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Updating Old Canisters

March 14, 2018

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How To Update Old Glass Kitchen Canisters

Last week, I was cleaning out the kitchen pantry and tucked way in the back was a set of old glass canisters. I don't remember if I bought them for myself or received them as a shower gift, but either way, I thought I had tossed them years ago. 

When I went through my major simplifying stage, they were among the first things to go. I had used them for display, I didn't actually keep anything eatable inside, and since I didn't love their look and they weren't particularly useful...uh, bye, bye.

Or so I thought. I guess something inside me couldn't totally part with them and you know, I'm glad I kept them around. You see, this weekend, I bought new white dishes ~ a story for another day ~ and suddenly the kitchen looked a little bland. I craved color. Go figure. 

Glass Kitchen Canister

The counter top needed something and lo and behold, I had something! Of course, they were a bit dirty from years of sitting, so I washed them out with a mild soap and dried them.

Cleaning Canisters

I thought they would look great with a topper, so I went to my fabric stash and grabbed a pretty pattern. Then I used a bowl to make a perfect circle for each top. 

How To Make A Fabric Circle

Next, I secured the fabric with a rubber band.

How To Update Old Canisters

I used a thin strip of coordinating fabric to cover the rubber band. A few strategic drops of hot glue secured it in place. To create a pretty edge where the fabric ends met, I just folded the fabric back before I glued it down.

Glue A Fabric Strip On To A Canister

My old, dated canisters suddenly had new life and they added a bit of a color and flair to my very white kitchen. 

Farmhouse Canisters

For now I have a few yellow accents popped inside to brighten the place up. 

White Kitchen Cabinets

However, in the future I may fill them with something else. Jelly beans for Easter, candy canes at Christmas, chocolate anytime of the year...and if I no longer want them in the kitchen, I could move them to my desk and fill them with pencils or office supplies or my craft area and store buttons or yarn balls. The possibilities are endless. 

And if you are wondering, yes, the tops do come on and off easily. The fabric needs a little adjustment, but they hold their shape.

Cottage Style Kitchen Canisters

I guess sometimes that old saying "when in doubt, throw it out" isn't always the way to go. 

I obviously had doubt.

And I am so glad I didn't toss them. 

What are you holding on to? 

More crafty upcycles?

Old Rain Boot Wreath
Old Rain Boot Wreath
Skirted Patchwork Chair
Skirted Patchwork Chair 

Kim Signature


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  1. Happy they were “keepers!”
    Liking your creativity . ...

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  2. Wow, you brought back memories, I used to have the same exact canisters,only I did actually get rid of them when I moved from our first house to our second. I purged so many things during that move that I truly regret. But when I unpacked in my new house, it was so spacious and now I have filled it up with so much more!

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    1. I totally understand, Karenann. I have done the same thing. Sometimes I think back to our first house, or the early years here, and I wonder *where is that adorable (fill in the blank)*....then I remember I tossed it. I think old bottles, old windows and old shutters are my biggest giveaway regrets. What was I thinking!? 🙄

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  3. You surprised me with the fabric. I thought you would paint the tops! Much more versatility with the fabric. And why am I not surprised that you had red fabric in your stash?

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    1. That's funny! I thought about paint, but then I remembered this pretty fabric I bought on impulse, but hadn't found a place to use it yet. I am really glad it worked out, but now I am looking for more places to use that pattern!!

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  4. So clever Kim. Glad you held onto these. They look adorable now that you re loved them. Very cute.

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    1. Thanks Kris! I am happy with them…way better than buying new! xo

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  5. I love that Scandi simple wood and glass look. it always looks good and never looks 'dated' to me!
    but I ALSO love seeing your own great creativity in repurposing something beautiful and useful.
    nobody does it better! (I think that's a song title) xoxo

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    1. Thanks Tammy! I think I kept them because of their simple shape. It's very versatile.

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  6. Very cute! I had those exact same jars and I painted the kids of them red and put them in my youngest's room for marbles and small toys. I had them on my counter for years - glad you were able to save yours, too!
    https://cannaryfamily.blogspot.com/2013/01/kitchen-cannister-up-cycle.html

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    1. That's so funny! They were all the rage at the time. I love they way they look with the painted top and it's fun to see something inside besides kitchen fare. Thanks so much for sharing. Now I have more ideas for the next round!!

