Children often have small treasures they like to collect, and empty candy tins, or any tins for that matter, are a perfect place to store them. Spending some time decorating the inside is a great way to personalize them and make them special.
Materials
- tins
- printed images, drawings or decorative paper
- scissors
- Mod Podge
- flat paint brush
- container with water
- acrylic sealer (optional)
Instructions
1. Small candy tins are easy to find. A trip to the corner store or candy shop will turn up an assortment of inexpensive ones to choose from. The next step is to think about what’s going to be stored inside. That way, the images or drawings being used can have some connection to these objects. For example, we decided to store teeth in one tin, and chose vintage images of a fairy (presumed to be the tooth fairy) and toothbrushes. In another one, we chose a nature theme with images of the sun and the moon to store things from the garden. Finally, we made an all purpose one for any other treasures that need safe keeping.
2. For the inside, you can use drawings children have made, decorative paper, or things printed from the internet. If you’re interested in vintage images like the ones we used, there’s a wonderful collection of free printables available at The Graphics Fairy. After printing the images, cut them out and check to see how they fit inside the lids and bases of the tins. You may have to print several of them until you get the right size.
Before Mod Podge
3. Once images have been cut, you’ll need to attach them to the inside of the tin. I used Mod Podge Matte, but there are other finishes to choose from if you prefer. I also recommend having a look at the Mod Podge Rocks blog, which has tons of helpful information.
Moisten a flat brush (mine was 3/4 inch) in some water, and use it to apply Mod Podge to the back of the image. Place it in the tin and press down using a cloth, making sure there are no creases or bubbles. It’s important to wait the recommended 20 minutes before applying Mod Podge to the front of the image, otherwise unwelcome creases can appear. Apply a medium coat of Mod Podge on the surface of the image to seal it and make it more durable. Mod Podge can become tacky, and if this is the case, you can spray it with an acrylic sealer. This didn’t happen to us, so we skipped this step. Once the tins are dry, they can be filled with treasures.
ArtClubBlog 
These are just darling! I love all of the images you have used on your tins. All the years I’ve been Mod Podgeing I never knew the 20 min rule…or maybe I did and just ignored it because I’m impatient. Thanks for sharing your beautiful tins and for the lesson in patience and podge 🙂
Thanks so much for your comment Amy. It’s the first time I’ve used it, so I had a look at the Mod Podge Rocks website to get some tips. Otherwise I wouldn’t have bothered waiting either!
So Cute! My girls love collecting tiny things and putting them into tiny containers so this would be perfect for them. Now I just have to find the containers.
That’s great! Hope your girls enjoy making them 🙂
I love your ideas, they really bring me back to my childhood and my kids love them, too! Thank you for linking up!
It’s great to have the opportunity to share these ideas at parties like yours. Thanks for hosting!
I love two things: the adorable tins and the images from the Graphics Fairy (don’t know what I would do without her!). I collect Fossil watch tins from the thrift shops to decorate and use as storage. Another thing: Bacon Gumballs! Came over from Blogstalker.
Distressed Donna Down Home
Thanks for visiting Donna. The Bacon Gumballs didn’t go over well. They were truly disgusting, but the tin is priceless!
Never mind for the kids collections – I want to do this for myself!
Cool! I hope you do 🙂
Adorable tins! I love the idea too. I’m currently creating with tins – just not ones with lids. I’ll have to try this next!
Discovered you via Fireflies & Jellybeans Wednesday link up 🙂 and I’m now a new follower
Thanks Cynthia! Looking forward to seeing what you’re up to. Thanks for dropping by.
I love this idea! I have never tried Mod Podge before, but I think it’s time to try 🙂
http://mysticmandy.blogspot.com
I felt the same way. Seems the whole world has tried it!
Sooo SWEET!! I have to make some for Gabrielle.. she’ll love them!
Thanks for sharing at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Oh my gosh I love this idea! It’s so simple too. Now I know what to do with all those little tins I keep and don’t know what to do with. A good project for kids for sure! Please link this post up with me at Wow Us Wednesday, ok?
Thanks Connie, I’m so glad you like the idea. Looking forward to linking up!
What a cute idea!
Thanks Alana 🙂
Thanks for linking up at A Crafty Soiree! I’ve featured your project in the latest one, up at midnight tonight 🙂 Please check it out when you get a chance!
You made my top 3 at the Weekly Kid’s Co-op. Love this idea. Thanks for sharing. You can check out my post with your link at http://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com
Cool! Thanks so much Jamie. On my way to visit your blog…
Love this! Perfect way to keep all my jewelry findings organized! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Candice!
Okay you have inspired me I will collect them and decorate them for my 2 grand girls.