Recycled Tin Can Handbag Planter
We love recycling things and turning them into unusual planters. Forks, shoes, coconuts, broken wine glasses, pallet scraps, it doesn’t matter. They’re all fair game 😉 One of my favorite items to use is the humble old empty tin can. We always have a whole bunch in some cupboard gathering dust while they wait for the opportunity to be recycled into something different. We’ve used them to make a cute little washboard shelf, gypsy fairy wagons, and a toilet roll outhouse. They’re also perfect to make this little tin can handbag planter.
Cute right? You can style the bags any way you want and if your green thumb is still a little brown around the edges you can add faux plants instead of the real thing. We put pansies in ours. They’re one of my favorite flowers. As soon as I see their happy little faces, I know Spring is around the corner.
And they’re super easy to make too. But, before we get to the 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
To make the tin can handbag planters you’ll need:
- Medium or Large tin can
- Can opener
- Old thin belt
- Fabric scraps
- Rubber mallet
- Piece of wood
- Drill and metal drill bits
- Paint
How to recycle a tin can to make a handbag planter
First things first. We need to take the bottom off of that tin can using a can opener.
Place the tin can on its side and smack the bottom edge with a rubber mallet and a piece of wood to flatten it out.
Drill two holes on either side at the top of the tin can. Use some masking tape to prevent the drill bit from slipping. I found it easier to drill a small pilot hole first before using a larger drill bit to make the hole bigger.
Check that the hole is big enough for the belt to fit through comfortably.
And then paint the can in the color of your choice. I chose a glossy white for ours but you can get creative and mod podge a pretty napkin on instead or even some fabric. Wrapping rope around the can would look lovely too.
While you wait for the paint to dry you can make some decorative bits to adorn the handbag. I used a scrap piece of leather to make a trim for the bottom.
And added a few studs to make it look more authentic.
You can glue the decorative bits on using an outdoor, waterproof glue like E6000.
To finish off insert the belt and your tin can handbag planter is ready.
We initially hung the handbag with our wire picture frames, but since the weather is so beautiful right now, I took it down and added the poppies to celebrate the changing of the seasons. We put her outside with one of our wine glass coconut planters.
Don’t they make a pretty pair 😉 And there’s a little metal meerkat keeping watch over both of them.
Isn’t he just the cutest?
They’re super-naughty and oh sooooooo curious.
If you like the idea of making tin can handbag planters, don’t forget to pin it for later.
What would you plant inside and how would you decorate yours?
Oh, and if you want to add another bag planter to the mix, then go check out our barrel bag planter tutorial. You’ll love how easy that one is to make too 😉 And if you have a whole bunch of tin cans to upcycle here’s a few more ideas to get you started.
Pssst, 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 come up with more amazing craft ideas to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY
And as always, wishing you a beautiful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
Totally adorable!!! I love it!
So happy to hear that, Vicky. Thank you
Genius! Pure Genius.
You are so very clever and what a great idea and with such great inspiration.
Thank You
I still have a few empty metal coffee cans. I know what I will be doing with them now; wink, wink. :}
? So happy you like the tin can handbags Colleen. Have fun making up yours
Michelle, it wasn’t until I read the post that I realized the can was showing. I thought you had hidden it within the bag. This project is just so darn cute. You inspire me as always.
Thanks, Leanna, the tin can does look very handbaggish now 😀
This is so cute Michelle, there’s nothing that you wouldn’t be able to turn into a cute planter!
You’re so right Katrin, there are so many things you can turn into interesting and unique planters
Michelle you fooled me again. I thought the bag was an old one you had and you just put the tin inside but you actually created a bag to cover the tin! Bravo for you!!
? Whoooop, whooop so happy to hear that it looks like the real thing Mary. I’ll be making a few more to give to friends as Christmas gifts. They’re so easy to do
Oh, my freak’n word, this is absolutely ADORABLE and clever tin can repurpose! See Michelle, this is why you’re up for an award (voted btw).
? You’re a superstar Marie. Thank you soooooo very much for the vote
My word Michelle! A tin can has never been prettier! I am in awe of your genius mind and talent!
Thank you Maya. Now if only I knew how to crochet as beautifully as what you do, I would have added some pretty beaded flowers and a boho styled strap ?
This is just the most clever idea! I never would have thought of reshaping the tin cans like that! Love the planters, perfect for year round decorating!
? Thanks so much Tiffany and iSn’t it amazing how one smack with a hammer can reshape the tin can into something so totally different.
This is so diferent and wonderfully easy to do. Thank you
You’re most welcome Brin. Thank you for coming to visit us
This is just genius! I love your creations so much and was so happy to see you nominated for #IBA19 Well deserved and best of luck! 🙂
Wow Michelle, thank you so much. It means a lot to us, especially since we’re in the company of such amazing blogs like yours. I’m holding thumbs for you too. Maybe we’ll finally get to meet each other in London ❣
Ok, stop it, that is just too darned cute for words!! Now I want one. And congrats on the Amara nomination!! How exciting and well deserved.
Thank you Kim and congrats on your nomination too. I was so happy to see that you in the list. I’ve been a fan of your blog for so long ?
That is adorable Michelle! When I first seen it I was wondering where the can was. It really looks like a handbag and I didn’t realize it was a smushed can. Very clever! ❤
Glad you like it Linda, those leather bits do such a great job at disguising the can ❣