Tin Can Art

Transforming Sardine Cans into Art: A Creative Upcycling Project

Discover the artistry in upcycling with our latest blog post on transforming sardine cans into pieces of decor. Explore step-by-step instructions, creative tips, and a unique touch with rub-on transfers. Unleash your creativity and turn ordinary cans into extraordinary art. Dive into the world of sustainable crafting and get inspired to repurpose everyday items with a newfound flair.

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You know how I love a good upcycle project, and also how much I love recycling and creating with tin cans, so today's share is all about sardine can art.  Remember that recent health kick I mentioned? Turns out, sardines became my new best buddies (much to my husband's, ahem, enthusiasm to have more cans lurking around). And let's just say, our pantry started to resemble a school of silver swimmers. But instead of letting them become landfill loungers, I saw an opportunity for an upcycled underwater escapade!

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Sardines? In MY home decor?" But fear not, my fin-tastic friends! With a little elbow grease and a sprinkle of creativity, those fishy receptacles can transform into dazzling displays.

Here is how I did it:

Materials:

1. Sardine Can
2. Chalk paint of your choice
3. Paint brush or sponge
4. Tin snips or Dog Nail Clippers
5. Hammer
6. Scissors
7. Masking tape
8. Ribbon
9. Scrapbook paper
10. Spring rub on transfers

Can-struction 101: From Fishy to Fancy:

• I used metal shears to cut slits around the lip of the can, when they were too big, I grabbed Dollar Tree's Nail Clippers for Dogs to get into the smaller curved areas of the sardine tin can
• Tamp lip down with hammer, you want to prevent your hand getting cut, that lip is sharp!
• Place masking tape around the interior sides of the sardine can to make for a more smooth wall
• Sand the bottom and exterior sides of the sardine can
• Paint sardine can exterior with color of paint of your choice, I chose chalk paint in the color Celery by Waverly 
• Trace and cut scrapbook paper to fit inside the tin
• Glue the scrapbook paper to the bottom of the sardine can, I used Mod Podge, be sure to press the scrapbook paper all along the bottom to ensure a good seal
• Trim the inside of the tin with ribbon, I then decided to add it around the top of the can for a more voluptuous look
• Choose rub on transfer of your choice or printed image and attach to the inside of the sardine can
• Viola, you have just created sardine can art!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I changed my mind when it came to what scrapbook paper I chose in the midst of this project.  I also opted to add more transfers to our bunny, isn't he the cutest?

I have challenged myself to come up with as many ideas as I can for these spring rub on transfers so I have plenty of ideas to share.  I have to admit, I was a little nervous, but as it turns out, I am loving the new challenge I have set for myself.  It really makes me put my creative thinking cap on, and who doesn't need a bit of a nudge from time to time?

Rub on Transfers are so much fun to work with, who would have thought this was just another tin can craft?  I wouldn't have anyway.  I created two and hung the other sardine can on our coat rack in the kitchen.  More ideas coming with that DIY coat rack in mind soon.

With the second can, I decided to make life much easier.  I traced the can onto scrapbook paper, and then glued the paper to the lip.  I added vintage stamps cut from vellum paper I have had for many years, then hot glued a drawer pull to the top so I was able to hang it.  

Bonus Tips for the Discerning Decoupageur

• Dish it Out: Give those sardine cans a good dishwasher scrub to say "buh-bye" to any lingering fishy aromas.
• Paper Power: When working with vellum paper, skip the Mod Podge and opt for a simple glue stick. Trust me, your paper will thank you.

 

As you can see, the drawer pull is a bit heavy, and so it does not hang straight as I had anticipated it would.  I decided to just go with it... I'm only adding decor to our coatrack in the kitchen anyway.  ☺  

As you can see, this project was a delightful journey of discovery. From initial indecision to a final flourish of vintage stamps, these sardine can transformations were a blast!

So, the next time you reach for a can of sardines, remember – it might just be your gateway to a whole new world of artistic expression. Now, who's ready to join the upcycled tin can revolution?

Ciao,

Cara