FARMHOUSE TIN CAN VASE UPCYCLE
Did you know that 84% of unwanted clothes, in the US, went into a landfill? In less than 20 years, the volume of clothing Americans toss each year has doubled from 7 million to 14 million tons.
Often we think unwanted clothing can just be donated to a thrift store however there is an abundance of items that even thrift stores can’t sell it all. Charities, overall, sell only 20 percent of the clothing donated to them at their retail outlets –Newsweek.
So….what do you do with imperfect clothing items you no longer want?
Of course you can use them as rags, but is there more?
The Mister had an old “white” tank top that no longer looked white. It really wasn’t anything the Mister ever wore plus the dingy part. We’ve seen where some people make T-shirt yarn, like this tutorial. We didn’t need to have perfect yarn, to say knit with, we just wanted “kind of” yarn.
Next up, a can – which makes a perfect vase.
When you have a printed can, like this particular one, you can easily just leave it as is. But if you want something neutral, you can cover it up with old ribbon, yarn, or in this case -torn old t-shirts.
Since spring flowers are starting to make their appearance in the Pacific Northwest, a little crafty vase is just what was needed to show them off.
Here’s the very simple how to on this Farmhouse Tin Can Vase Upcycle:
SUPPLIES
*We use affiliate links to share same, or similar products used.
- Tin Can
- Yarn, T-Shirt Scraps, Ribbon
- Hot Glue and Glue Gun
- Scissors
- Flowers (real or artificial)
HOW TO
- Take the white t-shirt, that is no longer usable, and cut up, from the bottom about an inch. Then cut over about another inch.
- Holding the t-shirt in one hand and the cut part in another, pull. If the torn part starts to turn, stop, and cut a little so you can keep going – one time all the way around.
- Continue until you have used up most of the t-shirt.
- If you need to, remove any label on the can, and be sure the can is leak proof.
- Take a piece of the “yarn” and glue around the can, starting at the bottom.
- Add your flowers and water, if needed.
Tip – If using water, be sure to place a towel down on any surfaces you don’t want any potential damage to.
Yes, this couldn’t be simpler, but it’s a nice neutral vase AND the t-shirt and can are no longer sitting in the craft room!!!!
|MORE SIMPLE FARMHOUSE PROJECTS|
CHALLENGE – We challenge you to a craft destash. Find a few things in your craft pile to use up this week. When you have your project completed, share them on our Facebook page. We have a SHARE DAY every Wednesday morning, but you can add your project there anytime through the week.
Love this! I’ve created one with a thick rope last year. I have soooooo many clothes in boxes under my bed that I don’t use anymore, but I’ll be definitely craft with them one day. Your idea of a spring vase is an excellent one! Also, love the daffodils.
Habiba recently posted…DIY Melted Crayons Fireworks in a Shadow Box
Habiba, Thick rope would be so fun too. I’ll have to try that. I’ve done ribbon before. I hope you get a chance to make some.
How cute that you kept the hem piece at the bottom, a very thoughtful craft. I like the texture the t-shirt strips added to the overall look.
Audra, Yeah the hem piece worked out great as it kept things neat. Thanks so much for your sweet comment.
What a fun upcycle! It would be the perfect project for tweens or teens to make for Mother’s Day gifts. Even younger ones if you used a different kind of glue. Pinned to my Upcycling Board. 🙂
Oh, that is a great idea. Yes, most teens would love to rip those tees to bits 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Fantastic idea to use up unwanted clothes. I don’t buy a lot of can goods except cat food but I can scrounge up something to get the can. One would never believe the vase is a tin can and a tee shirt. It looks so high end.
Debra, You are so sweet. I hope you can scrounge up a can or two and make some. Thanks for stopping by!!!
I really like the rustic look of this project. Great way to reuse everything for it. I have pinned it to make a few for my seed plantings. Thanks for sharing.
Donna, Awe, thanks so much. I can’t wait to see what you make with yours.
What a great idea to use a T shirt for this project! I can think of several of my husband’s T shirts that should get this treatment! This is something I never thought of….using it to wrap around a can to make a vase. It looks really nice & I love that white flowering plant!!
Florence, Thanks so much. Yeah, we have bunches of tees that just are not donatable so I have to find some ways to use them besides rags for sure. Thanks for stopping by!!!
What a creative idea – I have a whole shelf of no longer wanted clothes! I loved reading your facts about unwanted clothing! Very interesting!
Thank you Roseann. We love finding ways to reuse things instead of tossing them out. Hope it inspired you.
Great idea for a repurpose of a tin can and old tea shirts!
Sam – Raggedy Bits recently posted…Organise your Laundry with Farmhouse Laundry Labels
Thanks so much Sam
Hmmm, I’m sure I have a t-shirt I can cut up and I have a collection of cans waiting to go to recycling…. I love this destash project
Emily @DomesticDeadline.com recently posted…Lemon Peel Sweater – My Version
Emily, I bet you do. There alwasy sseen to be some t-shirts around waiting to be used in a whole new way.
Your fully in bloom snowball tree is spectacular. My little one will bloom in two or three months. Lovely southern Oregon. I am really inspired by your simple tin can vase. It looks great, almost like a Sophie Conran piece.
Leanna recently posted…Bright and Casual Easter Centerpiece
Leanna, The pic wasa from last year. I can’t wait for it to fully bloom this year. It’s my fav tree even though it’s a little messy.
A can and old shirt never looked so good together 🙂 It really is amazing how simple things can be turned into something beautiful. Pinned.
Erlene, Plus, the shirt gets used again which I am so happy about.
Deborah the repurpose of the t-shirt was a very clever idea and it gives so much fun texture to the vase.
Mary recently posted…How to Makeover A Mid-Century Modern China Cabinet
Thanks so much Mary. Simple is my middle name 🙂
I really like the look of this vase, especially with the flowers. It is more sophisticated than other can upcycles I’ve seen, not that they don’t also have charm.
Lydia, You are so kind. This really is such a simple little thing and that’s what I love most about it.
So very clever. I love a great upcycled project.
I love this idea! I’ve seen cans painted, wrapped with twine or rope but none wrapped with strips of fabric like this. So easy and pretty!
Linda at Mixed Kreations recently posted…Diy Rustic Farmhouse Style Utensil Holder
Thanks so much Linda! It was so simple for sure!!!!
I would have never in a million years think of using fabric in this way! and it looks great! I love the idea.
Maria
Maria recently posted…Baby’s First Easter Birthday Party
Awesome upcycle! I need to start saving my cans to use as planters. Thanks for sharing your crafty destash project with us at the #HomeMattersParty this week.
Nicole recently posted…Spring Cleaning Tips and Ideas + HM #177
Really cute recycled, well done.
Thank you Anita