Sometimes, when you’re looking for new decor, that hint of inspiration lies in what you already have! Tin cans are ubiquitous, we all toss them on a regular basis, but there are better uses we can put them to. There’s no end to what you can make! Vases, lanterns - even a whole herb garden. Want to know how? I’ve got the instructions for you below.
Tin Can Vase
Did you know? You can create a stylish vase from a tin can, with just a few craft supplies.
You’ll need:
A tin can of any size.
Sandpaper.
Craft rope.
A hot glue gun.
1. Take the tin can, wash it well, and sand down any remaining rough edges along the top interior of the can.
2. Use hot-glue to secure the end of the rope to the bottom of the can.
3. Wrap the rope around the can, gluing as you go. When you reach the top, cut the rope, and use hot glue to secure the end of the rope on the inside edge of the can.
4. Fill with silk flowers and use as a table centerpiece, coffee table decoration, or other decor as needed.
Tin Can Lantern
Tin can lanterns make great garden decor for summer!
You’ll need:
A tin can of any size.
Sandpaper.
Spray paint.
Craft sand.
A sharpie.
A hammer and a nail or other metal punch
Craft wire.
1. Sand the rough edges of the inside of the tin can until smooth.
2. To make sure the tin can isn’t warped while punching, freeze it first. Fill it halfway with craft sand, and halfway with water, then place in the freezer until frozen solid.
3. After frozen solid, use the sharpie to add whatever design you would like to the can.
4. Using a hammer and a nail, punch out the pattern you’ve created. Be sure to punch out two holes opposite each other at the top of the can to make room for the lantern handle.
5. Allow the water and sand mixture to melt and dump it out. Rinse, and dry well.
6. Spray paint whatever color you desire. Allow to dry overnight.
7. Once the spray paint is dry, insert a piece of craft wire into the two holes at the top of each can and secure tightly to create a lantern handle.
8. Fill the bottom of the lantern with remaining craft sand or pebbles. Add a tealight candle or a battery-powered flameless candle and add to your garden!
Tin Can Garden
There’s nothing quite like having fresh herbs in your food! Try this repurposed herb garden for a little bit of freshness in your kitchen.
You’ll need:
Three tin cans of medium size.
Sandpaper.
Spray paint.
A hammer and a nail or other metal punch
Potting soil.
Herb seeds of three different varieties. Basil, rosemary, and mint all grow well.
1. Sand the rough edges of the inside of the tin can until smooth.
2. Turn the can upside down. Use the hammer and nail to punch out several drainage holes in the bottom of the can. This is important, do not skip this step.
3. Spray paint whatever color you like and allow to dry overnight. If you like, use paint markers to label with the name of the herb you’ll be using for each tin can.
4. Fill with potting soil. Add seeds as per the seed packet, and water daily, leaving on a sunny windowsill to grow!
See any ideas you like? What’s your favourite? (I like the lanterns, myself…so cute!) If you’ve got a favourite, or if you’ve got other clever ways you’ve repurposed tin cans, please let me know in the comments below. I want to hear your thoughts!