Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy wednesdays: covered paint can

we’ve spent the last few days in chicago visiting friends and seeing the sights. (we also caught the renegade craft fair on sunday- you can check out some pictures on our flickr page right here. we wanted to make sure to leave our generous hosts a nice thank you gift, but without our usual arsenal of craft supplies on hand, we had to make do with some simple ingredients rounded up from the neighborhood. we came up with this decorative coffee tin, made from an empty one-quart paint can from the hardware store, some delightful paper and ribbon from a local shop called anjenu and some fancy and delicious coffee beans from chicago’s famous roaster intelligentsia. once our hosts have used up all the beans, they can reuse the can as a pencil caddy or flower pot. click here for the full post and instructions or just click “read more” below.

yay for chicago!
derek & lauren

here’s what you’ll need:
-1 quart paint can
-decorative paper
-colored ribbon
-double-sided tape
-scissors

1. measure and cut your paper to fit around the paint can with a 1/2″ overlap.

2. use one strip of double-stick tape to adhere the paper to the can, and a second strip to stick down the overlap.

3. cut a length of ribbon that is 1/2″ longer than the circumference of the can, and attach with double-stick tape.
4. cut a circle of paper and tape to the lid of the can.
5. fill it up with fun treats!

hmm this makes me wonder if it’s ok to put edibles in a paint can - will paint remnants/ fumes transfer to food? as an alternative, i believe you can buy empty, unused cans at craft stores. and susy jack makes some pretty cool mini cans, already decorated and food-safe: http://www.susyjack.bigcartel.com/

I believe that the original post states “empty” paint can from hardware store. Most hardware and paint stores do sell empty, unused, new paint cans. I wouldn’t be at all worried about using them for storing or gifting dry foods.

Love this! What a great idea. We have a paint manufacturer in town. I can pick up tons of paint cans for super thrifty!
I’ve made cans with homemade lavender laundry soap, but this a good holiday gifting idea with coffee.
Thanks…

it’s really darling and i might try it out sometime, but it’s funny to me that it’s causing such a stir! seems like your basic girl scouts/2nd grade project (which doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea).

This is a great idea! I am going to make one for my bathroom to store my hair brushes and a smaller one for my makeup brushes! If you try to make one for your makeup brushes fill the can with rice if you are using a wide mouthed can. :) Thank you!

You may have answered thiss question already..I couldn’t read through all of them…but, when you use it and you want to close it, do you have to hammer like a normal paint can? I can’t see that as being very good at opening and closing..what are you suggestions?

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