms of the cookie tins. Its much better to put on multiple thin coats rather than one thick coat of spray paint. Thick coats will drip and ruin the finish of the new color.
When your containers are newly painted and fully dry (wait at least 24 hours after spray painting), then you can start embellishing them with washi tape. I started with my rectangle shaped cookie tin and added washi tape just like it was ribbon on a wrapped gift.
When the tape was lined up, I used the X-acto knife to make cuts where the cookie tin opens up. I also trimmed the washi tape on the bottm right at the edge of the container for a nice clean line on the bottom.
You can use similar materials and make this DIY Lunch Box Treat & Note Holder From An Altoid Tin
Suggested materials:
  • Cookie tins   (thrift store)
  • Washi tape   (http://amzn.to/29FsBUj)
  • Magnetic yarn flowers   (https://www.etsy.com/shop/MagnetMenagerie)
See all materials
Maura White
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 15 questions
  • Kay Kay on Nov 29, 2017

    Hi Joann, I love the Wedding Cake idear, I will have to try that one. What about a Birthday Cake to? Thanks for the idear. Kay Adelaide South Australia

  • Bar33915407 Bar33915407 on Aug 09, 2018

    Will the paint chip off? What about it seeping into the foods?

  • Kathy Kathy on Dec 11, 2018

    what kind of spray paint did you use?


Comments
Join the conversation
3 of 96 comments
  • Doreen Parker Doreen Parker on Mar 05, 2023

    I can keep all my Xmas tins now(I hated throwing away)..now I can paint & wasi-tape! Is beautiful. Thank u. I can also paint in theme now for garage container tins..ie camouflage nail holders, etc..or more woodsy colors.

  • Gig69451122 Gig69451122 on May 03, 2023

    What a great idea! I think I'd modpodge a decorative napkin to the lid. Depending on that choice. Add brick a brac, or lace around the outside of the lid. I think a lot of crafting options are possible!

Next