DIY: Pet Food Storage Containers + Labels
Do you have pets? I have a dog and two cats. I like to keep their pet food organized as much as I can and am always drawn to the pet food storage containers that they sell in high end organizing and decor catalogs, but don’t like the price tag.
With some thought, I figured out a way to make my own version of CAT and DOG food containers using popcorn tins that you can buy at Costco or at yard sales.
If you have Silhouette or Cricut vinyl cutting machine then you can make vinyl cutouts to look exactly like the cans they sell at Ballard Designs.
Most readers do not have a vinyl cutting machines, so I made my labels on my computer and have two free printables for you to download so you can make your own.
How to Make Pet Food Storage Containers Using Metal Popcorn Tins
I could have painted the tins I found at a thrift store, but they had a few dents, so I decided to cover them with paper.
supplies needed:
- Large tin can
- Decorative Paper – kraft paper, gift wrap or wallpaper – I found my gift wrap at Walmart
- Spray Adhesive
- Straight edge
- Kraft knife or scissors
- Black spray paint
- Self laminating sheets or Clear contact paper to seal paper label
- Free printable cat and dog labels – download below
- 2 brass fasteners
Free printable DOG and CAT food labels:
How to Make the Cat & Dog Labels
1. Print out Dog/Cat labels (link above)
2. Trim around design of the label as shown in the above photo. The two dots on the design are where the brass fasteners will go.
Optional: To Add a Patterned Border Around the Labels: Center the label on a piece of gift wrap and cut the gift wrap about a 1/2-inch larger all around than your cut-out label.
3. To be able to wipe your labels clean when they get dirty, laminate them using a self-sealing, no laminator needed, laminating sheet. You can buy these at Walmart.
As an optional way to seal the labels is to sandwich the cut-out label between a front and back piece of clear contact paper. Leave about 1/4- inch of contact paper all around the label.
Paint or Cover Cans With Kraft Paper or Gift Wrap
1. Spray paint the container tin lid using gloss black. Set aside.
2. Measure your can height and circumference and cut your paper slightly larger than those measurements. You can cut away the excess later. I used a straight edge to make sure my cuts where straight.
3. Don’t cover the top section of the can where the lid will cover it. Apply spray adhesive to the can, let it get tacky and cover the can. Smooth paper with your hands as you cover the can.
4. To Keep Cans Clean – Cover the paper with clear contact paper. If you have excess paper around the bottom of the can once it is covered – use a kraft knife to remove it by cutting around the bottom rim. This will give you the perfect straight line along the bottom.
8. The paper is low enough not to get in the way of the lid going on easily.
9. Use an awl to make a hole where you want to place the label. Repeat on the other side of the label.
Helpful Tip:
When punching the holes in the can, hold one gloved hand inside the can to push against your other hand that is making the hole on the outside. If you do it this way – you provide some resistance and the can won’t bend.
10. Place the label on can and then attach it by pushing a brass fastener through each hole.
11. Push the brass fastener all the way in to the inside of the can.
112. Spread the ends of the brass fastener to secure.
DIY Pet Food Storage Containers
Now the beat up cans are just as pretty as the food container tins the high end catalogs sell, plus they can be wiped clean. Here is where I found the big white scoop.
Looking for more FREE PRINTABLES? Head on over to the Printable Gallery where you will find dozens of labels to help you label and store all kinds of things around your home. And don’t miss these Decorating Printables.
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