DIY Upcycled Tin Container Solar Light Display

7 Materials
$3
45 Minutes
Easy

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.

I had most of my materials on hand.


Video tutorial

Materials

One tin can-If you have a tin can around your house, this project is perfect to reuse your tin can. I'm using a Wasabi tin can


Paint- I'm using black chalk paint


One paint brush


Butterfly stickers- Purchased at Dollar Tree (You can use vinyl stickers or any other stickers that may be waterproof. I decided to go with pop-up stickers, they are not waterproof, but I am also displaying my solar light on a screened-in porch.


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 your can that you protect your hand with either an oven mitt or 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.

After, 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.


If you are using butterfly stickers as 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 that can be in all elements. I wanted to use the pop-up stickers for my project.

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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Resources for this project:
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Stephanie
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • Wanda Rodgers Wanda Rodgers on May 05, 2022

    If you put this outside, couldn’t you use the plastic butterflies on it? They can be purchased at dollar tree or family dollar also. But love this project.

  • Lee Cooper Lee Cooper on Jun 21, 2022

    I'm curious about the lid you used. Where did you find such a lid? It isn't mentioned in the list of materials. Offhand I can think of only one can that comes with a lid like that: Pringles Chips.

Comments
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4 of 10 comments
  • Carolyn Carolyn on Jun 20, 2023

    Thank you so much for sharing! I like this and I will try it...very cute...

    • Stephanie Stephanie on Jun 20, 2023

      Carolyn, you're very welcome. I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed it. Please let me know if you have any questions. 😊

  • J Kim Davis J Kim Davis on Jun 20, 2023

    It’s adorable & SO much more attractive than the plain light. Thanks for sharing😊

    • Stephanie Stephanie on Jun 20, 2023

      Thank you so much. 😊 I really value your feedback.

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