GIVE IT NEW LIFE!
Balance & Burn Canister Decoupage Craft
Don’t toss those beautiful Balance & Burn canisters! With a little Mod Podge, a printed design, and a few simple supplies, you can turn your empty canisters into pretty storage containers, gift boxes, or decorative pieces for your home.
Suggested Supplies
Empty Balance & Burn
Rice Paper
Printed canister template/design (pdfs provided free)
Mod Podge
Water Pen
Soft paintbrush or Foam Craft Brush
Scissors (Optional: Paper cutter/trimmer if you want precise edges)
Acrylic or chalk-style craft paint (if using the rice-paper method)
Optional: ribbon, lace, twine, dried flowers, glitter, sequins, labels, beads, or other embellishments
Learn More about Balance & Burn HereCHOOSE YOUR PAPER
OPTION 1: REGULAR COMPUTER PAPER
You can print your template right at home on ordinary computer paper. Though not a true “decoupage”, it is the simplest method, and you do not have to paint the canister first.
Because computer paper is thick, you’ll need to take extra time smoothing it as you work to help prevent as many wrinkles and bubbles as possible. Just don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly wrinkle-free—that’s part of the handmade charm!
OPTION 2: RICE PAPER (recommended)
For a smoother, more seamless decoupage finish, print the template on printable rice paper.
OPTION 3: Decorative Napkins
Skip my templates and use decorative napkins or tissue paper to create your own masterpiece.
LET’S DECOUPAGE!
1. PREP YOUR CANISTER
Make sure your empty canister is clean and dry.
If you’re using rice paper, paint the area you plan to cover and let the paint dry completely before moving on. This keeps the Balance & Burn label from showing through.
If you’re using regular computer paper, and your design is dark, you may be able to skip this step.
2. PRINT & CUT YOUR DESIGN
Choose and print your PDF design (scroll down for links).
Carefully cut out your printed template with scissors, or use the water pen to wet the edge and carefully tear out the portion you want displayed.
If you already have a paper cutter or paper trimmer, you may want to use it for the long, straight edges – specifically around the bottom. It can make it easier to get a perfectly straight cut—but it is not necessary for this project.
Before applying any Mod Podge, wrap your cut template around your canister and check the fit.
DON’T FORGET YOUR LABEL!
You’ll notice that the 11″ printed design doesn’t quite reach all the way around the canister. That’s because the circumference of the Balance & Burn canister is a little more than an inch longer than a standard 11″ sheet of paper.
I’ve included a customizable Canva Label Template for you to print and use to cover that remaining gap.
Position your main design around the canister, leaving the uncovered section where you’d like your label to go. Then apply the coordinating label over that area to complete the wrap.
Besides solving our little 11″-paper problem, the label gives you another opportunity to personalize your canister. Add a name, describe what you’ll be storing inside, create a fun saying, or design your own decorative label.
Depending upon your design, you may be able to print two copies and tear out an extra segment to decoupage in that gap.
TIP: Before you glue anything, dry-fit both the main design and the label around your canister. This will help you decide exactly where everything should be positioned.
PDF LINKS…
NOTE: When Balance & Burn first came out, the canisters were a tiny bit smaller than the updated ones are now. If you saved, the older, smaller canisters, you’ll need to use one of the designs that enable you to “tear out” the actual image, so it isn’t quite so tall. You may also need to adjust your label size.
3. APPLY THE MOD PODGE
Using a foam brush or soft paintbrush, apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to a small section of the canister.
Don’t coat the entire canister at once. Working a little at a time makes the paper much easier to position and smooth.
4. ADD YOUR DESIGN
Beginning at one edge, gently position your printed design onto the Mod Podge.
Slowly work your way around the canister, smoothing the paper as you go.
Use your fingers carefully or a decoupage smoothing tool to work out wrinkles and air bubbles.
Then position your coordinating label over the remaining uncovered section to complete the design.
TIP: Be especially gentle with wet rice paper—it becomes delicate once it absorbs the Mod Podge.
5. LET IT DRY
Once the design is completely attached, allow the Mod Podge underneath to dry.
Don’t rush this part! Giving each layer time to dry helps prevent bubbling and wrinkling.
6. SEAL YOUR CANISTER
Once everything is dry, brush a thin coat of Mod Podge over the entire decorated surface to seal and protect your design.
Allow it to dry completely.
For extra protection, add another thin coat after the first coat has dried.
7. MAKE IT YOUR OWN!
Now comes the fun part!
Add lace, ribbon, jute twine, botanical embellishments, little wooden accents, charms—or leave your beautiful decoupage design just as it is.
WHAT WILL YOU USE YOURS FOR?
Turn your finished canister into:
- Craft-supply storage
- Essential-oil accessories
- Tea or individually wrapped treats
- Bathroom storage
- Office supplies
- Dried flowers or botanicals
- A pretty gift container
- Keepsakes and little treasures
- Or anything else you can dream up!
DON’T TOSS IT. TRANSFORM IT. 
A little Mod Podge + a little imagination = a completely new life for your Balance & Burn canister!
