How to Upcycle Tin Cans with Foraged Twigs

Are you looking for ways to upcycle tin cans into usable home decor? You will love this rustic DIY project, which uses recycled tin cans and foraged twigs for free Fall decorating. The cans can be used for a beautiful fall centerpiece or alone with fall stems. This easy tutorial will be a fall favorite and can be used year-round.

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How to Upcycle Tin Cans with Twigs?

This is a simple and almost free project, plus it’s great for recycling tin cans.

First, you need to save cans. I always have a collection ready and waiting for a project. I use them to hold my paintbrushes, pens, scissors, and other craft supplies between projects.

• Clean Cans
• Hot Glue Gun
• Foraged Twigs
• Dark Spray Paint such as Rust-oleum
• Raffia Ribbon

Begin with clean tin cans in a variety of sizes of your choice.

Paint Tin Cans

Next, you will want to paint your cans dark so the shiny metal will not be exposed. I used Hammered Copper by Rust-oleum, but brown or black works fine.

You can see how to paint various cans for free projects here.

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Gather Twigs

Hunt and gather twigs for your project. You want to select small to medium-sized twigs that are relatively straight.

Then, measure the height of your cans and cut the twigs to those lengths. I added approximately 1/4 of an inch to the twigs, which allowed them to extend above the top of the tin can.

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Once you have a good selection cut, you can add twigs to the cans.

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How To Add Twigs To Tin Cans

Begin by adding a bead of hot glue to the flat side of your twig. The most challenging part is finding a flat side; many will not have one. Don’t worry if it doesn’t lay flat because everything will work out.

Continue around the can until the twigs meet. You will see gaps between the twigs, so filling them in with smaller twigs will be necessary.

Keep adding until there are minimal gaps between the twigs, as shown below.

You will also notice some areas where the twigs curve, and you can fill in between with shorter lengths.

Upcycled Twig Cans

To finish the cans, I tied a length of raffia around each one and tied a simple bow.

Although I plan to use these tin cans on a Fall Table Centerpiece, they look good with simple faux stems.

As I look at this photo, I already envision them with a wash of white paint for the holidays—there are so many fun options.

I hope you enjoyed How to Cover Tin Cans with Twigs and that you can use this tutorial for a project yourself.

I recently made these Twig Napkin Rings, which are so easy to make.

How To Make Twig Containers Using Recycled Tin Cans Video Tutorial Here

If you missed How Rust Tin Cans or my DIY Fall Wreath made with Rusty Tin Cans, click the highlighted links. For another creative twig arrangement, check out DIY Hydrangea & Twig Arrangement.

You will want to see Ideas for Friendsgiving Table Centerpiece using this project.

You might also enjoy How to make a tin can Christmas lamb.

Favorite Craft Supplies

Be sure to visit my Amazon Storefront for my favorite craft supplies. I updated the storefront with the best deals on craft and DIY supplies.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!

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