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:
- Sardine Can
- Chalk paint of your choice
- Paint brush or sponge
- Tin snips or Dog Nail Clippers
- Hammer
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Ribbon
- Scrapbook paper
- 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
How clever you are. I love this idea, Cara!
ReplyDeleteI was excited to have a new type of can to craft with Ann! I never tire of using those ole' cans in our decor!
DeleteThese came out great Cara! Super cute and you would never know it started out as a sardine can. Well done friend! Can't wait to see what else you do with the transfers. Great challenge! XO- MaryJo
ReplyDeleteI have so many ideas for the transfers, I am afraid spring will be over before I am finished. The ideas just keep coming here lately. I love those days, but I am afraid my computer time suffers because of it. I do not seem to be the type of person who can have both. I am either writing, or creating, never both together MaryJo.
DeleteThis is such a cute idea to use up some cans; it's such a creative way to use them! It certainly shows that what we may throw away can actually be given another lease on life. Great!
ReplyDeleteThank you Molly, I do love keeping items from trash, and have even found more and more folks enjoy these sorts of projects, more so than I originally thought. I am so glad there are others out there letting their creativity fly, and seeing what the possibilities can be with trash.
DeleteIn a million years I would never have thought to do something like this, Cara, you are so creative. I love how it has a vintage feel yet was completely upcycled from something that was brand new - that is so cool! Can't wait to see what you have in store next. You're on a roll! Hugs, CoCo
ReplyDeleteBeing creative wasn't something I would have used to describe myself years ago, but now I love seeing what I can make with ordinary items around our home. Thank you CoCo, you always have such kind words, and are so thoughtful.
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