Cover An Old Can In Clothespins For This Charming Coastal-Inspired DIY

Bringing the laid-back charm of weathered driftwood and salty ocean breezes to your coffee table doesn't require a trip to the beach. In fact, you might already have the items on hand to whip up this craft idea from ArtSkills. An old can serves as the container, while clothespins separated in half and painted in a beachy hue surround it, giving it a coastal feel. Twine and seashells complete the look for this cute decorative display, making it an artsy DIY idea for decorating with real seashells.

Using a can as the foundation for this DIY decor is eco-friendly and economical. A short, wide can, like a canned chicken container, works well for this project. The shorter stature means the clothespins will cover the can completely. And the sturdiness of the can makes it a durable storage spot if you choose to leave it empty. ArtSkills fills the can with sand, adds a few seashells, and tops it with a battery-operated candle — it's the perfect addition to a beach-themed living room on a budget.

If you don't have any extra clothespins on hand, Dollar Tree sells a 22-pack of Crafter's Square Clothespins for $1.25, which should be plenty to cover a small can. For the embellishments, use seashells you've collected on beach trips, or purchase shells that appeal to you. Thrift stores sometimes sell bags of seashells in the craft supply section, or you can find them in craft stores. Other than that, you'll need blue or green paint to tint the clothespins, along with some twine and hot glue.

The first step is to prep the can. Clean it thoroughly with warm, soapy water. The can will be mostly covered by the clothespins and filler materials, but you can spray-paint the rim and the inside if you're leaving the container empty. Next, prepare the clothespins by pulling them apart and removing the springs that hold them together. Then, thin the paint with water. You could try a one-to-one ratio and brush it on to see if you like the look. Or, simply apply a thin coat of undiluted paint and immediately wipe some of it off with a damp cloth or baby wipe. The goal is to let some of the wood peek through the paint for an aged, washed look.

Once the clothespins are dry, hot-glue them around the outside of the can. You may need to leave small gaps between the pieces of wood so they fit evenly around the can. One trick is to cut a piece of ribbon or paper to match the can's circumference, and then lay the clothespins along it to get an idea of the necessary spacing.

In the original DIY, the creator hides the wood's grooves with thin twine. Then, they glue seashells between the two rows of twine. You can also mix in pieces of beach glass or small pebbles to decorate the exterior. Adding a thick piece of white nautical rope along the top and bottom is another way to bring coastal chic style to the piece. Finally, add sand, seashells, and a battery-powered candle inside the can, or use it to store small essentials like keys, matchsticks, and hair ties. This way, your creation can be both decorative and functional.