Creative DIY Purpose

Tin Can Crafts for Home Decor

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These tin can crafts are easy to create, budget and earth-friendly. Did I mention they are also FUN to make? Plus, the sky is the limit with design options and materials you can use!

Be sure to let me know which one of these 13 tin can projects is your favorite. Share any ideas you have for more tin can DIYs!

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Creating DIY Home Decor on a Dime!

I love transforming items that others consider to be trash or would pass by. Not only is it budget and earth-friendly but they make great projects for all ages!

Using items that we may already have on hand and our creativity makes this the perfect project!

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Tin Can Pedestal

I used a wide (chicken tin) shallow can and a glass taper candlestick holder. I applied a coat of Gesso Primer and then a coat of Vintage Linen (clay-based paint) from DIY Paint Co.

I used two ink stamps, that I recently picked up from a thrift store, to create a Vintage look for the top can. Then glued them together, filled w Spanish moss and grass-filled eggshells.

My younger kids and I each winter fill various containers w soil and grass seed to make springtime displays.

Tin Can Flower Vases (Vintage Inspired)

I picked this metal carrier up at a yard sale last spring and love how these cans look displayed inside of it. This project was super quick and you could easily customize it for any decor!

After I applied white chalk paint to the cans I took a piece of fine-grit sandpaper and distressed them around the edges and along the grooves.

I found vintage garden tool images from thegraphicsfairy.com and printed them on rice paper using a basic inkjet printer. Over at canva.com I made labels using just font and printed those on rice paper, as well.

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I applied matte Mod Podge to glue them down and then a coat lightly over the top of the labels. You can also use your favorite sealer to cover the entire can and label.

The lavender I used can be found below. It is of amazing quality, this is the exact link I used to purchase them. I actually need to purchase some more!


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Tin Can Candy Holder

I took a shorter tin can (Sweet and condensed milk can) and applied a raised stencil. This can was smooth without any groves so it was a perfect choice. I applied two coats of chalk-acrylic paint first and let it dry completely.

For the raised stencil I added 1 part Gesso (opaque primer) and 3 parts baking soda to make a very thick paste. I held a stencil down onto the surface and patted the mixture on with a paintbrush, but I would recommend using some type of a scraper. I made sure to apply it heavily and in layers.

Once that had dried I used hot glue and added 3 wooden beads as feet. You could use a permanent glue like E-6000 for a better hold.

I see this piece turning into a succulent pot as soon as the candy is gone. Lol

Tin Can Candle Holder

Another super quick DIY! Paint a wide shallow ton can and find a base to make a pedestal. You can opt for a smaller tin can, wooden knob, or a wooden napkin ring like I used.

To display I added some dried flower petals inside the can and a battery-operated tea light. Using a round wooden base I added an upside-down glass hurricane as a cloche. Covering the hole in the top of the cloche with a vintage doily.

You could easily fill the top can with beeswax and make a candle. I have a post here on
How to Make Beeswax Candles.

Textured Tin Can

The image for this tin can project came from thegraphicsfairy.com and was printed on regular printer paper using a basic inkjet printer.

This is another tin can craft that I made a few years ago but it received a recent upgrade.

I took the 50/50 Gesso/baking soda mixture and brushed it on the tin can to create texture. I think it completed this piece and I’m sure it will be used as a small flower vase this spring!

See it in the original tin can craft post.

Textured Air Plant Tin Can Holder

Taking a wide shallow can and a smaller version I applied baking soda and Gesso/baking soda mixture (50/50) brushing a coat onto the can moving in all directions to create even more texture.

When they were dry, I took Waverly chalk paint in mineral and dry brushed both cans. When that layer has dried you are ready to glue your cans together & style your new creation.

a closer look at the texture

Textured Tin Can Wall Pocket

This project took a bit longer but was so worth it! The first step was to drill two holes in the top of one of the cans, this will be used to add a hanger later on.

Then I glued them together with a permanent glue like E-6000. I choose to glue the two bottoms to each other for better hold.

Taking the Gesso and baking soda mixture (50/50) I applied two thick coats brushing it on in every direction. I wanted to create texture and cover the grooves in the cans.

Using wire cutters I cut a piece of wire hanger to make a handle for our pocket basket. You could instead use ribbon, lace, rope, or twine.

A closer look

Tin Can Windsock

This was such a fun project and a perfect DIY for older kids to try! Kids of all ages 😉 😉

I applied a waterslide decal to apply the image but you could easily print and image on rice paper and Mod Podge it on. The image is from thegraphicsfairy.com.

See the full tutorial posted here.

Tin Can Craft Lantern

Here is another project we made a few years ago.

A few tips when making these:

  • To avoid denting the can and having many sharp pieces inside you can fill the can with water & freeze it.
  • Fill the can with water and place it in the freezer BUT don’t let it freeze overnight (ask me how I know) or the seams can bust out. Out of 7 cans, 5 of them did this on my first attempt.
  • Lay down a towel to help hold the can in place & absorb any unfrozen water that may come out.
  • Lightly tap a nail to make a hole. Drilling made sharper edges inside.
  • Use a file or sandpaper to smooth out any rough pieces inside.
  • The more nail holes you add the more light your tin can will give off.

You can paint +/or seal your tin can. You could make a hanger as we did with the wall pocket. I use battery-operated tea lights, but you can use real candles, as well.

Tin Can Crafts Pin Cushion

I did make an error when creating this tin can pincushion that I will be sharing in a bit. First, I applied chalk paint and cut out the fabric in a circle.

I then added rice onto the center of the fabric circle, printed side down. Ideas for other fillers are polyfill, scraps of fabric, shredded newspaper, or magazines..

Then go along the edges gluing one side of the fabric to the opposite side. My error was when doing this step I turned my circle into a square hence why there are fabric puckers in my finished project. Try to keep it in the shape of a circle as much as you can.

Once you have your filled fabric all completed you can add a dab of glue to the inside bottom of the can. Then place your pin cushion down inside the can. To embellish this piece I added a piece of vintage ribbon along the top edge using hot glue.

Storage Tin Can Crafts

I made this tin can creation a couple of years ago for my daughter. I found this vintage flamingo image over at thegraphicsfairy.com & printed it out on regular printer paper.

For more details, you can find the post here.

Napkin Decoupage Tin Can Crafts

I think this project took maybe two minutes total to make. This is another tin can creation that we have had for a few years.

Take a printed napkin, take the top printed ply, and cut it to fit. Apply Mod Podge to the can in sections as you lay down the napkin and smooth it out.

I personally, like wrinkles in my decoupage because when I applied white wax over the top I love the way the wax softened and aged the look. You could instead apply a coat of Mod Podge over the top or use your favorite sealer.

Boho Style Tin Can Crafts

This was another easy project and I love the final look!

I applied a coat of chalk paint in case I miss a spot with the rope. I glued the rope to the can using hot glue. Then added wooden balls for feet which I think completes the look.

You May Also Enjoy

DIY Windsock using Tin Cans
DIY Planter from Upcycled Paint Cans
Tin Can Crafts for Home Decor
DIY Farmhouse Decor – Quick Upcycle Project

I hope you enjoyed this post and are inspired to create your own decor using tin cans!

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