Cookie tin garlands

Amy of Maker Mama whipped up another awesome up-cycled craft for us this month. (Remember her needle and thread Halloween costume out of lampshades?) I love that she found a clever way to turn cookie tins into something new. These metallic cookie tin garlands are going to look awesome on her Christmas tree all lit up! 

Cookie tins are one of my favorite thrift store finds–they’re plentiful, cheap, and perfect for stashing odds and ends. But just like anything, I only have so much need (and room), so I began brainstorming ways to use them in my crafting instead. After a little research, I learned that metal tins are actually really easy to work with and came up with this simple cookie tin garland. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Gloves and goggles (safety first!)
• Cutting tools: can opener, craft scissors and tin snips (you can find them at your local hardware store)
• Permanent marker
• Metal file
• Hammer and nail
• Tack hammer
• Block of scrap wood
• Twine for hanging garland (not shown)

The easiest way to start cutting is to take your can opener to the bottom lip of your tin. Use it like you would on a can of beans and you’ll have a perfect circle to start working with.

Trace your stars and circles, cut out carefully with your scissors (and your gloves on). Carefully file the edges of each piece from both sides. Hammer holes on either side with your large hammer and nail (be sure to put your scrap wood underneath the tin), and tap out the rough edge on your holes with a tack hammer. If you want to cut out the side or top of your tin–where most of the colors and patterns are printed–use your tin snips to cut past thicker edges and continue cutting with your regular scissors. Another great tip is to use a rolling pin to flatten out the sides before you begin cutting your shapes out.

String them evenly along your twine and you’re ready to hang some garland!

I can’t wait to see how mine will twinkle with the lights on our Christmas tree. Where would you hang yours? Want some more tin cutting tips? Tinplate Girl has some awesome how-to videos!