I really hope this finds you and your family healthy and safe. To say we are currently living in strange times would be an understatement. I decided to bring some normalcy to my life and created this DIY Upcycled Coffee Can Vase. I challenged myself to use only things I already had. Well, actually California’s statewide “Stay at Home” order forced me to use what I already had, but luckily I’m a craft hoarder. Plus I figured we’d all have at least some sort of can we could upcycle. And the decoupaged vase couldn’t be easier. It only requires three items and two steps—and the end result is a beautiful pattern vase perfect for bringing extra joy to your space.
Needless to say, we have to be resourceful these days. My hope is that you too will have everything you need to be able to make this project. Yet, if you find you don’t have a coffee can—use a soup can, vegetable can or nut can. Don’t have fabric? Use scrapbooking paper or wrapping paper. Don’t have Mod Podge? Use a mixture of white glue and water. Or simply tape in place for a less permanent solution but still a viable solution. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just something that makes you smile.
Materials
- An empty coffee can or another can (soup cans, vegetable cans, nut cans)
- Patterned cotton fabric (scrapbooking paper or wrapping paper would also work )
- Mod Podge (matte or glossy finish will work)
- Foam Brush
Instructions
Cut a piece of fabric to the size of your can. Measure the height and circumference of the can. Add about 1/4″ to the height and circumference and cut fabric to your measurements.
Decoupage the fabric to your can. Remove the label from the can. Add a thin layer of Mod Podge all over the can. Line up your fabric to the top of the can and wrap around the can (fabric will hang over the bottom of the can). Once the fabric is wrapped around the can, add a thin layer of Mod Podge over the top of the fabric. You’ll be able to smooth out any wrinkles with your foam brush or fingers. Next, fold the excess fabric over the bottom edge of the can and glue in place with the Mod Podge (like before, you’ll apply the Mod Podge below and on top of the fabric). Let dry. Apply a second coat of Mod Podge and let dry again.
And that is it. Really so simple. Now you can fill your can with flowers or use it to hold office supplies or kitchen utensils. You could even make a set of them using the same or different fabrics. Have fun with it.
I filled mine with faux mums, faux babies breath and real leaves I found in the yard (adding real leaves it what really makes the mainly faux arrangement come alive). Again, it’s all about being resourceful. You can see how I put the arrangement together on my Instagram account (@tonalitydesigns) in my saved Highlight Stories. I also saved the videos of me making the decoupaged vase as well.
So I’m doing my part and crafting safely at home. Are you? I truly hope even if you’re not crafting, you’re finding time and energy to do whatever brings you joy. #saferathome
Update
I ended up doing the Upcycled Coffe Can Craft again but with red and white fabrics for Fourth of July decor. It took all of 10 minutes and I had perfect holiday decor. I hope it inspires you to use different fabrics to match whatever season you’re in.
