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DIY Canisters with Chalkboard Labels - The Griff Network
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DIY Canisters with Chalkboard Labels

Looking to organize your kitchen in a stylish and functional way? Chalkboard labels are the perfect touch—simple, reusable, and charming. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through how to make your own custom chalkboard labels using our decorative film and a vinyl cutter.

This project is perfect for pantry canisters, spice jars, coffee stations, or even craft room storage. 

Download Project Asset

What You'll Need

  • A vinyl cutting machine and compatible design software
  • PNG file of your label shape
  • Griff Decorative Films Satin vinyl in gunmetal
  • Adhesive cutting mat
  • Tweezers
  • Optional but recommended:
    • Transfer tape
    • Scraper

Choose or Create Your Label Design

Before you begin cutting, you’ll need a digital design to work with. You can either:

Keep the size of your canisters in mind when designing—3 to 4 inches wide usually works great for medium-sized jars.

Upload Your PNG File to the Design Software

Once your PNG label design is ready, it’s time to bring it into your vinyl cutter’s design software. Here’s how:

  1. Open your vinyl cutter’s design workspace.
  2. Click on the Upload or Import button (typically found in the sidebar).
  3. Select your PNG file from your computer.
  4. The software will prompt you to define the type of image—choose “Simple” if the design has clean edges.
  5. Use the background remover tool if necessary, then click Continue.
  6. On the next screen, save your design as a Cut Image (not a Print Then Cut).
  7. Insert it into your design canvas and resize it according to your canister dimensions.

Cut Your Chalkboard Vinyl

  1. Place your chalkboard vinyl (face up) on the standard grip cutting mat.
  2. Load the mat into your vinyl cutter.
  3. In the software, select the material setting appropriate for “chalkboard vinyl” or “matte adhesive vinyl.”
  4. Hit Go or Start to begin cutting.

Once it’s done, unload the mat and peel away the excess vinyl. Use tweezers to clean up any small inner cuts.

Apply the Labels to Your Canisters

  1. Clean the surface of each canister with rubbing alcohol or soapy water. Let it dry completely.
  2. If your design is simple, you can peel and stick it by hand. For intricate designs, use transfer tape:
  3. Place transfer tape over your weeded label and smooth it down.
  4. Peel the vinyl backing away, leaving the label stuck to the tape.
  5. Position it on your canister and press down firmly.
  6. Carefully peel away the transfer tape, leaving the vinyl in place.

Label and Enjoy!

Use a chalk marker or regular chalk to write the contents of each canister. The best part? You can wipe and rewrite as needed—perfect for changing pantry items or labeling leftovers.

Cleaning Tips

  • Use a damp cloth to gently wipe the label clean.
  • Avoid harsh scrubbing or soaking the label in water.
  • Rewriting with a chalk marker? Let the ink dry before touching to avoid smudges.

Custom chalkboard labels not only make your storage look cohesive but also add a cozy, handmade touch to your kitchen or pantry. Whether you’re organizing dry goods, coffee beans, or flour and sugar, this DIY project will give your space a polished look with minimal cost.

Have fun creating—and don’t forget to share your beautiful canister labels with us on social media!

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