How To Make Amazing Tin Can Thanksgiving Vases

When I was working on the patriotic fireworks display a few weeks ago, some tin cans with vintage patriotic graphics caught my eye on Pinterest.  I think those are so clever!  Some of those are selling for ten dollars each!  Those gave me the idea for this inexpensive tin can Thanksgiving vase.

The craft stores have aluminum cans you can buy for $4.00 each!  You can buy those, but I’ll just use cans as we empty them…

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Supplies Needed for the Tin Can Thanksgiving Vases

1.  Safe Cut Can Opener

Before you begin this craft, you will want to have a can opener that leaves a smooth edge on the cans.  You don’t want to have to worry about cutting yourself or someone else on sharp edges.  I ordered this inexpensive one on Amazon.

 

If you plan to use cans like these chili cans with the pull-tab lids, you won’t need the safe cut can opener. 

 

2.  Clean Empty Tin Cans

Choose whatever size and as many as you like!  Be sure to wash well and dry thoroughly.

We use this Gold Star chili to make chili dip.  Have you ever had it?  It is addictive.  Just spread an 8-ounce block of cream cheese in the bottom of a casserole dish.  Pour the chili on top and cover with grated cheddar cheese.  Pop it in a 350° oven for 20 - 30 minutes until the cheddar cheese is completely melted.  Serve with tortilla chips.  The kids ask for this all of the time.

 

3. Thanksgiving Graphics

You can find all kinds of Thanksgiving graphics on Pinterest.  The Graphics Fairy is a great place to find them. 

4.  Clear Spray Coating

Before and after gluing the graphics to the tin cans, use Krylon Gallery Series Artist and Clear Coatings Aerosol, or Rust-Oleum Clear Durable Topcoat.

 

5.  Spray Paint in Fall Colors

I used the Crimson Red Spray Paint byRust-Oleum Paint and Primer in One.   This type of Rust-Oleum paint is my favorite!  You can even turn the can upside down and it sprays.  It’s easy to use and covers well.

 

6.  Scissors or A Paper Cutter

Directions for Tin Can Thanksgiving Vases

Prepare and Paint the Tin Can

Open a can with a safe cut can opener or open with a tab top.  Empty, wash, and dry the tin cans thoroughly.

Next, lay a piece of cardboard or a shallow cardboard box in the grass outside.  You don’t want to be spraying this inside the house!  Place the tin can upside down and spray a coat of paint.  It’s best to spray several light coats instead of a heavy coat.  Just spray lightly, turn the cardboard and spray the other side.  Walk away.  Let the can dry for several minutes.

Go back and spray another light coat over the can.  Walk away and let it dry.  Repeat until the can is covered nicely.  Then, allow it to dry completely.  This crimson color is soooo pretty!

I also bought the Matte Burlap and had planned to buy the Espresso Brown, but we already have the flat Soft Iron Metallic paint.  Those three should look pretty nice together.

 

 

 

Preparing and Gluing the Vintage Pictures to The Tin Can

Print the graphics.  For this particular can, I printed the pictures to measure 2-3/8-inches wide x 3-3/4-inches tall.  The width is not as important as the height.  Some of these graphics are 2-1/4 – inches wide.  You will want to print graphics considering the size of the cans you choose.

After printing, use the clear coat spray to give the pictures two light coats.  This will help protect your pictures as you glue them to the can.

Next, cut out the pictures with scissors, if you have to, or better yet, with a paper cutter.  I left a slight border around each of these.

Then, using a brush, apply Mod Podge or glue thinned with a little water, to the back of the picture.

Place the printed vintage card on the painted can, glue side down.  Smooth with your fingers.  Be sure the edges and corners are glued down securely. 

Glue another graphic on the opposite side of the can, if you like.  I did.  That way, it doesn’t matter which way you face the can, there’s a lovely vintage image.

Give the glue a few minutes to dry.  Then, spray a couple more coats of the clear protectant over both of the pictures glued to the can.  Aren’t these cute?

Add Jute Twine to the Tin Can Thanksgiving Vases

As a finishing touch, tie a piece of jute twine around the top of the can and make a bow.  Just imagine these decorative tins cans filled with fall mums displayed on your Thanksgiving table!

You can use them to store pencils, paintbrushes, and a multitude of other items, but I plan to use them for our Thanksgiving tablescape.  I’ll be making more Thanksgiving tin cans but you can make these for every holiday!  

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