Sweet containers

Hands-on time: 1 hour.
Total time: Add 2 hours of drying time for the spray enamel paint
Skill: Easy.
Cost estimate: Less than $5 dollars per container (perhaps even less if you use recycled materials you already have around the house).

Materials & Tools

• Tin can container (recycle an old candy or cookie tin box or get one at a dollar store)
• Spray enamel paint, in your choice of colour (I used black to create an oriental look)
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Decorative handmade paper or rice paper in assorted patterns and colours
• Scissors
• Double-stick tape (by Scotch 3M)
• Hole punch
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Knob (handle) with screw (I used an old kitchen cupboard knob)
• Decorative ribbon or raffia in your choice of colour

Transform a plain candy or cookie tin container into a gorgeous presentation for sweet treats, perfect to store those Halloween candies and make them last just a little longer. Dressing up a recycled or inexpensive container can also make an easy and elegant holiday gift presentation in just minutes using materials you probably have around the house.

Start with a clean and grease-free candy or cookie tin container (clean and wipe dry if needed). Remove the lid from the container and spray both items with enamel in a well-ventilated area, and let dry for two to three hours (read the directions of the brand you are using).

Once the enamel paint is dry, measure the lid from the inside, find the center point and mark it with a pencil or marker. Use a hole punch and hammer and tap on the center mark to make a hole in the size you need. Use a screwdriver to attach the decorative handle to the lid (you may need to use a shorter screw size than the one that came with the handle).

Measure the circumference of the container and cut two to three bands of assorted decorative paper making each band a different width. Trim along the lengths of each paper band using your finger to tear the paper gently to give the edges a natural look.

First, apply the widest band around the container and secure it on with double-stick tape. Repeat with remaining bands centering each band over the previous one. Cut a decorative ribbon, enough to go around the container three times. Apply one end of ribbon at the center with double-stick tape leaving about 2.5 cm at the side free going in a diagonal direction, wrap the remaining ribbon around the container and secure the end again leaving 2.5 cm loose to go in the opposite direction of the top ribbon end.

As a final touch, adorn the container with a gold leaf trim to embellish it. I used a gold leaf which I trimmed from a handmade decorative paper. I also used an oriental symbol from another decorative paper which I placed at the center of the leaf for extra panache. There you have it - an elegant container to store candies to holiday sweets and treats.

Tips

• Hot glue gun and Mod-Podge can be used if desired for this project. I used double-stick tape in order be able to change the paper.
• Using varnish is optional, however exterior varnish is recommended if you plan on using the containers as exterior decoration.

Variations

• Tin cans of any type and size can be transformed into great holiday decorations such as luminaries with holiday motifs for the porch. Tin containers are perfect to fill with cookies, sugar, spices, nuts, etc. or to put gifts inside them, and make the now-fancy container part of the gift.
• Using textured wallpaper and painted or antiqued can create an old-world Christmas feel.
• Make some containers ahead of time for last minute wrap presentation. It's never too early to plan ahead because there is always so much to do for the holidays.
• Containers in assorted sizes make super mantel décor accents as long as you stick with a theme or coordinating colours for the ensemble.
• Use your creativity to decorate mason jars and wine bottles too.