Right around this time last year, I got into the Earth Day spirit by upcycling a plastic coffee canister into a fun indoor planter. It was surprisingly and delightfully well-received (sometimes the recycle bin > thrift store, I guess!). So, I’m returning to the recycle bin to make some boho planters again this year from a different resource.
Last year’s planter for one of my (faux) snake plants…
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I loved it then and I still love it now- in fact, it has remained in our living room since those photos were taken. But this year, I’m repurposing some tin cans into similar (but different) planters.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Going for the same globally inspired look as my coffee tub planter was the plan. And to do so, I’d use some recycled fabric from Indian sari dresses. Specifically, these GORGEOUS pieces of reclaimed trim.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
So, let’s get right to it!
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Decorating the Tin Cans
The approach was simple: paint the cans and wrap them with sari trim. But unlike the coffee tub planter (which involved glue), I wanted something less permanent this time around.
First, I wrangled up some paints that coordinated with the recycled fabric that I had. Luckily, I already had two spray paints on hand, but I bought a sample of a good coral-orange paint to work with one of the trims.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
After removing the labels and washing out the cans, I proceeded to paint them. I spray-painted the peanut can black and the chickpea can gold.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
For the larger can, I spray-painted it with white primer, then painted the top/bottom with coral-orange paint.
Next, it was time to add the decorative trim to my boho planters!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Speaking of which, I found these sari trim swatches on Etsy. This is the link for the orange/pink swan-paisley print, and this is the link for the sparkly gold trim. I’ve had the black trim longer and there’s no more left of it anymore, unfortunately.
First, I wrapped the trim around each can to figure out how much I’d need, allowing a ¼” to ½” overlap at the back. I cut off the trim needed and pinned the ends together, ensuring the trim was wrapped snugly.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Lastly, I used a needle and thread to whip-stitch the trim’s ends together, keeping the wrap snug against the can!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And with that, the first of my boho planters from the recycle bin was done! Plus, since the sari trim isn’t glued to the can, I can remove it later for a different project if I want to.
Boho Planters from the Recycle Bin
Here are all three boho planters- I’m thrilled with the orange and black cans. Less so with the gold- so I may cut through the stitches and repaint the can with a warmer, more yellow-y gold.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Now, since I always use fake plants (cats + zero green thumbs), I simply “potted” this one with floral foam and filled it with dried beans (my go-to filler for lots of fake plants). A few more steps would be required if you decided to use these boho planters for real plants- drilling holes in the bottom, etc.
But for now, it was delightfully ready for its photoshoot!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I just love that pink and coral-orange sari trim! And it looks SO boho-chic as a planter, doesn’t it? Such a fun pop of color AND texture.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And YES, you may recognize those boho pillows in the photo above, as well! I made those a few years ago from a couple of thrift store finds…
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Remember when we thrifted that vintage egg chair a few years ago? It was SUCH an amazing find- and such an unbelievable price!
Anyway, now I have *two* versions of boho planters from the recycle bin- one from ground coffee, and the other from canned tomatoes (and chickpeas…and chocolate-covered peanuts). Who knows, maybe I’ll decide to round out the trilogy with a third version next year…
Plus, if you love boho-style furnishings and love the idea of upcycling thrift store finds to make them, have I got the collection for you! Lots of exotic, lush, and vibrant project ideas await you here…
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
You have really stepped up your boho game and I Love it.
Thank you so much!