Dr Edinose – A DIY Tin Can Steampunk Planter

I have this thing for turning throw-away stuff into unique planters. It just makes me happy. Not only am I doing my bit for the planet, but all the money I save can go towards buying new plants. And since we always have an empty tin can (or seven 😉 ) in our craft cupboard, I normally start there. Which is how Dr Edinose; the tin can steampunk planter, was born.

 

With his trailing succulent hair, hooked nose, and goggles he looks like the quintessential madcap scientist. Fortunately, he has some clunky wooden shoes to keep him grounded 😀

 

Dr Edinose is quickly becoming one of my favorite planters.

 

He’s so full of character and just like our mossy creatures he’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and add that something special to your garden or porch.

 

Right, before I share how to make Dr Edinose, the tin can steampunk planter, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!

What you need

• Large empty tin can
• 2 large springs
• Scrap wood
• Steampunk googles
• Prosthetic witch’s nose
• Creeping plant
• Spray paint

Tools

• Drill or a hammer and nail
• Jig saw

 

How to make a Dr Edinose Steampunk Planter

This is a really quick and easy planter. Gather your supplies and let’s get started. First up, making some clunky shoes. There are two ways to do it. You can either cut the shoes from a scrap piece of wood or use a pair of children-sized shoes. Since I love using my jigsaw I made these shoes from wood. Draw a rough sketch of what you’d like the shoe to look like and cut it out with a jigsaw.

 

Use the shoe cut-out as a template to make a second shoe. Sand the edges and grab two fence post staples and hammer them into the top of the shoes. The shoes will hang from the springs and be attached to the tin can.

 

Figure out where to hang the legs and drill a hole in the bottom of the tin can. If you don’t want to use a drill, a hammer and a nail will work too 😉 Oh, and while you’re making holes, don’t forget to add a few more for drainage. It’s especially important if you’re going to use the planter for succulents.

 

Give the tin can, springs, and clunky shoes a good wipe to get rid of any dirt or oil marks, and then paint them all in a color (or colors) of your choice. Since no self-respecting steampunk doctor, would be seen in anything but black, I went for a flat black 😉

 

Leave the paint to dry fully, before gluing the prosthetic witch’s nose onto the tin can. About a 1/3 of the way from the top of the tin can.

 

Use a little paint to blend the nose in with the tin can. Slip the steampunk goggles over the tin can and let them rest on top of the nose.

 

Attach the springs to the can and add the shoes. Fill the Dr Edinose steampunk planter with potting soil and a plant.

 

ProTip: If your paint chips after you’ve assembled everything, spray a little paint into the lid and use an ear bud for a quick touch up. It works every time.  

 

When choosing a plant for Dr Edinose, think about what kind of personality you want to give him. For a diligent, no-nonsense look, go for rock cap moss (Dicranum scoparium) or something from the Pleurocarpous family. If your Dr Edinose is more inclined to be a punk rocker, a small aloe would be perfect. I went for a creeping, succulent ground cover (Crassula pellucida). In my humble opinion, it’s what gives Dr Edinose that madcap scientist look.  

 

And that’s it. So easy, right?

 

Not bad for a tin can repurpose.

 

For now, he’s parking his pretty little bottom on our stairs, but when Halloween comes around I think he’ll make a wonderful prop too. I might just give him a pointy hat to match those clunky shoes 😉

 

What do you think? Would you add Dr Edinose to your planter collection?

 

If you like the idea of making turning a tin can into a Dr Edinose steampunk planter, don’t forget to pin it for later.

 

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And if a steampunk planter doesn’t quite fit with your décor style or you want to use up all those other tin cans you have lying around, then you can consider making a barrel bag planter and/or this cute handbag planter.

Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉

And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.

And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.