Turn Old Canister Lids Into Moroccan-Inspired Decor Plates

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Blue-and-white tiles and white stucco walls beneath an azure sky — the scenery and culture of the Mediterranean hold a certain allure. Wherever you live, you can decorate your home with Mediterranean style — think breezy spaces, textured walls, decor made from natural materials, and brightly colored pottery with geometric patterns. Upcycling-obsessed crafter and fashion designer Kanika Jindal posted a tutorial on her YouTube channel kan_i_kaRE by Kanika Jindal detailing how to turn blue plastic canister lids into Moroccan ceramic tiles or plates.

Yup, we're talking about the lids from that peanut or cheese ball canister in your pantry. The rich blue is one of the shades featured in the best color palette for a Mediterranean home decor style. To prepare the lids for painting, you first need to remove any oils or dirt. Wash them with soap and water, then wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol. Next, scuff the surface with fine sandpaper. Wipe away the plastic dust with a damp cloth and allow the lids to dry completely. You'll also need a white paint pen to create the illusion of glazed pottery patterns. This 8-pack of Sfaih Acrylic Opaque White Quick-Dry Paint Markers with both medium and extra-fine tips costs about $10. Jindal uses a Posca Medium Bullet Tip.

Before you start painting the canister lids, familiarize yourself with traditional Moroccan patterns. Typically, they're symmetrical and repeating, with ancient Berber, Safi, and Andalusian influences — a result of the country's long-held position at the crossroads of trade. The motifs, which are steeped in tradition, appear on ceramic vessels, rugs, embroidered textiles, and pierced metalwork. The Islamic and Amazigh geometric patterns are superficially similar to the mandala, so you could take inspiration from that artistic tradition if it resonates with you.

Sketch out a few designs on paper before committing to anything. They could be as intricate or as simple as you wish. Or if you're feeling unsure about the steadiness of your hand or your artistic abilities, stencils are a great alternative. This 24-pack of 4-inch Vriovn Moroccan Scroll Tile Stencils costs just $12, but if you search for Moroccan or Mediterranean tile stencils on sites like Amazon, you'll find lots of options. Don't discount the stencils made for decorating baked goods, either. If you have a Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine, search for printable stencil files on Etsy or the manufacturers' online design stores.

Once you've settled on some patterns you like, whether you're freehanding them or using stencils, you're ready to paint them onto your blue canister lids. Simply draw or trace the patterns onto the lids with your white paint marker, working slowly on a flat surface to ensure crisp lines. When you're finished, add a few coats of Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer. The brush-on product may smear the paint. To perfectly hang your decorative plates on the wall, stick a Disc Adhesive Plate Hanger on the back of each lid. Or you could display them on a shelf or credenza with easel-style plate holders.