Transform your old soup tin cans into charming vintage-style planters with this easy DIY tutorial. This guide will walk you through the steps of creating beautiful and functional planters for your home or garden. These planters are perfect for adding a touch of spring and can be customized with your favorite colors and designs.

Make sure to check out our  DIY Garden Stakes - Vintage Style tutorial to make accompanying plant labels for your planters.

Step-by-Step Guide: 

Step 1

Start by sourcing your cans. Larger stores like Walmart or Costco are recommended for finding the sizes you need. Clean your cans thoroughly to remove any food residue and labels. A safe cut can opener will help avoid any sharp edges.

Step 2

Paint your cans in your chosen colors. Apply two coats for a nice, even finish. Once dry, seal the cans with a water-based sealer to prepare them for the transfers.

Step 3

Choose images from the IOD Ephemeral Melange Transfer that fit a spring theme. Apply the transfers carefully, ensuring they adhere well into the ridges and nooks of the cans.

Step 4

Use dark wax over the painted and transferred cans to create a worn, vintage appearance.

Step 5

Drill holes near the top of each can for the handles. Ensure the holes are well-placed to provide a clean finish.

Step 6

Mix parts A and B of the Amazing Cast Resin in a 1:1 ratio and pour into the Dewdrop Mould. Create various charms like ladybugs, a hummingbird, and a dragonfly. Optionally, embed eyelets directly into the resin.

Step 7

Once the resin has set, paint your castings. Use reference photos for accuracy or opt for a simpler, single-color design.

Step 8

Cut the 3mm aluminum wire to the desired length and shape it into handles, curling the ends with pliers. Coil 1mm wire around the handle's top to secure the charms and jewelry rings.

Step 9

Apply more dark wax to the wire handles to reduce their shine and give them a rusted look.

With these steps, you'll have created a unique set of vintage-style tin can planters that are not only beautiful but also a great way to recycle and add a personal touch to your home or garden décor. 

Grab your IOD products and supplies by using the store locator and finding a stockist near you.

IOD Products Needed: 

• IOD Ephemeral Melange Transfer 
• IOD Dewdrop Mould

Other Supplies: 

• Crop-A-Dile
• 3mm Aluminium Craft Wire
• 1mm Aluminium Craft Wire
• Small jewellery making rings
• Pliers/Wire cutters
• Stainless Steel Eye Screws
• Amazing Cast Resin
• Acrylic paints
• Various can sizes (Ours were a 106oz, 50oz, and 28oz)
• Safe Cut Can Opener
• General Finishes Flat Out Flat Sealer
• Soft Yellow Chalk Paint*
• Soft Pink Chalk Paint*
• Robin’s egg blue chalk paint*

*we used a chalk-type paint in this tutorial, but there are many brands and types of paint, talk to your stockist to learn which one is right for you!

If you're just kicking off your creative journey, have no fear — our Product 101 pages are packed with straightforward techniques to set you up for success. We're thrilled to accompany you as you explore and create. For more how-tos and creative inspo, make sure to browse through the rest of our blog.

Once you've crafted your final piece, share it with our Facebook Creative Tribe! This community is not just a showcase but also a supportive hub for when you hit those creative roadblocks. And remember, your local stockist is always ready to assist with IOD supplies and expert advice. We're excited to see what you'll bring to life!