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Upcycled Tin Container Solar Light Display

 


Happy Wednesday! I hope that you are all doing well. Today we're working on an upcycled project using a tin can, solar light, and a few other materials. 


Upcycled Tin Container Solar Light Display Video Tutorial





Materials 

Tin: If you have a tin can around your house, this project is perfect for reusing your tin can.  I'm using a Wasabi tin can

Paint- I'm using black chalk paint

One paintbrush

Butterfly stickers- Purchased at Dollar Tree (I am using pop-up stickers, and they are not waterproof. My display is being displayed on a screened-in porch. Other options are vinyl stickers or another material that may be waterproof.

Faux succulents- They have a variety at Dollar Tree, and also at Walmart. I purchased my succulents from a few different stores

Hot glue

One solar light-Purchased at Dollar Tree

Scissors

Optional- Craft rocks or marbles- This can be placed on the inside of your tin can, to help weigh it down.
Floral snips



Take some of your black chalk paint, and apply it to your tin can.  For complete coverage, you will need to apply around three coats of paint to your tin can.  Set your tin can aside, and allow it to fully dry. 
If you would like, you can use a blow dryer on the lowest setting and dry your paint between coats. Be sure that if you're holding the can, you protect your hand with either an oven mitt or a towel. The tin can get very hot. 




Next, using your scissors, create a small hole in the middle of the lid. You want the hole to be just large enough for the solar light stake to fit through. Once you have done so, set your lid aside.






Afterward, take your hot glue and add just a little on the back side of each butterfly that you add to your tin can. Even though the butterflies have a sticky backing to them, I wanted to be sure to add some extra adhesive. 





Now you are ready to start gluing on your succulent flowers. Glue your succulent flowers around the outer section of the hole. Be sure to leave enough room for when you insert your light.

This is optional, but if you have any craft rocks or marbles, you can add them to the inside of your tin can. This helps to weigh the can down. I added in a few craft rocks after gluing my succulents. 

Note***If you are using butterfly stickers like I did, I would recommend displaying your solar light display on a porch that gets enough sunlight, but is not near any water since the butterflies are not waterproof. 
But you can use vinyl stickers or another material for your butterflies that can be in all elements. I decided to use the pop-up stickers since I am displaying my solar light on a screened-in porch.



Your solar light display is complete. I hope you have enjoyed creating this upcycled craft. Be sure to leave a comment below, and let me know if you will be creating your very own. I'll see you soon.

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Location: Colorado, USA

Comments

  1. ttjsaunders@gmail.comMay 10, 2022 at 10:17 AM

    very cute...n very clever

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sum of their StoriesMay 14, 2022 at 5:18 AM

    That's such an imaginative way to upcycle an old tin can. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dee | GrammysGrid.comJune 6, 2023 at 4:00 AM

    Looks nice, I love things that light up!! Thanks so much for linking up at the #UnlimitedLinkParty 115. Pinned.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vintage Style GalJune 21, 2023 at 12:00 PM

    Wonderful idea Stephanie! I have been on a tin can kick myself, the possibilities are endless using them in decor. I am in loving your light idea, I need to step outside and give the patio a makeover and this would be perfect setting on one of the end tables!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. StephanieJune 23, 2023 at 1:19 PM

      Thank you! Yes, I really enjoyed this craft. Thank you for stopping by.

      Delete
  5. Eclectic Red BarnApril 24, 2024 at 7:22 PM

    Stephanie,
    What a great idea. You always come up with awesome ideas. Congratulations, You are being featured on TFT. I hope you stop by. https://www.eclecticredbarn.com/2024/04/lots-of-flowers-on-tft.html
    Hugs,
    Bev

    ReplyDelete
  6. Carol, The Answer Is ChocolateApril 25, 2024 at 9:41 AM

    Genuius as always. What fun to make for this time of year and evenings outside. Featuring when my link party opens!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. StephanieApril 25, 2024 at 3:36 PM

      Carol, thank you. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed it. :) Excited to be featured at your party.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousMay 23, 2024 at 2:24 PM

    Coffee cans work great--I love this project!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. StephanieMay 23, 2024 at 3:22 PM

      Thank you! I'm happy you enjoyed this project. :)

      Delete
  8. Joanne May 27, 2024 at 12:32 PM

    That is really pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Jennifer WiseFebruary 4, 2026 at 12:58 PM

    What a totally fun idea! It's lovely, Steph! Visiting from the Wednesdays in the Studio link party.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. StephanieFebruary 4, 2026 at 9:57 PM

      Jennifer, aw, thank you! I appreciate your visit. 😊

      Delete
  10. Jennifer AdamsFebruary 10, 2026 at 11:23 AM

    Now you've got me thinking of waterproof ways to copy this into the yard! Featuring you at Wednesdays in the Studio!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. StephanieFebruary 10, 2026 at 11:55 AM

      Jennifer, thank you! Yes, there are so many different ways to customize this design. Thank you for the feature.

      Delete

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