Are you searching for tin can craft ideas? I’ve just created one you’re going to love, so let me teach you how to decorate a tin can planter using scrapbook paper.
Creating tin can decorations is a great way to be eco-friendly and save a few bucks on your home decor. Who’s all for recycling and saving money? Count me in!
HOW TO DECORATE A TIN CAN PLANTER
I’ve been collecting metal cans for a few months and I’ve managed to save a variety of different sizes for upcoming recycled crafts.
For today’s craft, I’m using a large tin can that once held sweet potatoes. It’s the perfect size for making a planter to hold my faux floral arrangement.
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SUPPLIES NEEDED:
- tin can
- chalk paint
- Mod Podge
- 12×12 scrapbook paper (size depends on can size)
- foam paint brush or artist brush
- ruler
- scissors
- twine
- burlap fabric
- white fabric
- alphabet stamps
- ink pad
- pinking shears
- floral picks
HOW TO MAKE A TIN CAN PLANTER
STEP 1 – PREPARE THE TIN CAN FOR PAINTING
Wash with soap, scrub the inside, and dry. Carefully peel the label off to use for later. If it tears, no big deal, we’ll deal with that later.
Heat the glue spots with a hair dryer which will melt the glue enough to wipe off with a paper towel. You can also use rubbing alcohol or fingernail polish remover to remove the glue.
STEP 2 – PAINT THE TIN CAN
Use chalk paint on your can because it sticks better that acrylic paint.
Scrapbook paper is thicker and an undercoat isn’t really necessary, so you can just paint the top, bottom, and inside.
However, I wasn’t sure how the Mod Podge would effect the transparency of my mostly white paper, so I painted the whole tin can to be on the safe side.
STEP 3 – PREPARE THE SCRAPBOOK PAPER FOR DECOUPAGING
Measure the tin can from top to bottom and mark the paper for cutting. Also, determine the measurement for wrapping the scrapbook paper around the can. Cut the paper.
Don’t forget to exclude the top and bottom lip because that will be showing your coordinating paint color.
I had to add an additional thin paper strip to the back side since my can was more than 12 inches around.
STEP 4 – ATTACH THE PAPER USING MOD PODGE
Use a foam paint brush or artist brush to apply a coat of Mod Podge to the tin can. It’s easier to work in small sections when attaching the paper.
TIP: Use plastic wrap or a Ziplock bag for pressing and smoothing the paper down.
Once the paper is completely on the tin can, let it air dry for 15 minutes before applying the top coat.
Apply a top coat of Mod Podge and let air dry.
FYI: I checked on the drying process after awhile and I noticed major bubbled section. Oh no! I thought it was ruined, but after it dried overnight the bubbles were all gone. Keep that in mind if you have the same issue.
HOW TO DECORATE A TIN CAN PLANTER
STEP 1 – MAKE A DECORATIVE TAG
Use the alphabet stamps to make your saying on the fabric. If you haven’t used these stamps before, you should practice first.
I had planned to rip the edges of the fabric, but ended up having to make a decorative edge using pinking shears when the fabric didn’t rip well.
Once the fabric word is completed, determine the measurement that the burlap should be cut. Add a bit extra to each side so you can pull off 2 strands on each side.
Use Mod Podge to attach the fabric word to the burlap.
STEP 2 – ADD TWINE
Wrap twine around the tin can 3 times and tie once in the front. Run one end of twine through a burlap hole, pull tag up towards the top and tie the ends into a bow.
Since the twine is only tied in a bow and not glued, you can make additional tags and easily change out what word you want to use.
STEP 3 – ARRANGE THE FLOWERS IN THE TIN CAN PLANTER
Yay, we’re all done! What word tag will you make to hang from your planter decor?
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN SEEING:
HOW TO PAINT AND DECORATE A PAPER MACHE BOX
It’s time for another monthly Sustainable Craft Challenge, where my blogger friends and I create an eco-friendly project which we “use it up,” recycle, or upcycle a craft or home decor. Our February theme is “love.” Be sure to click the links below to see many more “love” decor and craft ideas!
BELOW, VIEW MORE UPCYCLED/RECYCLED “LOVE” CRAFTS AND HOME DECOR!
MEET YOUR CRAFTERS!
