Turn a basic holiday cookie tin into a luxury mirrored keepsake box with this easy budget-friendly hack.
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You know that one corner in the kitchen where empty holiday cookie tins go to die?! Usually, they just sit there taking up space, but I look at that metal box and see the perfect canvas for something really beautiful. Today, I’m taking one of my gifted tins and giving it a total glam makeover. By the time we’re finished with the glitter paper and mirrors, no one will ever guess this started as a container for butter cookies. It’s the perfect way to get that high-end boutique look on your vanity for basically pennies!
📺 WATCH: See the tin transformation here.
Materials
Browse my curated list of Favorite Craft Supplies, Tools & Embellishments.
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Empty Square Cookie Tin
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Hexagon or Square Mirror (Smaller than the lid)
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Silver Glitter Contact Paper
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Mini Mirror Tiles (Self-adhesive)
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Silver Bangle (For the lid accent)
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Silver Beaded Necklace
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Jeweled and Pearl Border Stickers
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Silver Diamond Wrap & Rhinestone Ribbon
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Silver & White Acrylic Paint
Tools
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High-Temperature Hot Glue Gun & glue sticks
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Fix-All Adhesive
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Clear Tacky Glue
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X-Acto Knife
💡 Sandy’s Crafting Tips & Hacks
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The Fit Check: Glitter contact paper can be surprisingly thick! If you wrap it all the way to the top of the tin, your lid might not close. My trick is to trim the paper back from the top edge and paint that small exposed strip white or silver so the lid slides on perfectly.
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Bubble-Free Finish: When applying contact paper to flat metal, use the flat part of your hand to smooth it from the center outward. If you end up with excess at the bottom, an X-Acto knife is much better than scissors for getting a perfectly flush, professional trim.
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The Glue Sandwich: For the mirror on the lid, I always use a mix of Fix-All and hot glue. The hot glue holds it in place instantly so you can keep crafting, while the Fix-All creates that permanent bond that ensures your mirror never budges.
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Diamond Wrap Adjustments: When working with diamond wrap on corners, use clear tacky glue instead of hot glue. It gives you a few extra minutes to slide the material into the exact right spot before it sets.
Instructions
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Wrap the Body: Apply silver glitter contact paper to the outside of the tin. Smooth out air bubbles as you go and use an X-Acto knife to trim any excess from the bottom edge.
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Top Edge Prep: Trim the contact paper about a half-inch down from the top rim. Paint this exposed metal strip white to ensure the lid fits loosely and smoothly.
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Create a Border: Peel and stick two rows of mini mirror tiles around the bottom edge of the tin to create a reflective base border.
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Add Body Detail: Apply jeweled and pearl border stickers horizontally across the center of the tin for added texture.
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Refinish the Lid: Paint the top of the lid with silver metallic glitter paint. You don’t need to cover the center perfectly since the mirror will hide it.
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Edge the Lid: Hot glue rhinestone ribbon around the vertical sides of the lid. Add silver diamond wrap to the top corners using clear tacky glue.
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Frame the Lid: Adhere a string of silver beaded necklace around the top perimeter of the lid to create a finished “frame” look.
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Mount the Mirror: Remove the mirror from its frame. Apply Fix-All and hot glue to the back and center it onto the lid.
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Center Accent: Hot glue a round silver bangle to the middle of the mirror for a unique, 3D design element.
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Final Shine: Once everything is dry, use glass cleaner to wipe away any fingerprints or glue marks from the mirror.
Related Content & Resources
▶️ Watch Next: More DIY Storage & Organization Ideas Using Tin Containers
▶️ Browse the Collection: See all my DIY Storage Solutions
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Disclaimer: I’m not a professional. All my DIY’s are for entertainment purposes.
