Trash to Treasure - More Craft Ideas for Tin Cans

Who doesn’t love crafts made from recycled tin cans? We’re always on the lookout for new ideas for tin can projects. This charming, vintage-style upcycled tin can craft is simple to create by following the instructions in this post.

The inspiration for this decorative tin can comes from a pin on Pinterest.

Trash to Treasure - More Craft Ideas for Tin Cans. — Trash to Treasure – More Craft Ideas for Tin Cans.

Supplies Needed for the Decorative Tin Can

1. Safe Cut Can Opener

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

Use a safe cut can opener or pull-tab lid cans.

If you plan to use cans like these chili cans with 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.

3. Rust-Oleum Textured Desert Bisque Spray Paint

4. Ranger Multi Medium Matte – This blue can be used for paper, metal, glass, plastic, fabric, and more. This medium dries clear and waterproof.

5. Valentine Graphics – You can find all kinds of vintage graphics on Pinterest. The Graphics Fairy is a great place to find and download free graphics. That’s where I found this vintage Valentine graphic.

Vintage Valentine

Copy of cursive writing.

I downloaded it, and on PicMonkey, added a rectangle to each side of the graphic. When it is printed, it’s long enough to wrap around the can.

The cursive writing page is from a paper pad. I made a copy on regular printing paper because the paper stock was heavier than I wanted.

6. Paper cutter or Scissors

7. Printed cursive writing or old book page

8. 1-inch Flat paintbrush

9. Piece of old crochet lace

10. Tiny dried roses – these dried rose buds are from my miniature rose bushes.

11. Spray bottle with water in it

12. Tim Holtz Distress Ink Oxide Spray – Antique Linen and Walnut Stain

13. Tim Holtz Distress Oxide Ink Pads – Antique Linen, Walnut Stain, and Vintage Photo

Directions for a Decorative Tin Can

Prepare and Paint the Tin Can

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

This time, I used Rust-Oleum Textured Desert Bisque Spray Paint.

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 outside of the can is covered nicely. Then, allow it to dry completely.

Adhere the Valentine Graphic to the Can

Adhere the Valentine graphic to the side of the tin can with Multi Medium Matte glue. First, I applied some of the multi-medium to one end of the paper with the little girl graphic.

Then, place the glued end on the side of the can. Wrap the paper around the can ensuring the ends line up nicely.

Apply a strip of matte medium to one end of the printed paper strip.

Press the paper onto the side of the can.

I found that applying the multi-medium matte directly to the can with a paintbrush versus to the paper seems to work best. Just apply glue to the can in about a 2-inch strip, and smooth the paper down into the glue and onto the can.

Apply a strip of glue to the can.

Paint the matte medium over the graphic.

Once the entire paper is attached to the can, apply a coat of the medium over just the little girl graphic.

Let it dry.

Preparing the Cursive Writing Paper

Tear off a little of the paper edges at the top and bottom of the paper strip.

Tear off a little of the paper on the top and bottom edges.

Spray the edges with Distress Oxide Spray.

Gluing the Second Layer

Cut the cursive writing paper to fit over and cover the graphic layer. As an alternative, use an old torn book page to glue on top of the vintage graphic.

Use a flat paintbrush to apply multi-medium matte glue to a one-inch strip along the seam of the first paper layer already glued to the can. At this point, I placed a piece of painter’s tape at the top of the can over the center of the graphic, making it easier to know where to spray the water.

Lay the cursive writing layer on top of the seam from the first layer.

Mark the center of the graphic with a piece of painter’s tape on the inside of the can.

Continue gluing the cursive layer onto the can.

Continue gluing until the first layer is covered.

Spray water onto the cursive layer and rub the paper gently

Revealing the Valentine Graphic

Then, quickly spray water onto the cursive sheet. Next, rub gently with your finger to remove the top layer of paper. Rub and remove the top paper until you reveal the image in the vintage graphic.

Reveal the graphic beneath.

Use Tim Holtz ink pads to age the paper edges.

Let it dry.

Use Tim Holtz ink pads to distress and age the paper edges you’ve rolled back. I used Walnut Stain, Vintage Photo, and Antique Linen.

Craft Ideas for Tin Cans – Embellishments

Before getting to the embellishments, notice the can opening in the picture below. This is how using the safe-cut can opener leaves the can. You can also see the textured paint around the rim and the bottom.

Cut and glue a small piece of crocheted lace under the revealed graphic. Tuck tiny dried roses into the lace and adhere with a glue gun.

There are numerous uses for these little recycled tin cans. Because I haven’t added paper to the inside of this one, it is perfect for a little floral bouquet.

With their rustic charm and eco-friendly appeal, they serve as a delightful centerpiece that can brighten any room. Craft ideas for tin cans can add a touch of whimsy to your décor. Additionally, you might consider using these as a quirky pen holder on your desk or a small planter for herbs on your kitchen windowsill. Their versatility makes them a wonderful addition to any home, proving that even the simplest items can have beautiful and functional uses.