Crafts, DIY, Fall

DIY Fall Wreath: Cheap & Easy Tin Can Craft with Dollar Tree Florals

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, including 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? It 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. You’ll be surprised at how lovely rusted tin cans look on this project. Let me show you how easy this wreath is to put together.

Table of contents

DIY Rusted Tin Can Craft

First, you will need several rusty tin cans. As you know, I save a lot of my cans. However, most still need to be rusted. If you plan your project well in advance, you can leave your tin cans to the elements. Wash them to remove any oils or food and let nature take its course.

However, if you are like me and want to start right away, you are in luck because you can quickly add some rust with the How To Rust Metal Fast tutorial.

Learn how to rust tin cans faster for DIY Farmhouse Fall Decor tutorial and autumn craft ideas.

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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 – I made my wreath by pulling grapevine from the trees around our property. However, here is a link for one a similar size.
  • Approx. 7 – 8 Rusted Tin Cans
  • Fall Leaf Stems – I found my leaves at Dollar Tree, which were perfect for this project.
  • Spanish Moss – you only need a small amount, and it’s available in small quantities at Dollar Tree.
  • 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 in this post: 10 Tips for Free Fall Decorations.

Prepare Tin Cans

First, you want to prepare your tin cans to easily attach 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.

Punch tin can with nail for DIY Craft Projects.

Allow approx. 2-3 inches between the nail holes. After you have all the holes, melt the ice and dry your tin cans.

Freeze water in tin cans to allow for puncture with nail to create holes for wire.

How To Assemble DIY Fall Wreath

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

Fall Wreath - save tin cans and allow to rust. Rustic Farmhouse Fall Decor

Tin Can Craft

Next, you want to determine the placement of each can for this tin can craft. Lay out your cans before securing them to achieve the desired arrangement. 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.

Making Tin Can Wreath with Dollar Store Florals and grapevine wreath.

How To Add 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.

Use Dollar Store Florals, Rusted Tin Cans and Gathered Grapevine Wreath for Fall.

I purchased these fall leaf 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. I folded up the excess stem and used 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.

Tin Can Craft Project - Rustic Fall Wreath with Dollar Store Florals for farmhouse fall wreath

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. One spot called for a bow. I purchased some ribbon from The Dollar Tree and attempted a bow without great success. However, I had some burlap ribbons from another project and easily created a simple bow. You can see tips on making a bow here.

DIY Fall Wreath using rusty tin cans and dollar store florals. Easy Dollar Tree DIY - Fall Craft Projects

DIY Fall Wreath – Rusted Tin Can Craft

Are you surprised at how good this cheap wreath turned out? Many people expressed surprise, and I understand why they feel that way. Maybe the idea doesn’t sound appealing, but I love this look for fall, and it’s perfect for a front porch, an entry door, or an outdoor shed.

I originally placed the wreath on our rock column because the colors looked so pretty compared to the natural rock.

DIY Fall Craft Project with Dollar Tree Supplies, Rusted Tin Cans and Foraged Grapevine Wreath

However, the Rusted Tin Can Craft Fall Wreath was destined for the greenhouse, and I look forward to adding more fall touches to it soon.

Dollar Tree and Tin Can Craft Fall Wreath. Easy and cheap Autumn Craft Project

Video Tutorial

You can also watch this video tutorial on how to make the Rusted Tin Can Craft.

Additional Wreath Ideas

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

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Tin Can Craft - How to Make a Fall Wreath with Rusty Tin Cans with Dollar tree florals and foraged grapevine wreath

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50 Comments

  5. Hi Rachel! Who would have ever thought to make a fall wreath with your rusty cans! It looks amazing! I’ve just found your blog and I know I’m going to enjoy visiting.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia 😉

    Reply

  9. I do not believe I have recently commented on any of the projects on blogs, but THIS ONE IS A WINNER! I plan on trying it. In future, I will be saving some of my tin cans but for now, I need to make soup or something to collect my cans. Thank you for this project, I love it!

    Reply

  10. For a minute, I thought tin cans really but, it is so stink’n cute, you are amazing!! It’s perfect for Fall.

    Reply

  17. Rachel, who’d thought rustic tin cans would be the core element of a beautiful fall wreath — you! What a clever, unique and fabulous DIY project!

    Reply

  20. 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!

    Reply

    2. @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

      Reply

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