Re-use...Re-cycle...Re-purpose...

...what ever you call it, it's making use of something you would normally throw away.

Food store cupboard items tend to come in all sorts of packaging. From the simple cello-wrap (as the item is intended to be decanted into your own storage) to the landfill nightmare of multi-layered but sturdy tubs & boxes.

Tubs like this...

...are far too useful to throw out and I have to admit that I do have a bit of a stock of this type of item. They make great gift containers or useful storage in their own right.
Just by covering in something pretty they take on a completely different look.

Anything can be used to cover these containers but the fairly recent trend of sticky-backed fabric in crafting has brought this type of re-purposing into the very quick and easy category.
They can be decorated with all manner of 'stuff' - this one has some double knit cotton that looks a bit like Baker's twine wrapped around...

...and a nice big button stuck on.
I have a variety of the cotton yarns as I've been using them for my Kumihimo braid making and they have been very handy for these pieces.

I also have a selection of the sticky-backed fabric - both of these are from DoCrafts Christmas ranges (Home for Christmas and the Christmas Boofle ranges). The sticky-backed fabric comes in 12x12 and these tubs are just the right size - one strip cut to the right height goes round and meets perfectly. The yarn is applied using DST. A row of tape wrapped around the tub is easily covered by wrapping the yarn around carefully to ensure all the 'sticky' is covered and then it can be knotted, tied in a bow or have an embellie stuck on to hide the ends.
The patchwork one will be for my desk at work to hold instant coffee sachets...

...the Christmas tree one will be filled with sweeties (nearer the time) and given as a Christmas gift - I'll probably add a tag and/or ribbon around the top.

So go on, take a look in those kitchen cupboards. What can you find to play with and make into something much prettier and far mor useful..............................................