Are you ready for a cheap and easy Fall wreath tutorial? Welcome to making a DIY fall wreath with rusted tin cans. You can make this easy and inexpensive recycled tin can craft, including cheap Dollar Tree materials. All you need is tin cans, wreath form, and fall decorations. I’ll show you step-by-step how to create this rustic and beautiful wreath that will add a touch of fall to your home.
Do you remember the wreath I added to my Greenhouse for Spring? It was constructed using terra cotta pots and Dollar Tree florals. Well, it was time to take that wreath down since fall is rapidly approaching, and I wanted a fun replacement. You’ll be surprised at how lovely rusted tin cans look on this project. Let me show you how easy this wreath is to put together.
Table of contents
DIY Rusted Tin Can Craft
First, you will need several rusty tin cans. As you know, I save a lot of my cans. However, most still need to be rusted. If you plan your project well in advance, you can leave your tin cans to the elements. Wash them to remove any oils or food and let nature take its course.
However, if you are like me and want to start right away, you are in luck because you can quickly add some rust with the How To Rust Metal Fast tutorial.
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DIY Fall Wreath Materials
After I rusted a few additional cans, I was ready to gather my supplies.
- Large Grapevine wreath – I made my wreath by pulling grapevine from the trees around our property. However, here is a link for one a similar size.
- Approx. 7 – 8 Rusted Tin Cans
- Fall Leaf Stems – I found my leaves at Dollar Tree, which were perfect for this project.
- Spanish Moss – you only need a small amount, and it’s available in small quantities at Dollar Tree.
- Hot Glue Gun and Glue
- 30 gauge wire
- One large nail
- Hammer
I have several wreaths that I have made from foraged grapevine, which I previously shared in this post: 10 Tips for Free Fall Decorations.
Prepare Tin Cans
First, you want to prepare your tin cans to easily attach to the wreath. Fill each can approx. 1/2 full with water and freeze. Then, using a large nail and hammer, drive 2 holes into the center of the can, side by side. The frozen water will prevent the can from denting.
Allow approx. 2-3 inches between the nail holes. After you have all the holes, melt the ice and dry your tin cans.
How To Assemble DIY Fall Wreath
To assemble the DIY Fall Wreath, begin by adding a length of galvanized wire to each tin can by pulling it through the holes you created in the cans. I allowed approximately two feet for each can, and you want both ends of the wire to be evenly extended outside the can.
Tin Can Craft
Next, you want to determine the placement of each can for this tin can craft. Lay out your cans before securing them to achieve the desired arrangement. Then, using the wire, firmly wrap the wire around the grapevine wreath until the cans are secured.
In addition, to create some variety, place some cans facing upward, some downward, and some sideways.
How To Add Spanish Moss & Fall Leaves
Once all the tin cans are attached to your fall wreath, heat up the hot glue gun, and let’s begin adding some Spanish moss between the cans.
You will also use the hot glue to add your floral leaves and berries.
I purchased these fall leaf stems at The Dollar Tree, and I had some berry stems from last year that I decided to add to the fall wreath.
For the three larger cans, I used a whole stem. I folded up the excess stem and used hot glue to secure it to the tin can.
Then, begin to fill inside the smaller cans with a combination of Spanish moss and individual floral leaves. Attach with hot glue.
Note: The tin cans don’t have to be completely full. I let the leaves appear to be falling from the cans.
Continue to fill with Spanish moss, berries, and leaves until you achieve the desired fullness.
Add a bow if desired. One spot called for a bow. I purchased some ribbon from The Dollar Tree and attempted a bow without great success. However, I had some burlap ribbons from another project and easily created a simple bow. You can see tips on making a bow here.
DIY Fall Wreath – Rusted Tin Can Craft
Are you surprised at how good this cheap wreath turned out? Many people expressed surprise, and I understand why they feel that way. Maybe the idea doesn’t sound appealing, but I love this look for fall, and it’s perfect for a front porch, an entry door, or an outdoor shed.
I originally placed the wreath on our rock column because the colors looked so pretty compared to the natural rock.
However, the Rusted Tin Can Craft Fall Wreath was destined for the greenhouse, and I look forward to adding more fall touches to it soon.
Video Tutorial
You can also watch this video tutorial on how to make the Rusted Tin Can Craft.
Additional Wreath Ideas
- DIY Sunflower Wreath with Pinecones
- DIY Neutral Star Wreath
- Trendy Metal Flower Wreath – Anthropologie Hack
- The Secret To Making A Magnolia Wreath with Fresh Leaves
- How to Make A Corn Husk Wreath
- How to Make A Fall Wreath With Dollar Tree Burlap Leaves
- The Secret To Making a Fall Wreath With Preserved Leaves
- Terra Cotta Pot Spring Wreath
The new wreath is perfect for fall and was so inexpensive to make. I hope you will give this tin can project a try.
Thanks so much for stopping by, and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you!
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Renae
Monday 21st of August 2023
Oh my goodness! What you do with tin cans is amazing! You are so creative. Hugs to you.
Rachel
Wednesday 23rd of August 2023
Thank you so much. I was amazed at how good it looks. LO>
Wendy McMonigle
Wednesday 17th of August 2022
What an adorable idea Rachel. I love the old rusty cans, they add such character to your wreath.
emma
Wednesday 14th of December 2022
@Rachel, I finally found your fall wreath with rusty cans and now will try to do something for the Christmas holiday using the rusty cans...Poinsettias and berries and few pine cones and red and green bow??? Whatcha think?? HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OH! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I'm old school
Rachel
Friday 19th of August 2022
Wendy, I really appreciate this. Thanks for stopping by.
Christin
Monday 13th of September 2021
This is so gorgeous! I didn't know where it was going at first, lol, but it turned absolutely amazing!
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Wednesday 15th of September 2021
Christin, Thanks so much for your kind words.
Shirley
Sunday 12th of September 2021
OMG I am soooo in love with this wreath!! I love tin cans and I have hundreds of them waiting for me to use. I’ve made several things already as well as a tin can wreath a few years back but who woulda thought to add more than cans. I know what I’ll be doing with mine from here on!🙃 This is simply awesome for fall!
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Sunday 12th of September 2021
Shirley, I'm so glad you liked this tutorial. I was actually amazed at how good it looked. I appreciate your support.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Friday 10th of September 2021
This is the best fall wreath EVER! I really want to make one of these Rachel, thanks for the great idea.
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Sunday 12th of September 2021
It's so easy Kim. Go for it.