Transform Vintage Container Lids Into The Perfect Photo Display

No matter how many tips for a perfectly organized kitchen you follow, it seems there are always loose container lids floating around that don't have a home. Instead of throwing those away, you can transform your vintage container lids that have little knob handles into a simple and beautiful photo display. Using nothing more than a few pieces of easily bendable wire, pliers, and photos of your choice, this simple hack will elevate your photo display. For an optional flair, you can choose to spray paint the lids for a more uniform look — though a vintage piece with some patina will add character to your space.

When it comes to the lids, you can use any size, shape, or color lid that you have on hand. However, the lid does need to have a small handle on top so you have somewhere to attach the wire. This project is a genius way to repurpose old container lids around your home. That said, you can always find items like this at your local thrift store if needed. This project is perfect for displaying small photos like polaroids or 4-by-6-inch images.

Crafting these container lid photo frames is simple. To get started, gather your supplies and bend your first piece of wire around the handle of your container lid. Start the bending at the middle point of your wire (not the end) and wrap it one or two times around the handle to secure it. Now your container lid handle should have two ends of wire sticking out. Cut off one side of the excess wire and tuck its end under the container handle.

At this point, your wire should be firmly attached to the lid, and you should have one long tail of wire left sticking out. If the tail is too long, trim it down to about 2 inches above the container lid before using the pliers to curl the wire down in a circular motion. Keep bending and curling until you have a little circular spiral. Then, simply slide your photo into the spiral. If you choose to paint the lid or wire, be sure to do so and allow it to fully dry before adding your photo. 

Like most DIY crafts, the best part about this container lid photo frame is your ability to customize it. This trick doesn't only have to be used to make your family photos look like high end decor. In your home office, try swapping the photos out for inspirational quotes, notes to self, or little to-do's and reminders. You could also make your own page-a-day or month calendar using this frame and some painted cue cards that are swapped out each day or month.

In the kitchen, this craft works great as a recipe card holder that keeps your ingredients and directions visible while keeping your flour-dusted hands off of your precious family recipes. If you've made an entire set of these container lid frames, try using them as name cards at your next dinner party. If you have enough supplies, you could also make name cards for larger events such as weddings and family reunions. However you choose to display your newest DIY, these vintage container lid displays are fun and easy to make.