One of the many things I love to do at Christmas is to make some gorgeous sweet treats such as fudge and biscotti to give as gifts. I’m a real sucker for great packaging and I even like the things I make to be packaged nicely. That’s when I came up with the idea of using upcycled tins for this years Christmas sweet treats.
Over the year, I have amassed quite a collection of ugly tins, from coffee tins to danish biscuit tins. I love the popular faux marble effect in home decor and decided to recreate this with my upcycled tins.
The finished faux marble effect is amazing considering how simple it is to create. My upcycled tins are like a gift in themselves. I will be using them for other things, and not just as posh-looking cookie tins.
This is a very affordable craft, which gives a second life to all your old tins. I got this idea when made a marbled tin can base for my illuminated pine cone Christmas tree.
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What you need to upcycle tins
- Old tins, such as coffee, cookie, and sweet tins. All shapes and sizes work well.
- White/cream spray paint.
- Nail polish (not fast drying). I used red nail polish.
- Large plastic container.
DIY Marble Christmas Upcycled Tins
1.. Firstly, remove any stickers or labels from the tins. Normally a good soak in hot soapy water should make the labels easy to remove. You can also buy a product called sticky stuff remover that helps remove stubborn extra sticky labels.
2. Secondly, spray paint your tins and lids. I used a creamy/white spray paint and applied 2 coats.
3. Next, to prepare for marbling the upcycled tin cans, fill the large plastic container with warm water. Then, pour the nail polish over the surface, you may want to use a cocktail stick to spread it out a bit.
4. This bit is the fun bit, pick up your tin can, and then gently roll it over the surface of the water. The varnish should cling to the surface of the tin can as you go, leaving a lovely marbled pattern.
4. Next, add more nail varnish to the water and repeat with the tin lid. If you want to protect the marble upcycled tins then I recommend a final stage of spraying a protective acrylic varnish to the outside of the tins.
It is that easy! If you’re looking for some lovely homemade cookies to put in the tin you should try these iced oatmeal ones from Sugarbannas.
You can experiment with different colours of nail polish and maybe add more than one colour at a time. I do find though that a white or cream background gives the most dramatic effect.
I love to upcycle tins into something much more lovely. You might want to check out some of my other tin can upcycles. I’ve made another set of fun upcycled empty tin can storage, by using old maps and leather, they do look pretty stylish.
One of my favoutire ways to repurpose old tin cans is into a tin can planter, like these jean planters and crushed gold planters.
Even the smallest of tin cans can be upcycled into something fun and beautiful. I have made both a wonderful, sardine tin can ornament, and tuna can butterfly ornaments.
Linda Duensing
I lovd thisproject, but I am concerned about the paint because
there is usually a smell. Should I be concerned.
Linda
Claire Armstrong
Nail varnish does smell so I do it outside. But once it’s fully dried the smell goes away.
Leanna
These are going to be great little gift holders,especially in the bright pink colour you chose. Your always so creative and your projects are fun.
Claire Armstrong
Ahh, that’s very kind of you to say so, thank you!
Amber Harrop
You make such pretty planted Claire and as a gardener I love them
Claire Armstrong
Thank you!
Anne Marie
You’re clever girl! I love this DIY. So simple, yet, so satisfying. It’s definitely on my to do list 🙂 #HomeEtc
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much, it is really simple to do.
Julie
What a fab idea , I love this technique so I can imagine how much fun this would be.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, it was fun.
Caro | The Twinkle Diaries
SO fabulous!!! I love the effect of the nail polish marbling and with amazing brands like Essie — and all their fabulous colours — the possibilities are endless! Thanks so much for sharing Claire. Much appreciated, Caro xx #HomeEtc
Claire Armstrong
Thanks, Caro! So many possibilities and so many colours to choose from.
Kimberley | Oh Just My Little Blog
Oh wow these look so effective, you’d never know they started off as ugly old tins x #HomeEtc
Claire Armstrong
Thank you ?
Mother of 3
I have always wanted to try nail polish marbling; this is such a great upcycle and would be perfect for gifting off edible treats at Christmas time. I co-host an arts and crafts linky and we’d love to have you link up with us: http://www.ourunschoolingjourney.com/2017/11/virtual-refrigerator-rubber-stamp-and.html. Pinned!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and thanks for the invite.
Mother of 3
Thanks for linking up with us!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you for hosting.
Christina Makri
I made a clear acrylic tray sometime ago this way! The colors are perfect!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Christina.
creativejewishmom/sara
love it Claire! I have also been crafting with nail polish with some cute results that would be a great match for these tins, stay tuned, and thanks for sharing on craft schooling sunday!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Sara. Look forward to seeing your marble crafts.
Cynthia Chilson Finger
Your tins are beautiful! I’ve used this technique on glass, but not sure why I never thought to use it on tin?! And wouldn’t you know I just got rid of my stash. Love your idea of using them for handing out treats. The recipient is more likely to reuse them because they’re not as specific as a Christmas tin. Take care.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Cynthia. Yes they make lovely tins for all year round, I’ve actually commissioned one as our new biscuit tin.
Julia - Vintage with Laces
The tins are beautiful, Claire! I think I have to do some marbling soon. Thank you for the inspiration!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, it is an easy and kind of addictive craft.
Ivory
OMG, I don’t know how you came up with this creative idea, but it’s gorgeous, and I love it. Gotta try making this.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you and good luck with it.
Sarah
I love these tins, what a great way to gift treats for the holidays. I am a big fan of marbling too and have marbled so many items, but tins are new to me. I am going to have to try this. Thanks for the inspiration.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Sarah. I can’t wait to fill them with gifts.