Make these charming tin can herb pots and watch them grow all summer long! This project not only recycles, it creates new life, and is a great Earth Day craft. Your child can watch her plants grow for months to come and be proud that she created the container that holds them.
What you'll need
- Empty aluminum can
- Screwdriver and hammer
- Liquid gesso (recommended: Liquitex Basics Gesso)
- Acrylic craft paints in colors of your choice
- Acrylic sealer spray, matte finish
- Craft stick
- Thin cardboard
- Pinking shears
- Black permanent marker
- 5-10 small rocks, stones or pebbles
- 1.5 cups potting soil
- 4-inch potted herb plant
- White craft glue
- Water
- Flower stickers (optional)
How to make it
- Completely wash and dry aluminum can. If necessary, sand off any rough edges from opening of can.
- Turn can upside down. Parent should use screwdriver or other pointed object to poke holes in the bottom of the can. Use a hammer to tap the end of the screwdriver to make the holes.
- Paint outside of can with one coat of gesso. Let dry completely.
- Paint can in the desired color, repeat coats if needed.
- Decorate however you like. Use a thin paint brush for long lines, dip the end of the paint brush into paint for polka dots.
- Decorate with stickers if desired.
- In a well-ventilated area, spray the outside of the completed can with acrylic sealer spray. Let dry.
- Place enough rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the can to form a single layer.
- Add enough potting soil to fill the can two-thirds full.
- Remove potted herb from its container and transplant into the can.
- Fill edges with remaining potting soil, gently pat down so that plant is firmly in the can but not compacted so much that it’s too tight.
- Paint craft stick whatever color you like. Allow to dry.
- Cut a piece of thin cardboard into a small rectangle (about 1.5 x 3 inches) using pinking shears.
- Paint both side of the cardboard with gesso, let dry.
- Glue the rectangle to the top of the craft stick.
- Use a black permanent marker to write the herb name onto the rectangle.
- Insert your plant marker into the soil, being careful not to crush any roots along the way.
- Place your new garden in a sunny window and remember to water them!
