Reach into the recycle bin and get ready to craft. Make these cute red, white, and blue patriotic painted tin cans to use as vases all summer long.
Patriotic Painted Tin Cans
Nothing says summer quite like the good old stars and stripes. And nothing makes me happy quite like an upcycled craft.
It’s no secret that I love buying fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s. I especially like buying simple bouquets with just one or two types of stems in neutral tones.
Why I made this red, white, and blue CRAFT:
I decided to combine my love for all things upcycled and natural into a little DIY decor project that can last all summer long: easy tin can vases.
All you need is a bit of chalk paint and stickers, and you can completely transform castaways from your recycle bin!
Let’s get making.
Supplies needed for this painted tin can project:
- 3 empty tin cans
- chalky finish paint in white, red, and blue – I used white Rustoleum chalk paint along with Waverly chalk paint in ocean and crimson
- paint brushes – a 1-inch flat brush and fine-tip brush will work best
- star stickers – I cut mine out on my Cricut machine, but you can buy plain star sticker at any craft store
- Cricut weeding tool OR safety pin
- (optional) masking tape – if you want perfectly straight red and white lines
- sandpaper
How to Paint Red, White, and Blue Tin Cans
1. Paint all three tin cans with white paint using a flat paint brush. Let dry. Apply a second coat. Don’t worry about getting perfect coverage, since these will be distressed anyway.
2. Once the white paint has completely dried, add the star stickers to one tin can. There is a bit of a ripple pattern on the surface of the tin cans, so be sure to smooth down the stickers really well.
3. Use a flat 1-inch brush and blue paint to paint over the stickers. To avoid paint bleeding under the star stickers, follow this method: Lay the paint brush flat in the center of the sticker, and paint in one direction (right). Then lay the paint brush flat in the center of the same sticker and paint in the opposite direction (left).
4. While the paint is still a bit tacky, carefully peel away the start stickers. I used a Cricut weeding tool for this, but you could also use a safety pin.
5. On the remaining two tin cans, paint red lines at varying intervals. You can use masking tape for crisp lines or freehand for a more rustic look.
6. Once the paint on all three tin cans has completely dried, lightly distress the surface with sandpaper.
Don’t forget to PIN this craft for later:
Patriotic Painted Tin Cans
Grab some old empty tin cans and chalk paint to make a simple summer centerpiece with patriotic tin cans decked out in red, white, & blue!
Materials
- 3 empty tin cans
- chalky finish paint in white, red, and blue - I used white Rustoleum chalk paint along with Waverly chalk paint in ocean and crimson
- paint brushes - a 1-inch flat brush and fine-tip brush will work best
- star stickers - I cut mine out on my Cricut machine, but you can buy plain star sticker at any craft store
- Cricut weeding tool OR safety pin
- (optional) masking tape - if you want perfectly straight red and white lines
- sandpaper
Instructions
- Paint all three tin cans with white paint using a flat paint brush. Let dry. Apply a second coat. Don't worry about getting perfect coverage, since these will be distressed anyway.
- Once the white paint has completely dried, add the star stickers to one tin can. There is a bit of a ripple pattern on the surface of the tin cans, so be sure to smooth down the stickers really well.
- Use a flat 1-inch brush and blue paint to paint over the stickers. To avoid paint bleeding under the star stickers, follow this method: Lay the paint brush flat in the center of the sticker, and paint in one direction (right). Then lay the paint brush flat in the center of the same sticker and paint in the opposite direction (left).
- While the paint is still a bit tacky, carefully peel away the start stickers. I used a Cricut weeding tool for this, but you could also use a safety pin.
- On the remaining two tin cans, paint red lines at varying intervals. You can use masking tape for crisp lines or freehand for a more rustic look.
- Once the paint on all three tin cans has completely dried, lightly distress the surface with sandpaper.
MORE PATRIOTIC AND AMERICAN FLAG CRAFT IDEAS:
- Download and print these FREE Buffalo Check Patriotic Printables – for your seasonal gallery walls, to print as a greeting card, or just because!
- These 21 patriotic wreaths are perfect for summer crafting or making a quick DIY 4th of July decoration.
- You’re going to love these farmhouse style American flag crafts. They’re perfect for summer home decor all season long.
- Put those recycled wine corks to good use in your home décor by creating a patriotic inspired Wine Cork American Flag. Make a fun 4th of July craft in about 30 minutes.
This is so cute!
Thanks Cheryl!
Costa Rica you say? Love love love CR! We were there 3 yrs ago on vacation and given my love of bird watching, it’s the best place for exotic birds and hummingbirds galore!! I’m supposed to go there on business sometime and can’t wait to travel again for business and pleasure! Have a great time!!
Thanks! My kids LOVE animals, so I’m hoping it will be a vacation they remember for years to come!