We love repurposing tins cans. There are sooooo many things you can do with them. You can turn them into an adorable washboard or make a toilet paper outhouse. They’re great for making picnic caddies too, but one of my favorite ways to reuse those empty tin cans is planters. And not just any planter. No siree 😉 Handbag planters that make a statement and look really cool. So today I want to share another handbag planter tutorial with you all. I’m calling this one my rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Try saying that one quickly 😀 It’s quite a mouthful but it’s the best way to describe this recycled craft.

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

We’re so fortunate to stay in a country where the weather is beautiful for 359.35 days of the year and have a gorgeous, lush garden filled with greenery that seems to reproduce all on its own. And with our garden making so many babies we’re always trying to find new ways to showcase the new additions to our plant family.

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

In all honesty, after making teeny, tiny fairy things, coming up with new ideas for planters is my next favorite thing to do and this tin can barrel planter is no exception. All it cost me was some time and two silver buttons 😉

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

Right, before we get to the recycled barrel bag planter tutorial, 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

  • Outdoor Mod Podge or craft glue
  • Brown and black craft paint. I used Unicorn SpiT
  • Coarse spice
  • Rust-Oleum NeverWet (optional)
  • Buttons (optional)
  • Soil and succulents
  • E6000
  • Scrap fabric
  • Tin can with lid or metal storage canisters. I used one of the “feel me up” tin cans. True story 😉

To make the barrel bag planter you'll need a tin can with a lid

How to make a tin can barrel bag planter

Remove any labels and use a permanent marker to mark where to cut the tin can.

Use a permanent marker to mark where to cut the tin can

Drill four holes in each corner of the marked area. The hole needs to be big enough to fit a jig saw blade.

Drill four large holes in the corners

Cut along the marks using your jigsaw.

Cut along the marks with a jigsaw

You should end up with something that looks like this.

The opening in the tin can after cutting with a jigsaw

Drill a few holes in the bottom of the can for drainage. It’s super important if you’ll be planting succulents. They hate waterlogged feet ?

Drill a few holes in the bottom of the planter for drainage

Measure and cut two semi-circles from your denim fabric (or whatever other fabric you’ll be using). The top of the semi-circles should be as wide as your tin can with at least a 1/2” extra. On the wrong side of the fabric mark where the semi-circle will go over the hole and cut the corners as shown below.

Cut the denim or fabric along the lines

The corner cuts make it easier to fold the fabric over the sharp edges of the tin can barrel bag planter.

Make sure the denim or fabric cut fits inside the hole

Put the denim bits to one side and spray both lids (if you’re using them) and the tin can with a brown primer base coat. The primer ensures that the lids and the tin can both have the same “base” for the next steps.

Paint the tin can with a primer to ensure a consistent coverage

Adding faux rust to the barrel bag planter

You don’t need any fancy paints or tools to create a rusty texture, just some craft glue (waterproof) or outdoor mod podge, and coarse spice.

To create faux rust you'll need waterproof craft glue and coarse spice

Apply a generous amount of the glue on the primed tin can and both lids, before sprinkling liberally with coarse spice.

Brush on liberal amounts of outdoor mod podge or glue before adding the coarse spice

You want to cover the whole tin can and both lids and wait for the glue to dry completely.

Apply lots of coarse spice all over the tin can

To add a gorgeous rusty patina you’ll need craft paint in three colors – black, brown and orange.

The three Unicorn SPiT colors used to create the faux rust effect

Start by applying a layer of watered down black, and once that dry dies use a sponge to dab on random bits of brown. Don’t cover the black completely, you still want it to peak through.

Once the black dries, dap on some brown

And then add teeny, tiny bits of orange just for love.

Finally add a teeny bit of orange to the mix and splatter on

Finishing off the planter

Once the paint is completely dry, we’re ready to finish off the planter. Using E6000 or similar waterproof glue, glue the denim semi-circles you cut earlier down around the hole.

Use E6000 to glue the denim or fabric shapes onto and around the opening in the tin can.

Now would also be a good time to add a handle to your barrel bag. I kinda forgot so had to lift up a bit of the denim to drill two small holes and insert a piece of wire 😉

For a handle, add a piece of wire

Spray the whole planter with a polyurethane sealer to protect it and add a pretty button if you like. Gather up those succulent pups if you’re lucky enough to have them growing all over the place.

A collection of small succulents ready for planting

Fill the planter with soil and plant those babies 😉

Use a small container to fill the barrel bag planter

Place your planter in a spot that gets enough light and enjoy.

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

If your barrel bag rolls a around a bit, place a small skewer or stick in front or behind her to keep those rolls at bay 😉

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts
I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts
I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts
I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts
I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

If you like the idea of making your own barrel bag planter, don’t forget to pin it for later.

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

Sharing is caring 😉

I love recycling tin cans into planters like this one. We call it the rusty tin can barrel bag planter. Quite a mouth full but it’s really easy to do with things you would normally throw away. #Barrelbag #TinCanRepupose #ACraftyMix #DIYPlanter #TinCanPlanter #recycledtincan #DenimCrafts

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 😉

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

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

Made with love by a Crafty Mix