In this easy tutorial, I will help you to make the cutest Recycled Tin Can Planter ever! Turn a regular tin can into a beautiful plant pot rescuing materials that could have been trash.
This tutorial is perfect for those who want to add some greenery to their surroundings while also doing their bit for the environment by reducing waste. Just follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a lovely pot in no time!
I’ve loved recycling since I was a little girl.
I remember being in my mother’s Kinder Garden office, using all the craft tools and materials to turn everything I could get my hands on into beautiful reproduced objects.
And, of course, I am still doing it 28+ years later! Today I am going to show you how I turned my old clothes scraps and an old food tin into this gorgeous planter.
In this tutorial, we will focus on the concept of repurposing and upcycling to create a unique and eco-friendly plant pot.
The idea is to inspire you to think creatively and utilize discarded materials, such as old clothes and scraps, to breathe new life into objects like recycled tin cans.
By following the step-by-step tutorial, you will learn how to transform a simple tin can into a stylish planter that adds a touch of greenery and color to your living space.
Say goodbye to boring store-bought pots and hello to a DIY adventure that showcases your creativity while saving the planet. Get ready to rock the sustainable lifestyle and create something truly one-of-a-kind!
What are Clothes Scraps? What I Used for This Project.
I am actually not sure if this is even a concept. But for a person that enjoys repurposing almost everything, like me, this term is pretty common.
Whenever I find a garment that is too old and damaged to continue being worn, I take out my scissors and try to salvage as much material as possible from it.
I am talking about buttons, zippers, appliques, and of course, the garment’s fabric.
Sometimes I simply make cleaning rags out of the old clothes. But other days, I like to make crumb quilts, scrap fabric twine, and other cool DIY projects, like today.
I dabbled myself as to where I should tell you all what these scrap fabrics are because it is truly laughable.
Well, I finally decided that we could laugh together anyways…
These cute strips of fabric are the bias leftovers of old panties!
So yeah, I had a couple of panties that were too old to wear anymore. And the only salvable part was the finishing bias tape of the leg openings.
What I did here was simply cut very near the tape to remove the strips from the panties.
Recycled Tin Can Planter Tips:
Before we dive into the tutorial, here are a few tips to keep in mind when working with recycled tin cans:
- Clean and sanitize the can: Ensure the tin can is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before starting your project. Remove any labels, wash the can with warm soapy water, and let it dry completely.
- Be cautious of sharp edges: The edges of tin cans can be sharp, so exercise caution when handling them. Sanding the edges lightly can help remove any sharpness.
- Use non-toxic materials: When decorating your tin can, opt for non-toxic materials such as fabric, paint, or ribbon. This ensures the safety of both your plants and yourself.
- Consider the size: Choose a tin can that is appropriate in size and depth, depending on the type of plant you wish to place in the pot. Ensure it provides enough space for the plant’s roots to grow.
DIY Recycled Tin Can Planter
Now let’s get into the step-by-step process of creating your very own recycled tin can plant pot:
1. Gather your materials
- A clean and dry tin can
- Old clothes biases or fabric strips of different colors
- Scissors
- Hot Glue (fabric glue or a strong adhesive)
- Fabric Scissors
2. Prepare the tin can
Say farewell to those labels and stubborn adhesive residue on the tin can. Give it a good scrub with warm soapy water, ensuring every nook gets clean. Rinse it off and then leave it outside in the air until it’s completely dry.
3. Cut the fabric strips
Cut your old clothes biases/hems/finishes or make fabric strips into pieces that are long enough to wrap around the tin can. The width of the strips can vary according to your preference.
In my case, as I shyly admitted above, I used the bias tape edges of some old pairs of panties. And yes, of course, I washed them before making this craft.
4. Apply glue to the tin can
Apply a thin layer of glue to a small section of the tin can, starting from the top or bottom.
I recommend you use hot glue. It makes a perfect adhesion between the fabric and the tin can.
5. Attach the fabric strip
Place one end of the fabric strip onto the glued section of the can and press it firmly to ensure it adheres properly.
Wrap the fabric strip around the tin can, applying more glue as needed until you reach the end of the strip.
Cut the excess (if any) of the strip with your fabric scissors so it can meet the other end.
6. Repeat the process
Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the remaining fabric strips, layering them one after another. You can alternate colors or create a pattern like I did here.
Don’t be afraid of being creative. You can add more embellishments like ribbon, paint, studs, or any other notion your heart desires!
7. Finish and let dry your Recycled Tin Can Planter
Once you have covered, the entire can with fabric strips, press them gently to ensure they are firmly attached.
If you use cold glue, allow it to dry completely before using your recycled tin can as a plant pot or for other decorative purposes.
And that’s it! You have successfully turned two “trash” items into a gorgeous DIY Home Decor element.
I am so proud of you! By transforming a plain ol’ tin can into a Recycled Tin Can Planter, you are doing your part to save the planet, one repurposed item at a time.
Not only that, but you are also unleashing your inner creative genius and adding a dash of personality to your living space with a custom-made plant pot decor that’s as unique as we are.
Did you like this project? Please let me know in the comments or by sharing this cool tutorial on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest. Tag me as @mygoldenthimble.
Happy Crafting!
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