I had some cans laying around and rather than recycle them I wanted to reuse them. I created 4 different ways to use them as planters.
We will use a couple different cans, decorating techniques, etc so you can personalize for you.
The first is a large canned chicken can.
First coat the can with Mod Podge, then place on top either a picture from a magazine, newspaper, page from a book, etc. Coat another layer of Mod Podge on top and let dry completely.
Grab a real or fake succulent and some dollar store rocks.
Place your succulent in your can and place the dollar store rocks around it.
Option 2 –
Use a can as a seed starter or as a herb planter. Use string, twine, etc to tie a key chain label around the can to list what you have planted.
Great for inside or growing until it’s ready to be transplanted outside when the weather is warm.
Option 3 –
Decorate your can – I used burlap ribbon and heart stickers. The possibilities are endless here with what you can decorate your can with.
Plant real flowers in your can, fake flowers, or use it as a vase for picked flowers.
Option 4 – great for kids!
Print out a picture of your child’s head. Make sure to cut off the top of their head in the picture… (why comes in the next step) Mod Podge the photo onto the can and let dry. Once it’s dry cover the photo with contact paper to protect it.
Plant birdseed or grass seed in the can and let it grow. Kids can trim funny hair cuts, and create like the old Chia Pets (remember those?).
Hi Chas, these are all so simple and inexpensive to create, anyone can make them. I really love the can idea for seeds. You could even use them to start garden plants early.
Thank you Leanna and you are so right – growing to give as gifts for teachers, early prep for garden, etc. Your project is amazing as well – always a joy to see what you create.
Neat idea
Thank you Faith
I have at least a dozen old tin cans left out in the barn. My Grandma used them for everything she could think of and I’ve been looking for a re purpose for them! This is such a great idea!
Oh my gosh Tarah – mine too! Our farming grandparents were so good about recycling before it was a thing to do. Loved your garden beds and can’t wait to see what you grow.
How FUN! Boy do I remember chia pets . . . All easy and cute options. Love tin can crafts. Thanks for sharing. ?❤?
Thank you so much Naomie and I’m glad you remember Chia Pets too 😉 Sending hugs to you.
I have many house plants and love this idea, the first one is especially pretty with the floral design.
Thank you Leslie, and I’m so pleased you like the ideas.
This is so cool Chas! I love how versatile it is. What a great way to recycle!
Thank you so much Michelle and love your post as well – love vintage stuff!
I love crafts like this that take an item you would throw away and turn it into something you’d keep and display in your home. Thanks for sharing this awesome craft with us at #omhgww!
Thank you so very much Alice. Love repurposing and upcycling, and taking something old and making it new and loved again.
This is such a lovely idea! I love all of the different ways you can make them special! And they sure would make wonderful gifts!
Thank you so much Sam and gifts are a great idea – with Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Teacher Appreciation, all around this time of year. Love your project, it turned out so lovely!
These are great ideas. So simple to do but very effective. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Christine.
Such great ideas. Would make great gifts. So cute.
Thank you Pamela and you are so right with all the celebrations this time of year and planting going on.
I love this idea! The succulent one is my favourite 🙂
Thank you and thanks for sharing your favorite Sarah 🙂
Oh I love this post! We travel with hubby’s job and live in our 5th wheel camper 99% of the time and have very little room for house plants. But you have given me some ideas! thanks! Found you at the Encouraging Heart & Home party.
Thank you so much Sylvia, and I’m thrilled you have some inspiration for your home on the go 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I live the Chia Head can idea with your son’s photo. #trafficjamweekend
Thank you so very much Antionette, the kids had a great time with that one.
Great ideas here for turning tin food cans into adorable planters! Love the one with the burlap and hearts especially.
Thank you so much Marie, and thanks for sharing your favorite 🙂
Great ideas here! I’d like to invite you to bring this post and more over to my new UNLIMITED Monthly Link Party!
Thank you Dee and thanks for the invite, I’ll be sure to check it out.
Thank you for sharing at #OverTheMoon. Pinned and shared.
Thanks Marilyn, I truly appreciate it.
do you put any drainage holes in the cans if you are planting real plants?
You can either put drainage holes in it, or you can add some rocks to the bottom to lift the roots. Overall, I just make sure to only put as much water in as the plant needs. Usually, that’s very little.
Thank you.