How To Make A Gorgeous Recycled Jean Planter
Ok, I admit it. I tend to get a bit obsessed with things, and one of my pet obsessions is recycling and upcycling jeans. I never throw out old jeans; I have a stack of them in my loft ready to be cut, pinned, glued or stitched into something new, like with this recycled jean planter.
It's not just denim; I also have a thing for recycling, upcycling, and tin cans too! I also have a stack of them hidden in the shed, ready to be repurposed.
Fun Upcycled Denim Tin Can Planters
Guess what? I managed to marry the two with this gorgeous recycled jean planter. To make this planter unique and to show off the different shades of indigo in denim, I used just the seams and hems of jeans for this upcycle.
When cutting up old jeans no bits of denim are safe. I ensure every part is utilized, and I especially love it when I use the seams and waistbands of jeans. These are the most exciting bits that add character to any upcycle (along with the pockets).
Don't you think succulents and denim look fantastic together? I do! So I've used this recycled jean planter for my succulents. I love their rustic look.
You can make denim fake snake plants for your jean planters if you want to go further.
These planters are featured under the letter P in the A to Z of denim crafts.
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What you need to make a recycled Jean planter
- The seams, hems, and waistbands from a few pairs of old jeans
- Tin cans, big or small
- Mod Podge
- Pins
- Scissors
- Succulents for planting
How to make a recycled jean planter
Step 1: The first thing to do is cut the hems and seams of the jeans to the circumference of the tin can.
Step 2: Apply Mod Podge to both the inside of the denim strip and the outside of the tin can. Then wrap the jean seam around the tin can and hold it in place with a pin.
Step 3: Repeat this process until the whole can is covered in denim strips. As you add each strip, make sure that the hems all join at the same place on the tin can.
Step 4: Once the Mod Podge has dried, remove the pins. To tidy up the bit of the back of the jean planter where the seams meet, glue on another denim strip. Again using Mod Podge and pins to hold it in place as it drys.
All you need to do now is to plant your succulents. As succulents don't need much water, you can plant them straight into the cans. However, if you put plants into the recycled jean planter that needs more watering, I suggest using an inner planter with drainage holes. You can use something simple like a yoghurt pot, as I used with these Chinese DIY flower pots.
Y course, leave them as they are and use them as pen pots or utensil holders.
Make Planters Out Of Old Jeans
Gorgeous upcycled planters for your home from tin cans and old jeans.
Materials
- Seams and hems from old jeans
- Tin cans
- Glue
Tools
- Scissors
- Pins
Instructions
- Measure the circumference of the tin can
- Cut denim seams and hems to this size
- Glue the seams and hems one by one around the tin can until the whole can is covered.
- Use pins to hold the seams in place as the glue dries
- Cover where the seams join with another seam glued over the top
Notes
These jeans tin can planters can also be used as caddies.
I only used the seams and hems of denim jeans in this project. If you want to see how I recycle the jeans pockets, you should check out my Denim Pocket Organiser. And if you are looking for a way to use up all your little scrap pieces of denim, check out my No-Sew Denim Patchwork Suitcase, or my Denim Patchwork Chair.
Other recycled jean seams projects
- Unique Table Lamp With A Denim Lampshade
- Denim DIY Christmas Trees
- Denim Wreath With Felt Roses
- Denim Upcycled Fabric Placemats
You can repurpose jeans in your home decor in so many other ways. Don't forget to check out my denim page. You can also find lots more tin can upcycle ideas here.
You already know I adore these Claire I am collecting cans and jeans !!
You can use the hems, seams and waist bands of jeans for this project. Good luck with them.
Super cute!! Love them and can't wait to make a few! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Laurie. They are fun and easy to make, good luck with them.
Hi Claire,
I came from Happiness is Homemade Linky Party.
What a clever project..thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Roberta
Thank you so much Roberta!
Awesome upcycling project, Claire! The color of the blue jeans against the greenery are perfect together. Thanks for sharing with us at Funtastic Friday!
Thank you, Angie. Jeans go with most things even succulents.
Calire, I think this is one your best denim projects! and my fav so far! I feel inspired to try it 🙂
Thank you, Medina. It is so easy to do!
I really enjoy the posts where you make something pretty out of unloved items. I really like the shabby feel of this project perfect for a boys room, add some lace flowers perfect for a girls. Besides that we all know blue jean denim goes with everything.
Thank you Leanna. I like the idea of denim with lace.
Love these Claire. Jean hems are always so difficult to work with because they''re so thick and chunky. Using them to make pretty planters is a brilliant idea, especially since you don't have to sew them
Thank you Michelle, yes denim hems are a pain to sew with I have broken a few needles attempting to do just that.
How cute! Thank you for sharing @Vintage Charm!
Thank you Cecilia!
Super cute! Love that you used the hems. I made several denim cut offs this summer and have also saved these legless pieces!! Visiting from Remodelaholic.
Thank you Victoria. I love using the hems and waist bands.
Claire you are so clever and I love this project! Whenever I see old jeans I totally think of you and your creative projects!
Ahh, that's very kind of you Janine. There are plenty more denim projects to come.
I always love a good upcycled denim project and your planters are fabulous, Claire!
Thank you, Julia. I love the cuffs you make out of denim.
Claire you know I am a huge fan of all your denim projects. And this one is no exception!
Thank you so much, Mary. There will be plenty more denim projects to come.
Too cute! When one of my sons was younger, I had a lot of denim touches in his bedroom. Wish I had seen all your clever ideas then!
Thank you, Wendy. I just love thinking up of new ways to recycle old jeans. With three sons I have plentiful supply of old denim.
Would never have thought of this! Perfect in the right setting...possibly even a special event centerpiece. Would love if you'd share at Reader Tip Tuesday: http://www.jodiefitz.com/2017/08/08/reader-tip-tuesday-food-craft-party/
It's open all week & growing...hope to see you & your upcycle idea at the party 🙂
thank you and thanks for the invite