Cover Old Tin Cans With Paint To Make The Cutest Outdoor Wreath Decor

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Old tin cans don't have to end up in the recycling bin, especially when they're in the hands of a creative DIYer. Their cylindrical shape and thin metal material make them suitable for all sorts of projects, from turning an empty can into a craft organizer to upcycling them into hanging planters. If you've been saving up some cans for a repurposing DIY (or if we've convinced you to start), one creative project is to make an outdoor wreath.

This DIY by the YouTube channel Diy and Crafts involves painting and decorating a few tin cans and then stringing them onto a metal wire to form a circular wreath. In the video, the creator uses eight common household food cans, like the type you buy fruit, beans, and canned tomatoes in. You can use cans of different sizes, such as smaller condensed soup cans for a mini wreath or commercial-sized cans for a large one. The important part is that all the cans are the same size so the wreath looks even. You may have to adjust the number of cans, depending on your preferred wreath size.

Besides the tin cans, you'll need something like the Tenn Well 9-Gauge Aluminum Craft Wire to help the wreath hold its shape. You can also unravel a wire coat hanger, which is roughly the same thickness. The wire should be thick enough to hold its shape but flexible enough to bend. Last but not least, gather a handful of embellishments (like scrapbook paper and ribbons), metal-safe spray paint or enamel paint, a hot glue gun, and a hammer and a nail to puncture the cans.

One of the biggest benefits of this DIY project is the potential for creativity. Begin by removing the cans' labels and painting them in two (or more!) different colors. Choose pink and blue for a summery look or orange and burgundy to decorate your front door for fall. Once the paint is dry, glue pieces of scrapbook paper and ribbon onto the cans. You can even add textured burlap or decoupaged floral patterns for extra visual interest. The original DIYer finished it off with a few ladybug and butterfly figures to give the wreath a playful look. Faux flowers, bows, beads, and glitter can be fanciful, too.

From there, you'll want to poke a hole in the bottom of each can, making sure it's large enough to thread the wire through. Slide all the cans onto the wire, twist the end to secure them, and you have a far more unique wreath alternative. Do note: The finished project has a salvaged look. Even with paint and embellishments, you can tell it's made from tin cans. It may not suit more polished decor styles, but it works well in spaces where you want a reclaimed, DIY touch. The project can complement country farmhouse, shabby-chic, eclectic, and boho decor, to name a few. As for placement, use it to style your front door, display it on an outdoor wall, or hang it somewhere in the backyard. Just be sure to coat it with a sealant like the Krylon Crystal Clear Coating Spray to help it brave the elements.