Trash to Treasure Tin Can

As a crafter, if you're like me, I have lots of bags full of tin cans that I rescued from the trash! It's gotten to the point that whenever the hubs comes across a tin can, he knows to ask me if I want to keep it. And he knows I'm going to say yes, so why does he bother to ask me, lol! There are so many things you can do with tin cans - like using them in home decor, or containers for sweets or supplies, vases, planters, etc. - the possibilities are just about unlimited! And a tin can is one of my favorite crafting items, too!  I can always find something new or different to make with a tin can! 

Hello and welcome to our Creative Craft Hop hosted this month by Donna @ Modern on Monticello! We are delighted to have two hosts - Donna and and Sara @Birdz of a Feather! They each take turns hosting every other month! Thank you ladies for hosting this awesome Creative Craft Hop! 

If you're coming over from Jenna @The Painted Apron, I know you loved her pumpkin made with household items! Jenna always amazes me with her lovely creations! At the end of my post I'll tell you the next stop on this hop! But be sure to visit all of the creative crafters who joined this month for some amazing inspirations! 

Today I'm sharing a fun way to upcycle a tin can into something I think is quite beautiful and useful! 

Materials Used:

• Tin can
• Wrapping paper
• Measuring tape/yard stick
• Mod Podge Matte
• Parchment paper
• Paint brush
• Quick Hold glue
• Masking tape
• Wood round - 4"
• Sticker beads (Dollar Tree)
• Thin foam sheet (3mm)
• Ziplock plastic bag (large)
• Scanner/Printer
• Heat source (hot plate/iron)
• Foam pad
• Ball stylus
• Seed beads

Disclosure I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, this post may contain links. I may receive a very small commission at no cost to you! The affiliate money I earn helps pay my crafting expenses. Thanks so much for your support!

How To:

To start, wash and clean the tin can with a dish detergent like Dawn removing any labels, glue, oils, dust or dirt. I must say right off that I have no idea what was in this tin can before I rescued it out of my storage bag. I had already removed the label and it was basically clean and ready to be transformed! Yay!

Next, measure the height and diameter (around) of the tin can. (13"x6") and cut out one piece of the loopy chain pattern paper and two pieces of the floral pattern paper in those measurements. 

Lay the loopy chain pattern paper on the can where the metal comes together and begin gluing it on - adding glue in increments, attaching the paper and smoothing it out between the rims.

My measurement included the rims of the can - that's why the paper is folded at one end. Continue adding glue and applying the paper until .  .  .

the can is completely covered with the first paper.

Then glue the two pieces of floral paper (wrong sides) together. Let glue and paper dry. Place floral paper down on work surface  and lay the seam of the can on the center of the floral paper. 

Begin gluing on the floral paper around the can. One side at a time - stopping about three quarters of the way around the can. At this point you want to give the floral paper ends an "open lapel" effect. So gently glue a quarter of the bottom paper together leaving the top and midway down of the paper open. Add a piece of masking tape after gluing the bottom of the paper closed (see photo). Open the top of the paper, rolling each side of the paper back, like a lapel. Let the glue dry. Remove the masking tape after the paper is sealed. 

For the top, cut out a large enough circle of floral paper so the ends will overlap the edges of the wood.

Add glue to the bottom of the wood piece and .  .  .

secure to the floral paper circle. Cut slits in paper to fold up and cover the wood sides .  .  .

smoothing the paper down and over the edge.

Once the paper is smoothed over the edge and top of the wood circle, glue on a floral paper circle the same size as the top wood circle to cover the entire wood circle. 

The decorative look of the tin can is beginning to come together!

I found adhesive bead stickers from the Dollar Tree in my stash and added them to the top and bottom rims of the can.

Unfortunately, the adhesive on the stickers is not very strong - so I had to add more glue to ones that would move or fall off. 

But, I'm still loving the look that they give! Especially since the purple color blends in so well with the floral paper.

To add dimensional flowers to the tin can, scan a purple flower from the floral paper and copy it to Word where you can enlarge the size.

Then brush on a layer of Mod Podge to a sheet of foam paper and .  .  .

 place copies of the flower on the mod podged foam sheet. 

 Use a cut opened large ziplock bag to smooth the paper flowers out and

let dry!

Once dry, cut the individual flowers out.

gluing on extra petals where the petals are covered with gold on the paper.

Heat on a griddle or iron for a few seconds to let the paper and foam petals curl.

Then place the flower on thick foam and use a ball stylus to press down the center of the flower to give it additional dimension and curvature.

Once satisfied with the curvature of the flower .  .  .

 add Fabri-Tac glue to the center (pistil) of the flower and ,  ,  ,

add seed beads to the glue. Make sure you squeeze them together and press down for added dimension. Once dry, paint on Mod Podge to seal the seed beads.  

Let dry.

Attach one flower to the top using glue and one just below the opening for a gorgeous treasured look!

I'm loving this look and hope you do, too!

Just gorgeous with faux flowers or anything else you might think of!

Up next is Donna @ Modern on Monticello and one of our awesome hosts sharing her fabulous Easy DIY Beaded Wind Chime!

Be sure to check out all of the talented bloggers sharing their awesome creations below:   

Make a Pumpkin with Household Items

Trash To Treasure Tin Can

Easy DIY Beaded Wind Chime

How to Make Easy Leaf-Inspired Air Dry Clay Coasters

Easy Paint by Numbers

DIY Brown Paper Maple Leaf Garland

Vintage Spice Bottle Wreath Upcycle