03 May Smash Can Flower Bouquet

Oh my gosh! We have another great DIY gift idea for your favorite dog-loving gal this week that you’re gonna 😍!

Today we’re gonna upcycle some trash into cute decor! Basically, you take an empty tin can and turn it into a quirky rustic floral arrangement that’s perfect for Mother’s Day, birthdays, neighbor gifts, teacher gifts, or even a little gift of happiness to yourself. However you share it, this bouquet is sure to impress!

Like many of our DIYs, this Smash Can Flower Bouquet project is quick, easy and budget-friendly. In fact, it’s very likely you already have everything you’ll need in your craft stash. If not, most of the supplies can be found at your local Dollar Tree. 

Big thanks to @kippiathome for the inspiration! The transformation she made with her upcycled empty tin can turned out BEE-utiful. 🐝

You’ll need…

• 28 oz tin can
• 22 gauge aluminum wire
• Artificial flowers
• Floral foam
• Dog ribbons
• White chalk paint and brush
• Hammer, pliers, and needle nosed pliers
• Hot glue gun and sticks

1. Remove the label and both ends of your tin can. The surface doesn’t have to be perfect, but if you have some globs of glue left from the label, the easiest way to remove them is to heat them with a hair dryer or heat gun and wipe the residue away. (Be careful, ‘cuz heating the glue will make the tin hot to the touch!)
2. Next, create a pocket with the tin can. Use your hands to squeeze the sides together on one end of the can. The top end will become an oval shape and the bottom end should start to flatten. Use a hammer to smash it down some more. There should be a small space in the opening when you’re done.
3. Bend a large section of wire into an upside-down U shape for the hanger. To determine what length of wire you need, hold it up to your tin can with the handle (bend in the wire) on top. The handle should be at least 4-5 inches from the top of the can and the opposite ends of the wire should be about 2 inches longer than the bottom of the can. Once you’re happy with the size, make your cut.
4. Wrap each end of the wire around your needle nosed pliers several times to create a ball or knot shape.
5. Tuck the wire handle into the bottom opening in the can and pull it through until the wire knots meet the bottom of the can. Glue the wire to the inside of the can to keep it in place, starting with the knots. Once the knots are secure, glue the wire near the top of the can.
6. Use regular pliers to crimp all along the bottom of the can to close the gap some more, if you’d like. This doesn’t have to be perfect!
7. Paint the can with two coats of chalk paint. Let it dry.
8. Decorate the can with a fun dog-themed ribbon using glue to stick it in place.
9. Glue a small piece of floral foam into the can and tuck your flowers into the foam to make a sweet bouquet.
10. Add a cute bow with some more dog ribbon and you’re done!

Now this is trash your Mom will absolutely treasure! Such a fun idea – and we just love how customizable this crushed can flower arrangement can be. With the colors of paint, the flowers and the decorations you choose, each one is a mini masterpiece that is uniquely yours!

Interested in more dog-inspired crafts? Sign up for our newsletter and never miss a thing!