Searching what to do with empty tin cans? We have just the project to share with you today the next time you ask yourself what can I do with empty tin cans.
Craft projects using tin cans have been around for a long time, but when you ask yourself how to reuse tin cans at home, you may be stymied. Well, I can tell you upcycling those wonderful cans of tin are my favorite pastime.
Seriously, it is! After today's post, I am hoping you will find joy in it too.
Okay, a million is stretching it, but you really do not need a lot of supplies or money to create a home you love. Although I appreciate your purchases through our affiliate links from the bottom of my heart (it's how I can keep purchasing supplies for our DIY projects to share with you), I hope you find value when you visit me each week too.
If you have been reading along with us for any length of time, then you know I am cheap frugal. I also love recycling because those landfills keep getting filled up, and why not lessen the load?
Recycling and upcycling everything I can get my hands on has become very important to me. My hope is that I make a difference, no matter how small it may be, and encourage others to think outside the box before you go shopping for home decor. Give that trash a second chance!
What to do with Empty Tin Cans
Ta da, you have a new pencil holder, paint brush holder, planter, make up holder, toothbrush holder, candle holder, need I go on?
Now, we all know I love a good tin can project, and today is no different. We have shared so many over the years, but this one?
I kind of love it.
So, if you are in the same mind set that decorating your home doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, then join me today in transforming a simple tin can into something I plan to keep around for years to come.
Taking a little detour, imagine that!
My husband and I belong to various old house groups on Facebook. Occasionally, we see old post cards, advertisements, and what-not shared in these groups so when he showed me a hotel built in 1924 in Columbus, Ohio, I asked can you send that pic to me?
I knew right at that moment what I would do with this post card photo. I have a love of coming up with new uses for tin cans around our home.
If you would like to read more about the affluence Hotel Fort Hayes located in Columbus, Ohio, was known for, click the link. In my mind and judging by a few photos, I thought along the lines of Titanic decor and was saddened to learn what this great hotel was replaced with years later.
So, with a bit of local history, my trusty tin can stash, and just a few other crafting supplies, I got right to work on my lovely new upcycle tin cans project. Why yes, I do think of tin cans as little pieces of art, and hopefully you will too when we are through.
What to do with Empty Tin Cans
Materials:
- Tin Can
- Paint
- Sponge Brush or Chip Brush
- Bronze Rub-n-Buff
- Photo of your choice, post card, black and white photo, whatever your heart desires
- Elmer Glue Stick
- Mod Podge
Instructions:
- Clean tin can, I clean mine out, and then place them in the dishwasher to be sure they have been adequately sanitized
- Paint empty tin can, I used Waverly Chalk Paint in the color Ivory
- Allow to fully dry, then apply a second coat
- Once fully dry, begin to brush on bronze rub-n-buff around the top lip of the can, and along the bottom of the can, you can use your finger or a small paint brush (my finger worked best), continue around the ribs of the can for your desired look
- Apply rub n buff along the edges of the image
- Apply Elmer Glue Stick to the back of the print, ensuring to cover the edges and all along the sides for optimal coverage, I like to use the purple Elmer's School Glue Stick so I can see where I have applied the glue
- Press the image into the grooves of the tin can, I prefer that look, if it's not your thing, then skip this step and only apply the image to the can
- Dab Mod Podge all over can, including the image to protect the paint, and image, once this is set up, no need to worry your image will be be disturbed in case it gets wet. You will want to apply two applications of Mod Podge to the can.
The best part?
Remember that arm and leg we spoke of earlier? You didn't even need to sell off limbs to make these cool tin can ideas for your home. I am betting you may already have the supplies on hand too.
In fact, I loved this tin can so much, I decided to make even more tin cans covered with vintage images. Once you begin, it is kind of difficult to stop, or at least that has been the case for me.
Will you be saving those tin cans from the landfill now and creating unusual home decor for your home? I sure hope so!
P.S. It's kind of funny when you begin having a photo shoot with tin cans, huh? 🤣
Don't Forget to Pin for Later!
Ciao,
Cara
This is such a lovely idea! I like the look of pictures like this and finding new ways to display them. This project turned out really well, and has some nice, versatile uses for the cans.
ReplyDeleteThank you Molly, I enjoy finding new ways to display certain items in our home, especially when it comes to pictures. Frames are so standard, and the tin cans are a fun twist.
DeleteTin cans have never looked so good! I think this is such a fun idea and I adore how vintage the cans look now! That Rub-n-buff worked perfect! I can think of so many uses for these!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna, I keep thinking of ways to use them too, so I keep making them. I have our vitamin C sticks in one, and my make-up brushes in another, and the last one found a home in our bedroom. There is just so much to do with them. I do love landmarks from local locations too, and sometimes a picture doesn't really go with my space, but a tin can? So small, and the hotel is in our bedroom now hanging out. Love it!
DeleteI absolutely love, love these Cara! You did such a perfect job of aging the cans first and they look absolutely fabulous with the vintage images. You have inspired me friend! XO- MaryJo
ReplyDeleteThese are just lovely! I don't have a lot of cans, but every time I get my hands on one I hold onto it thinking I could make something with it...and then I never do. I'm pinning your idea so the next time I get a can, I know! How do you like the Waverly paint? I've never tried it, but I'm running out of my Dixie Belle and wanted to try something less expensive and easily available. You'll have to let me know!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, I do love working with tin cans! My doctor recommended black beans, and so we have been consuming them quite often so I have a never ending supply of cans. I even have friends and family giving them to me. I love the Waverly chalk paint. I did not know what all the commotion was when it came to chalk paint so I decided to try theirs, and I have to say, I am not buying regular craft paint anymore. The coverage alone is excellent, now, I have not tried other chalk paints, so there could be better out there. I just know what I have worked with, I have ordered several different colors, and have not been disappointed with any of them. I would recommend it.
Delete