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Metal Cookie Tin Canister DIY

March 30, 2021

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Turn an old metal cookie tin into a fabulous custom canister with a quick and easy upcycle.

This simple DIY is cheaper than store bought versions.

And it comes with cookies. What could be better than that?

Pepperidge Farm Cookie Tin

A little over a year ago, I shared some very pretty contact paper and my intention to give my pantry a makeover.

I'm sure it comes as no surprise when I say it's still not done.

Frankly, after I used a lot of the red checked paper to line my kitchen silverware drawers, I didn't have enough of it to complete the pantry job and I haven't gotten around to ordering more.

But that doesn't stop a girl from dreaming.

If anything, my delayed response and lack of supplies has given my storage dreams time to grow.

Instead of just lining the old shelves with new sticky paper, I now envision something grander. A space with wallpaper and coordinating shelf paper and a light.

I'd like a better organized area too. One with canisters. Lots of canisters since we've recently become big bakers around here.

Glass ones are on the list, so I can see inside, and I was so sure I was getting them, that when I saw a set of black vinyl labels (I don't have a fancy machine to make my own) I snapped them up.

Black Vinyl Canister Labels

Ironically, the labels showed up before the canisters. I grabbed my beautiful labels from this gal. 

Spoiler alert...well priced, truly functional, stylish glass canisters are not so easy to find. Most have no seals or are ridiculously expensive, so I'm still on the hunt.

Anyway, when the labels showed up, I wanted to use them, so I decided to DIY a canister of my own.

Pirouette Metal Cookie Tin

I'd been hanging on to a metal Pirouette cookie tin and knew it would be perfect.

It was food safe, like my egg holder and charcuterie board, the right size and free.

It doesn't get much better than that.

The outside needed a makeover, but I solved that with a quick coat of spray paint. The paint was only on the outside of the container, so it was ok to use.

Painted Cookie Tin

Once the paint was dry and the smell had dissipated, it was time to add my label. The directions came along with my labels, so I didn't have to figure anything out on my own.

Keep in mind that I'm going to use my canister in the kitchen, but you could grab or make labels that say anything...for the baby's room or the sewing room or the craft room. 

The ideas for positively endless...the garage, the workroom, the laundry room, the office. You get my drift.

Custom labels in your choice of fonts and sizes are also available on Etsy.

Scrape Label With Credit Card

First, I placed my label face down on the table and scraped the back of it with a credit card.

I gave it a few long, even strokes and pressed down relatively hard.

Brown Sugar Label

Next, I peeled the white backing away from the vinyl letters and I placed it on the canister. I was careful to make sure my label was centered and straight.

Then I pressed the label down firmly with my fingers and finally went over it on the tin with the credit card.

The letters are raised, so I was a little more careful with my card this time. I didn't want to damage them in any way due to a rough scrape.

Using A  Credit Card To Smooth Vinyl Label

When I was sure all the bubbles were gone and the letters were on securely and smooth, I peeled the top piece of clear paper off.
Brown Sugar Label Application
In just a few quick minutes and I had a lovely, labeled canister ready for my bag of brown sugar to be plopped inside.

{Check out my other pantry solutions.}
Brown Sugar Cookie Tin Upcycle
My pantry is still in despicable shape, so for now, I'm keeping my lovely cookie tin upcycle out on the plate rack shelf for all to adore.
Upcycled Cookie Tin with Brown Sugar Label on display
And by all, I mean mostly me.

Perhaps that sweet view will encourage me to order more paper and search for those glass canisters.

Or maybe it will inspire me to buy more cookies and make more of my own.

Cookies and canisters.

That's storage and snacks...hmmm?

Metal Tin Cookie Upcycle

What would you do?
Kim Signature


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  1. I like this can makeover Kim. The labels are nice and this is such an economical way to save money. Thanks for sharing this idea.

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    1. Thanks Julie! It really was a super easy DIY and it’s motivated to get moving with the pantry makeover. It’s a mess!

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  2. Another great idea! Thank you Kim! I am pinning!

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    1. Thanks Carla!! This one made me smile, because, well, cookies!!

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  3. Well it's cute and obviously you have WAY more energy than I do because I couldn't motivate myself that far. But I will say, which is neither here no there of course, that I love those cookies!
    Brenda

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    1. Brenda, I'm with you...emptying the tin was the best part of this DIY. 😉

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  4. What a great relove of the canister. Love those cookies by the way!!! Looks pretty cute for your brown sugar canister.

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    1. Thanks Kris!! I’m glad you like and those cookies. They’re finger licking good…

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  5. Hi Kim. I like it!. How good did it feel when you pulled off that paper and saw the printing on the can? I know you can never be sure it will happen the right way. What I really noticed though was our fabulous little farm plate peeking out from beside the can. I found just the right place for mine too...great minds!! Stay well..xxoJudy

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    1. Hi Judy! I was super happy with the way it turned out. I’ve worked with these labels before and they’re so much easier than stenciling that’s for sure. Haha!! And since they have a clear front I can see the position. Love that!!

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  6. Kim! This is so cute! I would never have thought to use a cookie tin this way. It's amazing what paint does, and the label adds so much.

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    1. Paint really is amazing, isn't it? I agree about the labels, too, they really make it!

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  7. That turned out great. Hope you find your glass containers soon!

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    1. Thanks Penny…I’m still on the hunt for affordable ones with rubber seals. Seems so simple, but…

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  8. Clever idea! I have glass jars but am wanting to get jars that have a bigger opening. I know what I want, I just have to order them. I'll have to think of labels that I want. My SIL in AZ has a Cricut machine. Maybe I can pay her to make me some labels!

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    1. Ah, that magic Cricut machine. I often think about splurging, but I just don't have to room to keep something like that around here, especially when I'd probably only use it occasionally. It would be nice to have access to one though!

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  9. This is a great up-cycle. I like the font you used for the label!

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    1. Thanks! I bought them like that...so easy to find what you wan on the internet!

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  10. I'm all over recycled food container ideas that are put to a good use. What a great upcycled cookie canister idea, Kim, and it looks wonderful! I'd love to have a set of these on display in my kitchen.

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    1. Thanks, Marie! I'm thinking I may need more, too...which means more cookies. Yay!

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  11. Love how the canister turned out. Makes me happy when I can save money by recycling something into something useful.

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    1. I agree! I hated to toss that canister. This was a win-win solution!

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  12. For some strange reason I decided to make the kitchen at our holiday home black and white with lime green accents and you wont believe how many variations of lime green there are. Your idea is going to work so well to make some cannisters for our coffee and tea. Rusto-Leum has the perfect lime color I can use, plus I have a whole bunch of empty tins just waiting for a makeover. Thanks Kim.

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    1. Your colors sound great...fun and vibrant, just the way a holiday house should be! Custom canisters would be a great addition and it sounds like you're ready to go!

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  13. Kim,
    What a great make over....Now I will be thinking about painting tin canisters.....Thanks for the inspiration and thanks so much for your visits and for your very kind words!! I hope you had a lovely Easter!! Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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    1. Thank you!! And thanks for the visit, Debbie!! Enjoy the week!

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  14. What a great upcycle! I love it! The canister looks very vintage. Hugs.

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    1. Thanks Nancy! I love the way it turned out...and that's great since I can eat more cookies in my quest to make more!

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