Sum of Their Stories ~~ Upcycled Plastic Container Painted with Hearts
Sew Crafty Crochet ~~ Valentine’s Day Gnome Scarf
Purple Hues and Me ~~ Tin Can Valentine’s Heart Wreath
Treasures Made from Yarn ~~ Crochet Hearts Garland
Christine Crafts ~~ 3-D Homemade Valentine Card Ideas
Life as a LEO Wife ~~ Valentine Place Card Holders
Decor Craft Design ~~ DIY Upcycled Love Container
Song Bird Blog ~~ Lace Fabric Hearts
Mimi Blog ~~ Rustic Valentine Heart Garland
Our Good Life ~~ Upcycled Wine Cork Phone Holder
Sharing my tin can planter decor at these fabulous blogs!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AllysonAllyson is the founder and content creator of Southern Sunflowers, which shares tutorials for DIY crafts and decor on a budget.
I love tin can crafts and this turned out so cute. This would be a perfect gift for a May Day basket.
Thank you Rachelle! I was happy with how my tin can turned out, too. 🙂
I’m a big fan of recyling and upcycling so I love this DIY! And with spring right around the corner this is perfect! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Kathleen, I’m used to thrift store makeovers, but this tin can was my first trash recycle and I was happy with how my tin can planter turned out
Allyson, I love how your tin can planter came out! So cute. I am excited to be featuring you tomorrow at the Home Imagined Link party. Congratulations! Hope to see you there.- Meagan
Meagan, thank you so much for featuring my tin can planter!
This planter is beautiful, the scrabook paper you choose is gorgeous, and I wasn’t aware that you could mod podge scrap paper. Good to know as I find napkins can be fiddly especially if you want to cover something large.
Thank you, Leanna! I haven’t tried a napkin yet. I’m thinking I might not be patient enough since it’s more flimsy ~ lol.
This is such a cute idea! Perfect to use as a hostess gift or even to fill with flowers for Mother’s Day. Thank you for sharing this post on the Home Imagined Link Party.
I’m so glad you like my planter, Anna!
I love your planter, I will have to try this!
So glad you like my planter, Julie! Thanks for dropping by.
It’s such a pretty planter! For a glance, it looks like a ceramic planter, maybe because of the beautiful leaves pattern.
Thanks, Mel! I was happy with how it turned out.
This looks so stylish. You would never believe that it was an old tin can! I particularly love the labels that you made. You could also make this for any event or time of year. Love it!
Christine, thank you for the compliments on my tin can planter!
I really love this planter! My favorite part is the burlap tag you created. I love crafts/decor that involves burlap! The flowers are really pretty, too.
Thank you, T’onna! I love some burlap, too, and I had to work it in there somehow ~ lol.
A great upcycle project. Now I need to start saving tin cans (my husband will thank you for that 😉🤣) Seriously though, what a beautiful idea! These can be used for so many different reasons. I love the little tags made of burlap too!
Thank you, Michelle! My husband cringes when he sees a tin can in my hand ~ lol
This tin can has received such a pretty makeover! And I love the heart tag.
Thanks so much, Marianne! I’m happy you like my tin can upcycle.
What a beautiful planter! I love the burlap and fabric addition. It just took it to a whole other level! In our old house in my craft room I created a wall of cardstock wrapped cans that held different supplies. I didn’t re-do it in our new home because I got sick of it, but yours make me give it another thought. I just love the tag! Pinned!
Niki, thanks for the compliments! Yes, you should add some more tin cans with a new look for your craft room.
Your planter is quite lovely, Allyson! I love crafting with tin cans too! I have a whole trash bag full of them! And what you can make with them is just about unlimited! So many options! Great job!
Thank you, Gail! My husband thanks I’m crazy for collecting cans.
This is just lovely Allyson, a great upcycle. I like the idea of the tag being changeable for the season or decor, so clever. You could even personalise them with names as a gift couldn’t you? Perfect for Mother’s Day, a new home or on the tables at a summer BBQ 🙂
Thank you, Julie! Yes, I had in mind Mother’s Day when I used ‘love.’ I like your idea for using them on party tables.
Incredibly cute. My grandmother would have loved your cleverness! She believed in saving everything, that it all had a purpose!
Terri, glad you like my tin can planter!