Metal cans and jars are versatile items that can be used in many ways to decorate your garden. You can turn them into ornamental flowers or pots for plants, the possibilities are endless: just use a little creativity.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Making Wreaths with Cans
Step 1. Wear protective gloves when cutting cans
For this project and the others listed in the article, you will cut soda cans and metal jars and turn them into pretty ornaments for your garden. This work requires a lot of attention and caution, because the edges of the cut cans can seriously injure you. It is therefore very important to wear work gloves when cutting cans.
You will also need reinforced shoes with a high sole
Step 2. Get some empty soda cans
Try to put together cans of different drinks so that you have a colorful collection to create your flowers with.
However, even with the same type of cans you can achieve a pleasant result
Step 3. Cut the cans
Use a utility knife to make vertical cuts along the can. Leave a space of about 2 cm between one cut and the next.
Make cuts around the entire can, making sure to leave enough space between them
Step 4. Crush the cans
Put on your high-soled work shoes (or work boots) and crush each can completely, keeping it standing on a smooth floor. The cuts will turn into petals.
The crushed can will become a flower
Step 5. Glue the “flowers” together to form a garland
The wreath can be propped against an iron hoop or wreath base that you can purchase at a hobby store. Use a hot glue gun to attach the flowers.
If you don't have a base, you can buy a pool tube. Fold it and form a circle that you will close with masking tape. Hide the part with the adhesive by wrapping a cloth tape over it
Method 2 of 4: Making Flowers with Cans
Step 1. Get empty cans and jars
You can use the metal jars of sauces, legumes, etc. which you will remove the cap. You choose the size of the jars. Always wear work gloves, as these cans are very sharp.
Step 2. Cut the cans
Use the shears to make vertical cuts along the can. Start cutting from the open side and work your way down to the base of the can. Make the cuts around the entire can.
Leave a gap of about 4cm between each cut
Step 3. Tick off the ends of the "petals"
With the shears, check the ends of each cut strip, giving it a rounded shape. Pay close attention to the edges of the cut metal. Fold each "petal" outwards. Now the can has taken the shape of a flower!
You can paint the "flowers". If you don't know how to paint metal flowers, read Method 4
Step 4. You can attach the flowers to a bamboo garden mat
The reeds of the mat will act as stems for your flowers. Make 2 holes in the center of the flower and pass a wire through it.
Tie the wire to the bamboo canes, knotting it behind
Method 3 of 4: Making Metal Vessels
Step 1. Get some large metal cans
Look for jars of oil or other foods, which are usually used by restaurants. Make sure you clean them well and don't leave any residue of oil or other food products.
Step 2. Fold the rim of the jar inward to make it flatten and make it safe
Use the pliers for this operation.
You can also cover the edge with silicone
Step 3. Make the drainage holes
Most plants do not like soaked soil, so it is important that the jars have water drainage holes. To make the holes:
- Use a power drill, or a hammer and sharp nail. If you use the latter method, make the holes on the outer bottom of the jar, so the sharp edges of the holes will remain inside the jar.
- Paint the jar. The next step will show you how.
Step 4. Add material to the bottom of the jar to aid drainage
After making the holes, put some gravel in the bottom of the jar and fill it with soil. The gravel will help the water drain.
Step 5. Place the plant in the jar
Fill the jar with soil and choose the plant you want to pot. When choosing the plant, remember that it must have land suitable for its species. If the plant grows in acidic soil, be sure to use acidic soil.
Method 4 of 4: Painting Metal Cans and Cans
Step 1. Wash the can before you start painting
Clean the jar using soap and water. This will be enough to remove oil and food residues, and the label. After washing the jar, let it dry completely in the air.
To remove persistent oil residues, use a solution of water and vinegar
Step 2. Soften the surface of the jar with the steel wool
Take a scourer and scrape the entire surface of the jar. This will make the metal rougher and the paint will stick more easily.
Step 3. Apply metal primer and let dry
After priming, apply a coat of the acrylic paint of your choice. You can mix a general insulating varnish with the base coat. Apply several coats of paint.
After the last coat has dried, apply a protective clear coat to make the color last longer
Warnings
- Metal cans and jars can have sharp edges. It is very important to fold or flatten all sharp edges to prevent injury. You can cover the edges with duct tape, or plumbing silicone, but these aren't long-lasting solutions.
- Remember that holes made in metal can have very sharp edges.
- Metal food cans are not designed to be outdoors and could rust over time. Rusty edges can become abrasive to the skin. You may also notice rust stains on the wooden fence where you hung the metal wreaths, or on the wooden porch where you placed the metal flowers.
