I love the creative and functional possibilities of a simple tin can. If you’ve ever visited me at Blissful Roots, you probably have seen a few of my DIY recycled can projects. I’ve made them for every day occasions (office supplies) and holidays (Valentine’s Day, 4th of July). I realized this year I haven’t made a set of Christmas cans in quite awhile, so it was time to get busy.
I don’t know about you, but I use a lot of canned items this time of year, and I used to just toss them in the garbage. Well, not any more! I always love making junk into something extra special. Most times I don’t even have to spend a penny to make these, and you don’t have to either. Next time you make dinner and open a can simply take off the label and wash it out. Then use what you have around your house to transform it. Scrap paper, wrapping paper, fabric, or any kind of paper you have lying around will work. Then gather a few embellishments, (stickers, rosettes, ribbons, flowers, lettering, etc…) and let the creativity begin.
You really can’t go wrong with this project, but I do have a few tips that might make the process a bit smoother, and produce quality results.
TIP ONE
I always like to use cans with a rim on the top and bottom. You don’t have to, but I just really like the finished look the rims give the can. The rims also provide the perfect guide for gluing on any ribbon or embellishments along the top and bottom.
TIP TWO
Don’t forget to line the inside of your can. Just like tip two, not necessary, but it adds another pop of color and makes the can look more polished.
TIP THREE
I just use clear tape to adhere my paper to the back of the can (if you’re using fabric you’ll probably want to use a fabric glue). The tape disappears and provided a nice flat finish. I’ve tried hot glue, and it works, but it sometimes gets clumpy and bumpy under the paper. Just my personal preference. I do add a dot of hot glue to any ribbon or embellishments I use.
TIP FOUR
Use a variety of can sizes. I like to group my cans, and having different sizes always looks nice. Plus, the different sizes can be used for different items. I’ve gotten to the point where I keep my eye our for unique can sizes at the grocery store just so I can use them on projects like this once I’ve used the content of the can.
TIP FIVE
I’ve tried using the cans that don’t require a can opener (the ones that have the pop top), thinking they would provide a nice clean finish to the inside of the can. Those cans do just that, but the edge is really sharp! I stick to the old fashioned cans that require a can opener. Sometimes after you’ve taken the lid completely off, there is a little bit of tin that sticks up. I just use pliers to twist it off and flatten it so there isn’t a sharp point inside the can.
I think that’s just about it. This project is so fun, simple, inexpensive (even free sometimes) and adds the perfect holiday touch to your home. I like to use these for entertaining. They’re the perfect addition to your Christmas buffet for storing napkins, straws, utensils, candy, and anything else. They also make excellent pen/pencil cans.
Thanks so much for letting me take a bit of your time today. I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, and an exciting New Year!
Brooke thank you SO much for sharing your beautiful and thrifty project with us!
I am all about crafting for a song, and you ROCKED these upcycled cans, adore!!
I am all about crafting for a song, and you ROCKED these upcycled cans, adore!!
One Response
Great idea and tips! Thanks for sharing.:)
Sonia