How to Decorate Clear Paint Cans

Question

If you need creative storage solutions to use in your craft room or to give as gifts for friends, teachers and family members, decorate clear paint cans to tailor the look to the room, contents or recipient. Use simple techniques and basic craft supplies like decorative paper, ribbon and stickers to turn the inexpensive paint cans into eye-catching and functional room accessories. The embellished containers can hold items ranging from pens and embellishments to nostalgic trinkets and snack treats.

Answer 1

1
    Buy a clear, five-inch-tall paint can at a craft or scrapbooking store. Determine whether you'll use the decorated can in a specific room, as seasonal decor or as a gift.

    2
    Choose 12-by-12-inch pieces of cardstock or decorative paper that coordinate with the purpose of the decorated paint can. If you're creating a container to hold Christmas cookies for a teacher, for example, select red cardstock or paper featuring snowflakes, candy canes or school-related icons like apples, pencils or the alphabet.

    3
    Use a ruler to measure two 5-by-12-inch strips of cardstock or patterned paper. Cut the pieces out with scissors or a paper trimmer and affix them around the center of the can with spray adhesive, allowing the ends of the strips to overlap.

    4
    Embellish the paint can with accents like a row of paper flowers, foam shapes or a large die cut affixed in the center of the paper strip with adhesive dots. Create a sticker scene with an assortment of themed designs for form shapes like hearts or stars with self-adhesive gems. You can also affix horizontal 4-by-6-inch photos to the paper strip with spray adhesive.

    5
    Decorate the lid of the paint can unless you're leaving the container open to hold tall items like pencils or markers. Use a pencil to trace the lid onto cardstock or paper that coordinates with the design you used on the side of the can. Cut the circle out with scissors and affix it to the top of the can with spray adhesive.

    6
    Adorn the handle of the paint can by tying an assortment of five-inch-long pieces of ribbon on the handle, either on each end or along the entire length. Use ribbon in different colors, widths and patterns for a shabby chic look.