Green Crafting: Eco-Friendly Burlap Paintbrush Holder

With all the load-shedding we have in South Africa, tinned food has become part of our staple diet. I’m not a big fan. Neither is my waistline. But it does mean I have a whole bunch of empty tin cans that can be upcycled into all kinds of things. Like this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. Not only was it easy to make but it’s perfect for storing paintbrushes, pens, pencils, crayons, and even driftwood scraps. Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. It could even double up as a succulent planter, rustic vase, or utensil holder. And the burlap texture takes it to a whole new level of awesomeness, don’t you think? Plus, it’s friendly to our planet and keeps my crafting space tidy too. Sustainable, inexpensive home décor at its best. Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. To personalize the revamped tin, I added feathers and a clay bead. You can use whatever makes you happy and fits with your décor style. Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. In this easy repurpose tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a burlap Paintbrush holder using an empty tin can. But before we get there, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!

What you Need

Empty tin can
Burlap/hessian fabric
Glue
Craft paint
Mod Podge
Paintbrush and/or sponge
Permanent Marker
Decorative items (beads, feathers, tags, etc.)

What you need to make an eco-friendly paintbrush holder

How to make a burlap paintbrush holder

Making a burlap pattern

Remove the label and any glue residue from the tin can and give it a good wash in warm soapy water. Leave to dry. Place the tin can bottom down on a piece of burlap and trace around the edges with a permanent marker. Trace around the bottom of the tin can Use a pair of scissors to cut around the marks and test fit on the bottom of the tin can. Trim away any excess. Cut a circle of burlap or hessian for the bottom of the can Lay the tin can on its side and line one edge of the burlap or hessian fabric up with the bottom edge of the can. Wrap the fabric around the can, overlapping the long, wrapped edges by a few centimeters. Trim the burlap by cutting between two threads. This helps keep the cutting lines straight. For the top edge, measure about 4cm (2”) from the top of the tin can and cut as shown below. Wrap the burlap (hessian) around the tin can and overlap one edge by a few centimeters or inches Once the pieces have been cut, pull a few strands along the top edge to create a fringe. Most burlap has an open weave so if you don’t want the shiny metal to show through, paint the can first before covering it with the cut burlap pieces. Paint the tin can to get rid of the shine

How to cover a tin can in burlap

My favorite glue for something like this is Super Glue (aka Instant Glue). I dries super fast and bonds well to all kinds of surfaces. Sadly it’s not biodegradable so I try to use as little as possible.

Put a small drop at the top and bottom of the can to hold the fabric in place. Wrap the burlap around the can before adding a thin line of glue to secure the overlapping edge. For the bottom, a few dots of glue around the edge did the trick. Use the superglue sparingly to secure the burlap or hessian to the tin can Flip the top, frayed edge over as shown below. Flip the edge of the burlap or hessian over to form a cuff If you love the natural look of burlap, you can probably skip the next step. Since my can will hold paintbrushes, I didn’t want any wet drips to stain the burlap or have to deal with grubby finger marks in a few weeks.

Painting and sealing burlap

To paint and seal the burlap cover I used black and white craft paint mixed with matt Mod Podge. The paint adds color while the Mod Podge creates a waterproof layer which should protect the “burlapped” holder. Colors I used to paint the burlap (hessian) Use a paintbrush or sponge to apply the paint. The sponge makes it easier to squish the paint into hard-to-reach places, while a paintbrush covers large areas quickly. Paint and seal the burlap to protect it from spills Because burlap has loads of texture, I applied three coats to get the coverage I wanted. A view of the burlap covered tin can after painting And for a final artistic touch I made a clay token and added gorgeous feathers. You may recognize them. They’re leftovers from making this boho air plant holder. A feather and handmade clay token to decorate the paintbrush holder Leave the paint to dry completely before using your new eco-friendly paintbrush holder. Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. Not bad for something that used to house baked beans. Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. Versatile upcycling at its best! Feathers and all :D Hopefully, it will keep me from leaving my paintbrushes all over the place too.

Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. And I think Mr. Pose approves too. BTW, if you’re anything like me a have a few dried out, crusty paintbrushes lying around, this tutorial will show you how to turn them into hooks. Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. What do you think? Have you upcycled any tin cans. I still have a whole bunch that need a makeover. So if you have any DIY tin can projects you want us to try, give me a shout in the comments.

If you like the idea of making an eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder, don’t forget to pin it for later.

Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. Versatile upcycling at its best! Sharing caring Add a dash of creativity to your art studio or craft room with this eco-friendly burlap paintbrush holder. A quick and easy craft project that’s both functional and simple to customize. If paintbrushes aren’t your thing, you can use your creation as a vase, planter, or unique utensil holder. The possibilities are endless. Versatile upcycling at its best! And if you have a whole bunch of tin cans to upcycle here’s a few more ideas to get you started. 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 ;-)

American Metalcraft SCSM Multi-Ring Fry Can,...

Butarfe Burlap 5 Yard Natural Burlap Fabric 39...

Apple Barrel PROMOABWB Set Featuring 2 White Black...

If you prefer to buy rather than DIY, perhaps these beauties will appeal.

U.S. Art Supply Plastic Artist Round 50 Hole Paint...

Earth & Fiber Co. Waxed canvas paint brush holder...

Sale

GAXmi Makeup Brush Holder with Lid Cosmetic Tools...

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

Made with love by a Crafty Mix

14 comments

Steph@Stephcreatesthings May 13, 2024 - 7:34 pm

This turned out beautiful. I love upcycling tin cans. They make the best upcycled crafts.

Michelle May 13, 2024 - 7:56 pm

I totally agree, Steph and they’re free

Donna via Funky Junk Interiors May 10, 2024 - 10:06 pm

Ohhhh love this idea for storing paint brushes! Talk about being inspired with something cool before even picking up a brush! Really cool effect, Michelle!

Michelle May 11, 2024 - 8:55 am

Right?!!! It’s the easiest way to turn stationary storage into art.

Kim May 6, 2024 - 6:58 pm

The feather touch is just beautiful and I never would’ve guessed that you painted the burlap after applying it to the can. Interesting!

Michelle May 12, 2024 - 6:31 pm

Thank you, Kim. Feathers make everything pretty IMHO

jeanie April 30, 2024 - 4:06 pm

I’m always looking for attractive containers for my brushes and pens. (Generally it ends up being mugs that have seen better days!) I love the look of this and I’ll always have all these supplies at hand! Happy week and creating. ~ jeanie from Marmelade Gypsy

Michelle April 30, 2024 - 7:43 pm

Well hello Jeanie from Marmelade Gypsy, pleased to meet you. I’ve got a few of those old coffee mugs hanging around too but they’re such a mismatched bunch that they’ve been relegated to a dark corner in my craft room. Maybe one day I’ll give them a makeover too.

MaryJo Materazo April 29, 2024 - 9:07 pm

I love this! It came out great and nobody would ever know its origin. I found your link at the calling fellow bloggers party. Thank you for the inspiration & have a wonderful day. XO- MaryJo

Michelle April 30, 2024 - 7:44 pm

Hiding tin cans under fabric is my new superpower ;-) Thanks for the visit Mary-Jo

Jennifer Wise April 29, 2024 - 8:00 pm

So beautiful! I love the blue burlap, too–I don’t think it would have occurred to me to paint it! The clay token is just right. Thank you for sharing this post with us at the Will Blog for Comments #36 linkup!

Michelle April 30, 2024 - 7:49 pm

You’re welcome Jennifer and thanks so much for hosting the link party.

Jennifer Wise May 10, 2024 - 4:18 pm

My pleasure. :) I’m stopping in again with congratulations! This post was one of the most popular at the Will Blog for Comments #36 linkup. As such, it will be in the spotlight all next week (starting today). You’re welcome to save the “This Post Was a Featured Favorite” image there to share with your readers here to celebrate. Thanks for sharing your post with us–we hope to see you with more posts to share next week, too. Have a great weekend!