Plain square metal tins with clear plastic windows have tremendous potential for DIY craft projects. With just a little imagination and some simple supplies, you can transform humble window tins into stunning decorative objects. Here are clever ways to repurpose square window tins into one-of-a-kind crafts that make excellent home decor.

Obtaining Square Window Tins

You can find inexpensive new and used window tins at:

• Dollar stores

• Thrift shops and garage sales

• Online auction sites

• Wholesale packaging suppliers

• Restaurant food storage discards

Look for a variety of tin sizes from just a couple inches wide up to 12 inches. Both square and rectangular shapes work well.

Cleaning and Preparing Tins

Before crafting, clean tins by:

• Taking apart lids and bases
• Washing with mild soap and water
• Drying fully
• Sanding or filing rough edges
• Spray painting if desired

Proper cleaning and smoothing creates the perfect surface for crafting.

Creative Crafts with Square Window Tins

Fun craft ideas include:

• Jewelry organizer - Cover with fabric and insert hooks
• Tealight luminary - Punch patterned holes for light
• Hanging planter - Use for air plants or mini herbs
• Pen holder - Line up on desk
• Wrapping paper dispenser - Feed end through slit

With just a few basic craft supplies, you can transform window tins into handy home items.

Window Tin Crafting Supplies

Helpful supplies include:

• Spray paints
• Decorative paper and fabric
• Glue gun or strong adhesives
• Drill and hole punches
• Stencils and paint pens
• Knobs, hooks, magnets
• Artificial plants

Gather a variety of crafting tools to unleash your creativity on the tins!

Spray Painting Window Tins

Spray paint allows easily changing tin color:

• Separate lid and base
• Clean surfaces thoroughly first
• Use painter's tape to mask off areas
• Apply light coats allowing drying between
• Top coat with sealer for durability

Pick any color scheme you like to customize the tins.

Adding Decorative Coverings

For a more finished look, cover tins with paper or fabric using:

• Mod Podge to adhere paper or photos
• Spray adhesive for thin fabrics
• A glue gun for thicker fabrics
• Wrapping paper with double sided tape

Choose coverings like scrapbook paper, gift wrap, wallpaper samples or fabric remnants.

Affixing Hardware

Attach functional hardware like:

• Magnets to hang on fridges or whiteboards
• Hooks on the interior to hang jewelry or keys
• Knobs on the outside for an easy grip to open lids
• Hinges to allow opening and closing

Hardware adds functionality and gives window tins a finished look.

Crafting a Window Tin Jewelry Organizer

One easy project is making a jewelry organizer:

1. Clean and dry square window tin thoroughly
2. Choose scrapbook paper that matches your decor
3. Adhere paper to outside using Mod Podge
4. Affix strong magnets to back for mounting
5. Install small hooks along the inside edges
6. Hang on a metal surface like a locker or fridge

The see-through window makes selecting jewelry a breeze!

Displaying Window Tin Crafts

Creative ways to show off your window tin crafts:

• Group collections together for impact
• Elevate on stands or small shelves
• Highlight with under cabinet lighting
• Sit on bookshelves, mantles or windowsills
• Hang on walls with hardware or command strips

Proudly display your craft creations in practical spots or as stand-alone art.

With inexpensive and easily obtainable square window tins, you can quickly create beautiful custom home decor items. Give plain tins new life creatively painted, covered, or enhanced with hardware. The possibilities are endless!