I made these decorative tin can planters partly to use ups some of my paper napkins stash!
Every time I go into a Scandinavian/Nordic interiors shop I wander around swooning over all the beautifully designed furniture. I can’t afford the furniture but don’t want to leave empty-handed so I buy a pack of Marimekko paper napkins.
Marimekko prints are a favourite of mine and have used their designs in lots of crafts and DIYs. I even have a Marimekko wallpapered staircase in my home and a unique decoupaged Marimekko bench in the garden.
DIY Colourful Spring Decorative Tin Can Planters
This time I thought it would be fun to show off lots of the Marimekko designs in one go. That’s when I got the idea for making a load of upcycled decorative tin can planters for the garden with the paper napkins. I love to repurpose tin cans into planters and collect them throughout the year.
OK, you may be thinking, you aren’t a paper napkin addict like me. And you I don’t want to buy lots of packets of paper napkins, just to make some decorative tin can planters.
Well, you don’t have to, there are plenty of sellers on eBay that sell paper napkins in small amounts specifically for decoupage. You can easily buy a variety of Marimekko paper napkins without having to buy lots of packets.
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What you need to make Marimekko Tin Can planters
- Empty tin cans – I used lots of the normal soup sized cans and a few big catering tin cans.
- Marimekko Paper Napkins – As I have mentioned on eBay, you can buy just a few napkins at a time rather than a whole packet for each design. You only actually need one napkin per tin can.
For planting
- Drill with a steel drill bit
- Small Stones
- Potting soil
- Bedding plants
How to Make Marimekko Decorative Tin Can Planters
1.. First, before decoupaging the tin can planters, spray paint them white. The paper napkins are very thin and the planters will look better with a white background.
I think tin cans in a variety of sizes look great with this upcycle.
2. Next, cut up the Marimekko paper napkin to the size of the can to be covered. I used a rotary cutter and mat for this.
With the larger cans, you may need to use more than one paper napkin per can.
3. Next, cover the whole of the tin can in Mod Podge or other decoupage glue. It is best to add glue to the can and not the napkins as the napkins are very thin and likely to tear.
4. Then, separate out the cut three-ply napkin to the top printed ply. I find that if you gently rub the paper napkin between your thumb and forefinger, the ply layers should seperate more easily.
Carefully, lay the paper napkin on to the Mod Podge covered tin, and press down using a large foam brush. Wrap the napkin around the tin until it is all covered.
5. Then, once the glue has dried, spray paint the decorative tin can with at least 2 coats of acrylic varnish. Allowing the varnish to dry in between coats. This will help protect the decorative tin can planters from the elements,
Planting The Marimekko Tin Cans
I planted up the Marimekko tin cans in the same way as I planted my colourful tin can planters.
That is I firstly drilled holes in the bottom of the cans for drainage. I then added a layer of stones before the potting soil and bedding plants.
Now, all that is left is how to decide how to display the decorative tin can planters. I sprayed my Marimekko planters with the acrylic spray as I wanted them for outdoors in the garden rather than indoors.
They brighten up my brick wall in my traditional Victorian walled garden.
I also have a tutorial for cool Marimekko indoor plastic bottle herb garden which is great for the kitchen.
One thing is for sure these Marimekko planters are a cheap and easy way to add a lot of colour to my garden. I’m busy saving more tin cans to upcycle into decorative planters.
I think more the merrier. I’ve even made some oriental vase tin can planters for the garden to add to this collection.
If you are looking for an even easier tin can planter idea that doesn’t involve decoupage check out these gold crushed tin can planters. Or you can find more upcycled planter ideas on Favecrafts.
Another way to give tin cans a Marimekko makeover is to use wallpaper samples. This is what I did when I made a cool Marimekko desk caddy.
Rhea Pentz
Hi,
Love the great colors and patterns.
I was wondering if you could use scrapbook paper instead of napkins.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, you could try scrapbook paper as long as it wasn’t too thick.
Pat Newhouse
When I lived in the bay area I love to go to the Merimeko store and buy their fabrics . I made a shower curtain and a sun dress from some of their designs. Great look!
Claire Armstrong
Lucky you having a Marimekko store nearby. There used to be one in London but no more. Thank you.
MaryEllen
These take me back to the ’70’s when I saw my first Marimekko giant pillows in a house in San Francisco! So bright and cheerful. Loved it then. Love these now.. And easy to do!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, I’m actually making some Marimekko pillows at the moment. So very 70’s.
Kids of the Wild
Love these, so bright and effective.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much ?
Marla
Hi,
I love what you did with these old tins cans. What a great way to recycle and they look so pretty. Congratulations of being featured on #GoingGreenLinky> sharing on twitter and pinning. Have a healthy, happpy & blesse day!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much. They certainly brightened up the garden.
Rosie (@greenrosielife)
I absolutely adore these and could also see them being used in the office, kitchen and bathroom etc to store things in. Bookmarking this to come back to in winter! #GoingGreen
Claire Armstrong
Yes they would certainly brighten up the home.
Susanne
Claire these are the prettiest most colorful planters EVER!! Thank you for sharing with us at Create and Celebrate…you are one of our features for the next party!!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much Susanne. I look forward to seeing the feature.
Caro | The Twinkle Diaries
These look AMAZING Claire!! I just love all the bright colours with the primulas and pansies — so beautiful! You never cease to amazing me with your creativity — where on earth do you find the time!!!! xx #HomeEtc
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Caro. They certainly brightened up the garden over the dull spring we had, and they look even better now the sun is shining.
Sandra L Garth
I am in love with this colorful idea and it’s going to be great for my herbs. Thanks for joining us again at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much, Sandra. I think they will look lovely with herbs.
Chas
So pretty, I have done this with cans as well but I made them into pencil and paper clip holders. I love the idea of adding the color for flowers. Thanks for sharing on To Grandma’s House We Go!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you. Yes they would make lovely craft caddies too.
Fionnuala
These are so colourful and pretty. Before Easter some friend, their kids and my family had a crafternoon and made these as pencil jars. One friend has been collecting tin cans ever since for decoupage projects. It is such fun. #homeetc
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, they would make lovely craft storage caddies too.
Debrashoppeno5
I love these. I love how bright and cheerful they are. I think you have introduced me to a new project.
Claire Armstrong
Ahh, thank you so much. They do make me smile.
Kimberley | Oh Just My Little Blog
These are so effective! They’ll really brighten up the garden, especially since the sun doesnt seem to be doing the job! x #HomeEtc
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Kimberley. They are certainly brightening up the garden on these dull days, I can’t wait for the sun to shine again.
Teodora
Oh, they are so pretty!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you so much!
Julie
Just lovely, you can’t go wrong with colour in the garden, especially if the weather isn’t playing ball!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Julie, they brighten up the garden even on these dull days.
creativejewishmom/sara
wow, wow, wow, you have done it again, Claire! Just love this idea, and am now kicking myself for tossing that large can I had……will just have to get some more! Thanks so much for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you Sara. I know you’re a Marimekko fan too!
Cecilia
Claire, I love all of the color and the bee too! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
Claire Armstrong
Thank you, Cecilia.