Do you remember the wreath I added to my Greenhouse for Spring? The wreath was constructed using terra cotta pots and Dollar Tree florals? Well, it was time to take that wreath down, since fall is rapidly approaching and I wanted a fun replacement.
I decided to make a DIY Fall Wreath using rusty tin cans, for an easy recycled tin can craft project using Dollar Tree florals.
First, I needed rusty tin cans and as you know, I save a lot of my cans, however most are not rusted.
I had two that had been left outside for some time and had rusted naturally. However, I needed more than 2 cans for this project, so I used this tutorial, How To Rust Metal Fast, to quickly add some rust.
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DIY Fall Wreath Materials
After I rusted a few additional cans, I was ready to gather my supplies.
- Large Grapevine wreath
- Approx. 7 – 8 Rusted Tin Cans
- Fall Leaf Stems
- Spanish Moss
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue
- 30 gauge wire
- One large nail
- Hammer
I have several wreaths that I have made from foraged grapevine which I previously shared on this post – 10 Tips for Free Fall Decorations.
Prepare Tin Cans
First, you want to prepare your tin cans so that they are easily attached to the wreath.
Fill each can approx. 1/2 full with water and freeze.
Then using a large nail and hammer, drive 2 holes into the center of the can, side by side.
The frozen water will prevent the can from denting.

Allow approx. 2-3 inches between the nail holes.

DIY Fall Wreath
Begin by adding a length of galvanized wire to each tin can by pulling it through the holes you created in your cans. I allowed approx. two feet for each can and you want both ends of the wire to be evenly extended outside the can.

Tin Can Craft
Determine your placement of each can and then using the wire, firmly wrap the wire around the grapevine wreath until the cans are secured.
In addition, to create some variety, place some cans facing upward, some downward and some sideways

Spanish Moss & Fall Leaves
Once all the tin cans are attached to your fall wreath, heat up the hot glue gun and let’s begin adding some spanish moss between the cans.
You will also use the hot glue to add your floral leaves and berries.

I purchased these fall leaves stems at The Dollar Tree and I had some berry stems from last year that I decided to add to the fall wreath.
For the three larger cans, I used a whole stem. Just fold up the excess stem and use hot glue to secure it to the tin can.
Then begin to fill inside the smaller cans with a combination of spanish moss and individual floral leaves. Attach with hot glue.

Note: The tin cans don’t have to be completely full. I let the leaves appear to be falling from the cans.
Continue to fill with spanish moss, berries and leaves until you achieve the desired fullness.
Add a bow if desired. I had one spot that was calling for a bow to be added. I had purchased some ribbon from The Dollar Tree and attempted a bow without great success. However, I had some burlap ribbon from another project and easily created a simple bow. See tips on making a bow here.

DIY FAll Wreath – Rusted Tin Can Craft
I originally placed the wreath on our rock column, because the colors looked so pretty with the natural rock.

Video Tutorial
You can also watch this video tutorial to make the Rusted Tin Can Craft.
However, the Rusted Tin Can Craft – Fall Wreath was destined for the greenhouse and I look forward to adding more fall touches to the greenhouse soon.

The new wreath is perfect for fall and was so inexpensive to make. I hope you will give this tin can project a try.
Thanks so much for stopping by and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

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Wendy McMonigle
Wednesday 17th of August 2022
What an adorable idea Rachel. I love the old rusty cans, they add such character to your wreath.
emma
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
@Rachel, I finally found your fall wreath with rusty cans and now will try to do something for the Christmas holiday using the rusty cans...Poinsettias and berries and few pine cones and red and green bow??? Whatcha think?? HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OH! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I'm old school
Rachel
Friday 19th of August 2022
Wendy, I really appreciate this. Thanks for stopping by.
Christin
Monday 13th of September 2021
This is so gorgeous! I didn't know where it was going at first, lol, but it turned absolutely amazing!
rahrags@gmail.com
Wednesday 15th of September 2021
Christin, Thanks so much for your kind words.
Shirley
Sunday 12th of September 2021
OMG I am soooo in love with this wreath!! I love tin cans and I have hundreds of them waiting for me to use. I’ve made several things already as well as a tin can wreath a few years back but who woulda thought to add more than cans. I know what I’ll be doing with mine from here on!🙃 This is simply awesome for fall!
rahrags@gmail.com
Sunday 12th of September 2021
Shirley, I'm so glad you liked this tutorial. I was actually amazed at how good it looked. I appreciate your support.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Friday 10th of September 2021
This is the best fall wreath EVER! I really want to make one of these Rachel, thanks for the great idea.
rahrags@gmail.com
Sunday 12th of September 2021
It's so easy Kim. Go for it.
Cindy@CountyRoad407
Friday 10th of September 2021
Oh my soul I love this wreath! Only you could turn real trash into a beautiful treasure like that! Featuring it on Farmhouse Friday LP today! Thanks for linking up. Pinned
rahrags@gmail.com
Sunday 12th of September 2021
Cindy, You are so sweet.