Easy and Inexpensive DIY Tin Can Decor

Three easy and inexpensive tin can decor projects

Today, I have a true trash to treasure project, as in I used tin cans and newspaper that came right out of the recycling bin! It’s amazing what you can make with everyday items from around the house. I’m thrilled to share with you my DIY tin can decor!

I’m once again participating in a Creative Craft Blog Hop, hosted by Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate and Andrea from Design Morsels. If you’re stopping over from a visit with Terrie of Decorate and More with Tip, welcome! There’s a lot of craft inspiration for you today on this hop 🙂

I just love the odd assortment of supplies for this project, especially the tin cans with the labels still intact, lol! I chose three cans of varied sizes for three different DIY tin can decor projects.

First up, is the book page tin can. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • newspaper
  • tin can
  • Mod Podge
  • scissors
  • paint brush
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • lace ribbon
  • jute twine
  • old key

Step 1.

Cut the newspaper into long horizontal strips. You can also use book pages, but I prefer newspaper as it adheres better because it’s thinner.

Step 2.

Apply Mod Podge to the back of the newspaper strips with a paintbrush.

Step 3.

Attach the newspaper strips to the tin can. It’s okay to overlap…just make sure to cover the the whole can.

applying mod podge to a book page diy tin can decor craft project

Step 4.

Paint over the newspaper with Mod Podge to seal. Let dry overnight before starting the next step.

Step 5.

Wrap the lace ribbon around the can and trim off excess.

Step 6.

Secure the ribbon to the can with hot glue.

Step 7.

Cut a long piece of jute twine and tie the key in the middle.

tying a jute twine bow on a book page  diy tin can decor craft project

Step 8.

Tie a bow and trim the twine to desired length. Add flowers (faux or real) and you’re done!

bookpage diy tin can decor

The next project is a nautical themed tin can. It’s the most labor intensive of the three crafts. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • tin can
  • rope (you can find it at Dollar Tree)
  • hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • sea shell

Step 1.

Start by gluing the rope to the bottom of the tin. This project felt like my Rope Spool Plant Stand project on a much smaller scale.

Step 2.

Continue wrapping the rope around the tin and gluing about every two inches. Push the rope together with your fingers after it’s been glued.

Step 3.

Keep going until you reach the top of the tin. Cut the rope and finish.

putting a shell on a nautical rope diy tin can decor craft project

Step 4.

Hot glue a sea shell onto the rope tin. Put whatever you’d like inside. I styled the tin with dried sea lavender, but it would be great as a pencil holder.

nautical themed diy tin can decor

The final project started one way and turned out another. I wanted to stencil a painted tin can, but with the grooves in the can the stencil didn’t work right. So, I tried something else. Here’s what you’ll need for the butterfly tin:

  • tin can
  • chalk paint
  • paintbrush
  • butterfly die cuts (I found mine at Dollar Tree)
  • hot glue gun and hot glue sticks
applying chalk paint to a diy tin can decor project

Step 1.

Paint the tin can with chalk paint. I used Dixie Belle in Fluff. Let dry for about an hour.

Step 2.

Apply a second coat of paint.

Step 3.

Position the butterfly onto the tin can and secure in place with hot glue. I styled mine with a faux succulent atop a bed of raffia.

chalk painted diy tin can decor

I hope you liked my DIY Tin Can Decor. Which one is your favorite? I’d love to know!

three diy tin can decor projects

Now it’s time to check out the other craft projects from my talented blogger friends. The next stop on the hop is with Gail from Purple Hues and Me. Gail just loves everything purple! She’s sharing a Geometric Design Wreath. If you love DIY wreaths like I do, you’ll definitely want to check it out!

Until next time!

Rebecca

supplies needed for diy tin can decor craft projects

Celebrate and Decorate | Design Morsels | Chas’ Crazy Creations |My Hubbard Home

My Thrift Store Addiction | BlueSky At Home |  The Painted Apron

Decorate And More With Tip | Zucchini Sisters |  Purple Hues And Me | Home Is Where The Boat Is

Birdz Of A Feather | White Arrows Home | Create With Cynthia | B4 and Afters 

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29 Comments

  1. So pretty, and affordable! Love the recycle aspect of these decorative tin cans, too!

  2. I love how unique each version is, Rebecca! They are pretty and thrifty, too! Pinned–blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

  3. Super cute Rebecca! I love all three but especially the butterfly! Happy to be hopping with you today ♥

  4. Rebecca, using tin cans for an upcycled craft is very smart.

    All three a that sweet vintage charm that is so popular right now!

    Hugs,
    Rachelle

  5. Rebecca, what darling cans. I love all 3. I love the decoupage and the key, but the jute and shell is super cool too. I would do those because I have all the supplies on hand. Great way to recyle tin cans too.

  6. Rebecca, what creative ideas you have shared! I know so many of us save all kinds of containers like these cans and we can always use some creative ideas for repurposing them! For me the coastal one is perfect!
    Thanks for hopping with us again!

  7. I just love the one with the newspaper print. These would be such cute pencil holders for the office. I can’t wait to try it. I’m seeing that people who know a lot about crafting really love mod podge. I need some.

    Do you think it would work with those tin tea boxes?

    Can’t wait to check out some of your other ideas. Thanks for the inspiration.

  8. All of your tin can transformations are so adorable and cute, Rebecca! I just can’t pick one! I love crafting with tin cans! The possibilities of what you can do with them are just about unlimited!

  9. Rebecca how cute all three of them are. I love using things around our home to make home decor pieces out of. Love the newspaper one the best. Pinned!

  10. What fun Rebecca! I love them all! I would have never guessed they were simple cans from your pantry! Endless possibilities, Fabulous!!

  11. So creative. I love one-of-a-kind creations like these. A tin can upcycle is one of my most popular pins on Pinterest– and it’s not even mine! I must make one (or more!) of my own soon!

    Liberty

  12. These are all so pretty Rebecca, but my favourite is the one with the key! I’ve go so many and I’m always looking for ideas to use them 🙂

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