Turn Empty Sardine Cans Into Indoor And Outdoor Hanging Decor You Will Love

Something's fishy about home decor these days ... the prices are high, and mass-produced options lack personality. That's why we DIY, sometimes with items that seem far from being decorative. Take sardine cans, for example. Tinned fish is trending and has our seal of approval, and not just for the health benefits. No matter what your feelings are about the pungent fish inside, the cans make a cute container for a decorative mini scene. That's just what Jazzy, the creator behind JH Photomum, did with an empty can. She created little shelves inside using craft sticks and decorated them with mini pumpkins, a lamp, and other tiny trinkets. The result is a charming hanging decor piece that adds personality to your space or outdoor area.

Sardine cans are typically easy to recycle, but upcycling them into hanging decor is another sustainable option. The metal construction makes the tins durable, so they'll hold up well. And the shape of the can creates a framing effect for the scene you build inside it. Since the metal can is also lightweight, you can hang the finished design easily.

The size limits what you can put inside your mini scene, but you can get creative by using air-dry clay to shape your own three-dimensional accents. Dollhouse decorations may also fit. Have glue on hand to attach the accents. If you plan to hang the display outdoors, use a sealer to protect materials from the weather.

Wash the sardine can well in warm, soapy water to remove any remaining product or residue. The edges of the sardine can might be sharp, so wash it carefully and handle it with care. Use pliers to crimp down any sharp areas, if needed.  A coat of spray paint on the inside and outside gives you a fresh canvas for your designs. You can also decoupage an image or patterned paper on the inside of the can as a backdrop.

To add shelves, cut craft sticks or thin, narrow slats of scrap wood to the width of the sardine can. Leave them plain, stain them, or paint the wood. Then, glue them inside the can. Add decorations on the shelves, whether you use trinkets or mold the pieces from clay. Glue them in place to keep the decorations from falling. Spray a layer of sealant over the piece if you're hanging it outdoors, especially if it's in an exposed area. Then, add a string, piece of twine, or ribbon as a hanger. You can punch holes along the top or glue the hanger around the edge of the can to add a decorative touch.

Since a single sardine can is small, you can glue multiple cans together and create vignettes in each one if you want a larger piece. Or, hang multiple cans next to each other. For an outdoor display, decorate each can with a number from your street address and hang them in order. Love to upcycle? Try clever ways to repurpose cans to create small planters or luminaries. Or, try reusing an old container lid for DIY hanging decor.