Tin Can Planters
Recycle, reuse and reduce with these easy Tin Can Planters! They are the perfect activity for Earth Day, Mother’s Day and so much more. Recycle a tin can, decorate it and plant a succulent or flower in it. The perfect homemade gift for so many occasions.
Moms love recieving flowers, but how about a plant that they can take care of and watch grow? These adorable little tin can planters are a fun way to create a homemade gift for a Mom with a green thumb. Such a sweet and genuine Mother’s Day gift!
But, you can gift these for so many other occasions too! Customize you aluminum can planters to make a precious homemade teacher gift, birthday gift, or as a gift for grandparents. It can also simply be a fun Spring activity because it’s never too early to teach your kiddos how to grow things!
I love activities that include nature. This one is so fun to create during the Spring, and we often make this pom pom leaf painting in the Fall. These cute little tin can planters are a great way to recycle household products and make them into something new and fun!
Why You’ll Love Tin Can Planters
- Since the main part of this craft is recycled, making tin can plant pots is an affordable activity.
- You can easily make a lot of these tin can planters so that you have plenty of gifts to give out to friends and family for a holiday!
- Aside from an hour to dry, this easy craft only takes 40 minutes to complete.
Supplies to Make Recycled Tin Can Planters
- Recycled can – You can use any empty, and clean, aluminum can from canned food.
- Paint brush – Any simple craft paint brush will work. You can use a foam brush too! Make sure you grab one that covers a decent amount of surface area so that it won’t take you too long to finish painting the can.
- Craft paint – Use whatever color acrylic craft paint that you want!
- Metallic alphabet stickers – You can typically find these in your local craft store. If you have a hard time finding them, check the scrapbooking section!
- Indoor potting soil – Any simple indoor potting soil will work.
- Succulent plant – Succulent plants can be found at your local Walmart, or hardware store that has a garden section.
- Craft paper – Use craft paper or a disposable plastic table cloth to protect your workspace as your paint your tin can plant pots.
How to Make Tin Can Planters
Make sure you recycled can is completely clean and dry before you begin this craft.
Then, grab your favorite color of craft paint and apply a thin layer across the entire surface of the can. Allow the paint to dry for 10 minutes and then apply a second coat.
You can apply a third coat if needed, just make sure the whole can is painted well. Let the painted tin can dry completely for an hour.
When the paint has fully dried, you can decorate it! Grab the metallic alphabet stickers and spell out whatever message you want. Press the stickers onto the can to fully secure them.
Then, fill the can with potting soil and plant the succulent. Press the soil down gently around the plant, and if the soil is dry then add a little water.
Your tin can planter is complete! Be sure to give your succulent some sun and water it when necessary.
Do I have to use a real succulent?
Not at all! If you don’t excel in keeping plants alive, feel free to “plant” a fake succulent. Tons of hobby and craft stores will have plastic succulents that look very real and pretty! You can still fill the can with indoor potting soil or use fake soil or moss.
Pro Tips for the Best Tin Can Planters
- You can use any decorations you want for you tin can plant pots! If you can’t find metallic alphabet stickers, you can use colored ones or black ones. Feel free to add glitter, sequins, rhinestones, or any other fun decorations to you pot!
- Be sure to choose a succulent that is small enough for the tin can. Don’t purchase one that’s too large.
- You can use a sharpie to draw on your tin cans! If you don’t want to purchase extra decorations, just write whatever phrase you want and draw some fun things onto your aluminum can planters.
This simple little craft has so many uses! I can’t wait to see how your green thumb thrives after making these tin can planters!
More Crafts and Activities You’ll Love
- Want a fun activity for the Fall? Check out this really cool Pumpkin Playdough recipe!
- If you have littles that are still learning their letters and love to play outside, this Letter Fishing Kids Activity will be an absolute blast for them!
- Learn How to Make a Red, White, and Blue Tie Dye Shirt for your next 4th of July party!
- Looking for multiple Easter activities? Try making these Glitter Easter Eggs.
Tin Can Planter
Ingredients
- Recycled can
- Craft paint
- Small paint brush
- Metallic alphabet stickers
- Indoor potting soil
- Small succulent plant
Instructions
- First, let’s check our recycled can and ensure it is clean and dry!
- Grab your favorite color of craft paint and apply a thin layer to the entire surface of the can. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes. Repeat with a second and third coat if necessary until fully coated. Set aside to dry for 1 hour.
- Once the paint is completely dry, let’s personalize it! Grab your metallic alphabet stickers and create your message. Press the stickers to secure them.
- Next, fill the can with potting soil and plant the succulent. Press the soil gently around the plant to secure it. If the soil is dry, give it a little water!
- Now your tin can planter is complete! These make a great Mother’s day or just because gift!
