Supplies and Equipment

Supplies

• Clean, empty 28-ounce tin can with its paper label saved
• Dollar Tree calendar page—I used a winter scene from the Painted Moments calendar
• 12-by-12-inch cardstock—I used blue
• Antique Gold Rub ’n Buff
• Double-sided tape
• Coordinating ribbon wide enough to cover the gap at the back—I used natural jute ribbon
• Faux evergreen sprigs or other decorative stems

Equipment

• Scissors
• Pen
• Ruler or straightedge
• Small piece of a clean dish sponge

How to Make a Dollar Tree Calendar Tin Can Vase

Step 1: Watch the Video Tutorial

Watch the video tutorial located above, right here in this blog post, to see how I wrap the can, position the winter artwork, and cover the gap at the back. Then follow the steps below to make your own.

Step 2: Prepare the Can and Save the Label

Start with a clean, dry tin can. Mine was a 28-ounce crushed tomato can—because homemade soup is always a good idea!

Carefully cut or peel the paper label along its seam and remove it in one piece. You’ll use this label as a template for cutting the cardstock and calendar page. Make sure the can’s opening is smooth and free of sharp edges before handling or decorating it.

Step 3: Cut the Cardstock and Calendar Page

Lay the original label on your cardstock and use it as a guide to trace the height and wrap length. A ruler helps keep the edges straight. Cut just inside your pen lines and check the fit around the can.

Next, use the label to mark the same height on your calendar page. Before cutting, check which part of the artwork will show. I had to adjust mine so the little bird wouldn’t lose its head. Definitely worth a second look!
Trim away the torn edge and cut your chosen section, keeping the details you love inside the finished strip. Both paper pieces should fit between the can’s top and bottom rims.

If your calendar page or cardstock is a little too short to wrap all the way around, that’s okay. Position any gaps at the back, where you’ll cover them with ribbon.

Step 4: Add Antique Gold to the Rims

The top and bottom rims will still show after the paper goes on, so give them a little attention. Cut a small piece from a clean dish sponge and use it to apply a little Antique Gold Rub ’n Buff to the exposed outer rims. I liked how the warmer gold finish worked with the winter artwork and made the can feel a little more dressed up.

Allow the finish to dry according to the product directions before wrapping the can.

Step 5: Wrap the Can with Both Paper Layers

Apply double-sided tape along both short ends of the cardstock strip. Remove the paper liners, if your tape has them, and wrap the cardstock snugly around the can. Press the ends securely into place, keeping the seam or gap at the back.

Repeat with the calendar page: add tape to both short ends, peel away the liners, and smooth the artwork around the cardstock-covered can. Position your favorite part of the scene at the front.

I used double-sided tape to attach both layers, so there’s no wet glue to brush over that thin calendar paper.

Step 6: Cover the Back Gap with Ribbon

If the calendar page doesn’t meet at the back, cut a strip of coordinating ribbon to match the height of the paper-covered section.

Choose ribbon wide enough to cover the entire gap with a little overlap on each side. I used natural jute ribbon, which looked pretty with the snowy scene.

Apply double-sided tape to the back of the ribbon, remove the liner, and press it vertically over the gap. Just like that, the exposed can is covered, and the back looks finished, too.

Step 7: Add Your Greenery

Pop in a few faux evergreen sprigs, and your winter tin can vase is ready to display!

Keep the arrangement simple so the calendar artwork can shine. This little vase would look sweet on a shelf, an entry table, or tucked into a cozy winter vignette.