Spring is around the corner and that means it is time to start thinking about outdoor decor and flowers!  Every year I always feel like I need to buy new things to spruce up the yard.  This year, I am working on doing some DIY and upcycling things that we already have around the house.  As luck would have it,  it is time for our monthly Sustainable Craft Challenge Blog Hop so I decided to try my hand at making upcycled tin can planters.

Each month Julie from Sum of Their Stories gives us a theme and challenges us to create a sustainable craft to share.  This month our theme is rainbows.  I thought on this one for quite awhile and then decided to get crafty with tin cans…..so here we go!

What you will need ~

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There are a lot of items in this list that are optional.  They are noted as optional.  This project has so many fun variations available so I included all the items I used on at least one if not all of the cans.

• Tin cans of any size
• ModPodge 
  
  
  
  
• Paint (color of your choice) *Typically white or brown.  For this project I used both colors.
• Printed images, napkins, old cards, etc.
• Foam paint brushes 
  
  
  
  
• Bristle paint brushes
• Plyers
• Embellishments (*optional)
• Hot glue gun (*optional ~ if adding embellishments)
• Spice or dirt (*optional)
• Wire or string/jute (*optional)

Instructions for Upcycled Tin Can Planters ~

1. Peel and label and glue off of the tin cans.  Clean the can.
2. Using plyers, squeeze all the way around the top of the can to push the sharp edges down.
3. Pierce both sides of the can at the top for a wire/ribbon hanger. *This is optional
4. Paint the entire surface of the can.  You may need to use extra coats depending on the color you choose.
5. Let dry completely.
6. Get your images ready.  For this project, I created my images and wording on canva.  By tearing the image out carefully, it gives a more rugged/rustic look, however, you can cut them out if you prefer.  Keep in mind, this is totally your project so make it “your style.”  You can add phrases or not.  There are some cute phrases added at the bottom of this post. 
7. Using a foam brush, add a thin layer of ModPodge to the area where you will be applying the image.
8. Carefully adhere the image to the wet ModPodge and smooth as you go.
9. Next you will put 2 to 4 more layers of ModPodge over the entire can, waiting for each layer to dry before applying the next.  If you look closely here, you can see I have more coats to help adhere the edges toward the bottom. 
10. Add wire/ribbon through the holes to create a hanger.  You can embellish this with beads or baubles if you choose to.  *This step is optional.
11. Using brown pain, lightly brush the paint along the top, bottom and sporadically on the can.  While it is still wet, sprinkle paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper or a spice of the “rust” color.  This will give the can a rusted look.  You can also sprinkle dirt in the paint.  This picture shows the cayenne partially sprinkled on the wet paint to give a better look at how to do it. 
12. Cut the top half of a plastic watter bottle and place in tin can with the drinking spigot facing the bottom of the can.  *This is an optional step, however, it gives some drainage for the plant which will help it to grow and thrive.
13. Layer some pea gravel and dirt in the water bottle.
14. Put your plant of choice in and voila….you have a beautiful new planter!

Optional Embellishments ~

There are SO many fun embellishments you can add to jazz up your planter.  I am listing some ideas below:

• Add an additional layer of ModPodge to your finished project and then roll in beads, dirt (Yes, dirt….gives it a rustic look), glitter, colorful spices, etc.
• Use wooden balls to the bottom of the can to make a footed planter.
• Tie jute or ribbon around the top with a little bow.
• Adhere Mason jar rings to the top, bottom or both.  If you are going for a more rustic look, you can use rusty rings.
• Flatten the bottom of the can and fold up slightly to get a flatter planter vs. the round can.

Sustainable Craft Challenge Group ~

If you have been following me very long, you know I am part of a group of artsy crafters.  As stated earlier, Terri gives us a theme each month to create a fun DIY project using at least one sustainable item.  You have already read about mine and now here are my friends’ beautiful rainbow crafts.  A link is provided in green for you to view what they have created this month.

Julie from Sum of Their Stories created a  Paper Rainbow Ring Binder

Christine from Christine’s crafts shows how to make Easy Rainbow Brooches

Gail from Purple Hues & Me is displaying Upcycled Plastic Bottle Rainbow Flowers

T’onna from Sew Crafty Crochet has made a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Scarf

Terri from Our Good Life is sharing her Easy Rainbow Hearts Tote

Allyson from Southern Sunflowers has made DIY Rainbow Wall Art Using Inspirational Quotes

Planter Quotes/Sayings ~

• Grow With Grace
• I Wet My Plants
• Feed Me & Tell Me I’m Pretty
• You Grow Girl
• Plants Are My Soil Mates
• I’m Rooting For You
• Let Love Grow
• Crazy Plant Lady
• Give Me The Dirt
• You Make Me Wanna Sprout
• Bloom Where You Are Planted
• To Plant a Garden Is To Believe In Tomorrow
• Botany Plants Lately?
• Be Nice Or Leaf

This was such a fun DIY project to do.  I know I will be making many more of these with all kinds of themes and looks.  They are perfect to keep or to gift!  I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out….send pics in the comments below!  Believe me….you will have tons of fun with these!

Happy Crafting ~

Mimi

The post Upcycled Tin Can Planters appeared first on MiMi-a great name for grandma.

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Shelly Latinovich Blogger