Decoupaged Tin Can Storage Tutorial

You'll love this fun decoupaged tin can storage project. It's a great way to recycle and upcycle cans into beautiful useful storage containers.

Decoupage is such a fun craft. According to Wikipedia "Decoupage  is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it in combination with special paint effects and decorative elements." 

There are so many beautiful paper napkins on the market that can turn cans from the recycling bin into gorgeous storage containers for minimal time and money and that's what I'm sharing here today.

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What You'll Need

• Smooth Edge Can Opener
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Sponge brush
• Nail File
• Empty Tin Cans 16 oz
• White Spray Paint
• Mod Podge
• Patterned Paper Napkins
• Drawer knobs

How to Upcycle Tin Cans into Storage Bins

Step 1 - Prep Tin Cans

Remove the lids with a smooth edge can opener. Then paint the inside and out of the cans and lids white. You can use spray paint or brush on craft paint for this step.

My knobs were basic wooden knobs leftover from my IKEA Dresser Makeover so I spray painted them black. You may also have a few lying around but if you don't you can find drawer pulls and knobs online, at craft stores, or hardware stores.

Step 2 - Prepare Napkins for Decoupage

Choose your paper napkin and pull off the backing so that you have a nice sheer piece with the print on it.

Step 3 - Add Napkin to Can

Coat the sides of the can with a thin layer of Mod Podge and then carefully set the napkin in place. Allow the napkin to slightly overlap the edge where it meets the beginning.

Step 4 - Trim Excess Napkin Paper

Trim the excess paper napkin to about 1/4 of an inch on the top and bottom. Let the glue dry for several minutes.

In the meantime add more of the same paper napkin with Mod Podge to the top of the can lid. Trim with scissors again leaving 1/4 inch excess.

Step 5 - File Edges

Use an emery board to file off the excess napkin on the lid and the can.

The nail file leaves a nice finished edge.

Repeat the process with the other cans and lids.

At this point, you can also add a top layer of Mod Podge or spray polyurethane for extra protection.

Step 6 - Add Knobs

Finish the container by hot gluing the knob onto the center of the lids.

I'm using the cans to hold cotton balls, swabs, and pads in my guest bathroom. However, they would look great in a home office or anywhere you want a little pretty storage.

I think these recycled tin cans look fantastic on the shelf in our guest bath. So easy and oh so pretty.