Make Repurposed Tin Can Wall Pocket Planters (Pocket Posey)

Tin can wall pocket planters are all the rage! This handcrafted tin can pocket posey is filled with beautiful faux flowers and can be hung or stood on a shelf.

I’m always looking for ways to recycle things and use them in a new way. So when I saw these tin can wall pocket planters, I knew I had to make one!

Not only are they super cute, but they’re also really easy to make. You just need a few inexpensive supplies and a little bit of time.

And the best part? You can customize them any way you want. So grab some old cans and get started!

Supplies for Tin Can Wall Pocket Planters

• Empty Tin Cans
• Download Free Printables HERE – I also used napkins
• Mod Podge – I love this bundle!
• Moss
• White Chalk Paint
• Dixie Belle Soft Pink Paint
• Foam Brush
• Hammer

How to Make Tin Can Wall Pocket Planters

Step 1. Prepare the Tin Cans

The first thing you need to do is gather your tin cans and remove the labels. If you have any glue residue left on the can you can use a little goo gone adhesive remover.

Give them a quick wash to remove any leftover food inside.

Step 2. Crush the Bottom of the Tin Cans

In order to flatten the cans, you have to use cans that have the same top and bottom. 

You won’t be able to use a can opener to remove the bottom from cans with a rounded bottom.

Whenever I go to the grocery store now I’m always checking the bottoms of the cans!

I used two different sizes for these pocket posies. Hunt’s tomato paste and spaghettios.

I’m on the hunt for the extra-large cans so I can make a planter to use outside with real flowers.

Place the tin can on its side so the seam is up. Then you can use your hand to flatten the can. It doesn’t take much pressure at all.

Step 3. Use a Hammer to Close the Bottom of the Tin Cans

Now it’s time to take out a little aggression on the tin cans! Trust me, this is good therapy. 🙂 Use a hammer or mallet to seal the tin can.

Since I am using silk flowers it doesn’t have to be completely closed, but if you are adding real flowers and soil you want to make sure it is nice and sealed.

Step 4. Paint the Tin Cans

Gather your favorite paint to paint the tin cans. I used pretty soft colors in pink and sage green, plus white chalk paint.

This is where you can really have fun with it and create a rainbow of colors if you want!

Warning – you will want to make “all the tin cans”.

Let the paint dry fully before moving on to the decoupage technique.

I have to say this is my favorite part and I really LOVE to decoupage. If you are a fan too you can check out some of my popular decoupage projects with tips for decoupage below:

• How to Decoupage with Napkins
• 19 Decoupage Furniture Ideas
• How to Decoupage on Glass
• How to Make Buffalo Check Plates with Mod Podge
• How to Decoupage with Mod Podge on Soap

Step 5. Gather your Decoupage Material

You can use so many things to decoupage your cans. I gathered napkins, rice paper, and my free printables.

What Materials Can You Use to Decoupage?

• Fabric
• Specialty Decoupage Paper
• Laser-printed photos
• Book Pages
• Beautiful Napkins for Decoupage
• Sheet music

Step 6. Add Mod Podge

Place a layer of mod podge onto your crushed tin can. I use foam brushes for painting and adding mod podge.

Let it sit for about 30 seconds or so until it gets a little tacky then lightly place your napkin or other material onto the mod podge.

If you are using napkins, only use the top printed layer. I also find tearing your material rather than cutting it makes for a cleaner look on the tin cans. It almost looks painted on!

Step 7. Burnish Image with Plastic Wrap

A super helpful tip for decoupage is to use plastic wrap to “burnish” the image and remove any wrinkles. It really helps to prevent any tearing in your material and gives it a smoother finish.

Step 8. Add a Top Layer of Mod Podge 

You will need about 2-3 coats of mod podge on top of your tin cans. You can use more if you like but I found this was enough.

But, if you are using heavier paper like brochures, you may need more.  Let the image dry for at least 30 minutes between coats.

Step 9. Seal with a Coat of Clear Sealant

You can use a clear sealer if you want to give it a shiny finish. You will also need this if you are using these pocket posies outside.

I didn’t add a sealer to these as I like the matte finish. This is totally your personal preference.

Step 10. Fill with Flowers

Now fill your tin wall pockets with flowers. I found all of these pretty spring flowers at the dollar store. You don’t even need foam for the can. I just used a little bit of moss to secure it.

Here it is hanging on an old ladder with a piece of ribbon. You can also hang these on a wall with twine or floral wire.

Finished Tin Can Wall Pocket Planters

I made four different tin can planters and can’t decide which one I like best. You may notice a little bit of gold on this pretty vintage style planter:

I used my finger to rub a bit of gold gilding paint onto the planter. I’m pretty obsessed with how it turned out.

This is what I used:

This tin can planter was made using rice paper:

I added gold to this one as well. It really pops on the soft pink backdrop.

If you are a fan of all things little red truck you will love this next one:

The fourth tin can wall planter I made also uses my spring printables and is an adorable design for Easter or spring:

I kept one can uncrushed to make this beautiful spring vase:

Can you believe this was a soup can? Save all those tin cans so you can make your own hanging wall planters!

You can add wire, twine, or ribbon for hanging, or display them standing on a shelf. The smaller tin cans are the perfect size for tiered trays.

Just because I took a million and one pictures, here are a few more:

There you have it! Four beautiful and simple DIY tin can wall pocket planters that you can make for just a couple of dollars!

I hope you enjoy these pretty planters as much as I enjoyed making them. If so, please share this post with your friends.

It really helps my blog…and it doesn’t cost anything. 🙂

If you create anything with my free printables be sure to share your photos with me on Facebook and Instagram and use the hashtag #freeprintablecrafts.

Thank you so much for visiting. Happy crafting!

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