Are you ready for a cheap and easy Fall wreath tutorial? Welcome to making a DIY fall wreath with rusted tin cans. You can make this easy and inexpensive recycled tin can craft also includes cheap Dollar Tree materials. All you need is tin cans, wreath form, and fall decorations. I’ll show you step-by-step how to create this rustic and beautiful wreath that will add a touch of fall to your home.
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.
How To Rust Cans
First, you need several rusty tin cans. As you know, I save a lot of my cans. However, most still need to be rusted.
If you don’t have rusted tin cans, you are in luck because you can quickly add some rust with the How To Rust Metal Fast tutorial.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)
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.
Additional Wreath Ideas
- DIY Sunflower Wreath with Pinecones
- DIY Neutral Star Wreath
- Trendy Metal Flower Wreath – Anthropologie Hack
- The Secret To Making A Magnolia Wreath with Fresh Leaves
- How to Make A Corn Husk Wreath
- How to Make A Fall Wreath With Dollar Tree Burlap Leaves
- The Secret To Making a Fall Wreath With Preserved Leaves
- Terra Cotta Pot Spring Wreath
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!
Pin It To Remember It
Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.
Renae
Monday 21st of August 2023
Oh my goodness! What you do with tin cans is amazing! You are so creative. Hugs to you.
Rachel
Wednesday 23rd of August 2023
Thank you so much. I was amazed at how good it looks. LO>
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!
[email protected]
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!
[email protected]
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.
[email protected]
Sunday 12th of September 2021
It's so easy Kim. Go for it.