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  7. Kim, you make thrifty look so good! Those turned out fresh and pretty. They would be perfect for putting a gift in.

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    1. Stacey, you are too nice! And what a great idea...the perfect gift container. Hmmmm.

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  8. That is a cute idea! I think a lot of us have had those canisters over the years. I gave my own to my daughter when she moved into her first place. I am sure they are long gone! xo Diana

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    1. Yes! They were quite popular. I think they came from Macy’s. I don’t know why I didn’t toss mine, but I’m glad I held on to them. Well, for now anyway!!

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  9. Kim, you always do amazing things with fabric! That's so cute & I love the homespun look. You can always use glass canisters.

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    1. Florence, you are so sweet! I have to say I do love fabric, I have a total addition...

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  10. Kim, so cute. The glass itself is really pretty too. I used to make tops like yours back in the day, but with sewing in elastic. They looked really cute but not an easy job. I like your idea much better..Happy Day my friend..xxoJudy

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    1. I know exactly what you're talking about, Judy. You did it the right way. I cheated...shhh. 😉

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  11. So cute, Kim! I like the update. The fabric is pretty, and I like the shape of the glass canisters!

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    1. Thanks Ricki! I am glad I finally had a place to use the fabric!

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  12. Very clever way to bring some pops of color to your white kitchen. Turned out super cute! I would of had a hard time letting go of the glass canisters as well.

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    1. Thanks so much! I am really glad that I kept them...they were the perfect accent.

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  13. I like the shape of the container and the fabric top is a perfect idea.

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    1. Thanks Carla! I love that fabric...impulse purchase. 😉

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  14. Thanks Teri! I really like the way they turned out and I am happy I was finally able to use that fabric! Thanks for the sweet visit!

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  15. This is absolutely the best way to go for your kitchen...it's perfect!

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  16. What a wonderful idea! I love it!

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    1. Thanks Debbie! I was excited to be able to use some of my stash fabric.

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  17. Such a cute idea, my clever friend!! I have a crapload of old jars I have held on to for when my daughter moves out. Up here we get the odd field mouse coming into the house when it gets cold...no matter what we do, it's part of living in the country...so I keep most of the food in the pantry in jars. She'll need to do the same so I'm sure she'll be glad of the jars when she finds a house. Good thing I have TONS of storage at this house, huh? I kept old linens for her, curtains, pots/pans, knives, dishes....you name it!!

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    1. I love the idea of food is kept in jars! How totally charming. I know that the mouse thing isn't fun, but wow, what a really cool country way to live...and what a lucky girl you have! You are a great momma!!

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  18. I think you were smart to keep those, because they look tres-chic on your kitchen counter. I have a cupboard in my laundry room that houses vases and glass jars....from mason jars to jelly jars, and I'm always finding a use for them.

    Hugs, Carol

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    1. Thanks Carol! I wish I had a big cupboard to keep all my treasures in. I think I would keep a lot more!

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  19. So smart! I love lemons in the kitchen too. And you're right...you could fill them with Easter candy, Halloween candy, etc. And chocolate is always in season. ;) Great job! P.S I've always wanted to be crafty enough to have a fabric stash, but so far I'm not. Lol!

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    1. Chocolate is always in season! What a great sentiment. I am off to buy some. Thanks!

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  20. Kim that was such an easy update and yet it makes all the difference. Now your canisters are dressed in their finest and ready to go out to town!

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  21. Love that pop of color Kim! I hang on to things now and then and am happy. But then, I get rid of stuff now and then that I regret, but all in all it's all good! :)
    hugs,
    Jann

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    1. Thanks Jann!! I am happy I kept these. I too have things I regret tossing. I guess it's always a gamble. I'm glad I bet right on these pretties!

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  22. They look super cute! You always come up the the best ideas :)

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  23. Hi Kim, wow I love the way you covered the tops of the canisters with the pretty fabric. The fabric covers do add a touch of color and accent to the kitchen and I love the way the red and white looks. I know you will have fun adding things inside the canisters.
    Have a good weekend and stay warm.
    Julie xo

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    1. Thanks Julie! I love the fabric. I purchased it on an impulse a few years ago and never had a place for it. This just seemed right. Thanks for the sweet words!

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  24. You sure made them into something pretty. I'm doing a bit of spring cleaning as well and the house is springing some surprises with things I didn't remember I had :-)
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Lots of surprises whenever I clean! Some are better than other. Haha!! xo

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