Hey wait this isn't a rockin' accessory project? Ok I admit am a little behind on that project, but its the holidays so you know how that goes! In the meantime I have a fun and useful recycling decoupage project to share with you. Do you receive tins of popcorn for gifts during the holidays? If so turn the leftover tins into leopard (or any print for that matter) storage containers using Mod Podge and decorative paper hand towels. As an option you can use chalkboard paint on the lids for labeling. I was motivated to make these after I saw similar ones in a catalog for over $35+. If you have made the Vera Bradley inspired pumpkins, or Battery Operated Candles you may already have the napkins on hand. If not they are easy to find at upscale home decorating stores or at www.casparionline.com
For This Project You Will Need:
Smooth Finish Tins (make sure they don't have a raised design). The larger one was from Walmart.
Decorative Paper Guest Towels: The leopard print napkins are by Caspari www.casparionline.com they have many great napkins. Use any print you love! You can also find them at high end home decorating stores. You only need 2-3 napkins per tin so you will have plenty leftover for your spare bathroom.
Mod Podge
White Spray Paint
Chalk Paint (optional) or Spray Paint to Paint your Lid if it is not a color you like
Scissors
Foam Brush or Paint Brush
Scissors
Foam Brush or Paint Brush
Spray paint your tin white so no pattern shows through the decoupage. Optional: apply painters tape to the upper rim the lid goes onto so that stays metal.
Spray paint your lid with chalk board paint (optional). Or spray paint your lid any color you like. Many lids are already black and may not need painting.
Cover the inside of your tin so no spray paint gets on the inside
Trim the perforated border off of your paper napkin. You will be left with a rectangle.
Remove the inner white tissue lining.
Prepare a portion of your tin with a layer of Mod Podge.
Decide which direction you'd like your print to go. If you go vertically on the large you will need 3 napkins. Horizontally on the medium tin uses 2 napikns. If you want a set of canisters make sure you put the print in the same direction on each tin.
Do Not Mod Podge The Top Ring around the Tin where the lid goes onto. I did this by accident and it will make the lid fit too snugly.
Line up the tissue to just over the edge where the lid line is. You want the lid to cover the paper, but again you do not want to put the paper to the very top of the tin or the lid will be very snug. Also line up to where the seam of the tin is as a starting point.
Wrinkles are an issue we all struggle with doing Mod Podge. I like to pull the tissue in one direction slightly, and then the other direction. I find it is better to let the Mod Podge dry a little before smoothing out remaining wrinkles with the base of your palm. If you do it when it is very wet the tissue will rip. While it will never be perfectly smooth (nature of decoupage) I find it is less noticeable in a busy print like leopard, and definitely less after finishing with sealer.
Here are some articles on wrinkles:
When you need to join a seam try cutting your next tissue to match the pattern repeat. Try to have little, or no overlap, butting the two tissues together.
Apply a layer of Mod Podge over the seam.
Trim the excess off of the bottom of the tin when the paper is dry.
Apply a little Mod Podge around the bottom rim and push any excess edge under.
When dry apply a layer or two of Mod Podge to the tin base, or spray with a clear acrylic sealer (not the lid). Do not spray the upper rim where the lid goes
(I did first time by accident). If you get some paper or spray on the upper lid rim and it dries use coarse sandpaper to remove.
XOX,
The Rebel Crafter
My Husband's before and after Nerium photo at 6 days. Click on the photo if you want to check out my Nerium page. It is a great product with a money back guarantee. Use it for the month and return it on day 29 if you don't love it. But if you are like all my friends you will love it!
