Metal Cookie Tin Canister DIY

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?


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.

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.

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.


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.


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.


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.


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.
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.}
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.
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?


What would you do?