If you like saving your tin cans for unexpected upcycling projects, you will love today’s Tin Can Christmas Lambs project. The wooly lambs are very whimsical and easy to make. Don’t throw away your toilet paper rolls either, because I made a few lambs with those also. Both only take a few recycled materials for crafts, and you’ll be amazed at how cute they are.
I recently purchased a cute felt-covered reindeer, and it was so simple that it sparked this idea to make some wooly Christmas lambs.
So I pulled out a few tin cans, purchased some fleece fabric, gathered some twigs, and was ready to go.
I know you will love both the tin can and toilet paper versions.
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Table of contents
Budget-Friendly Recycle Materials For Crafts
Y’all know that I love a budget-friendly project and have shared many recycled materials for crafts ideas. One of my favorites is upcycling tin cans. I have several projects and will share a list at the end of this post.
I have never attempted a tin can Christmas project before and thought these cute Christmas lambs would look whimsical, all fat and round.
In addition, I used some old wooden beads left over from another project for this tutorial and gathered some twigs for the legs. I only used a small amount of felt fabric for the ears and nose.
So, other than the fleece fabric, the project was free.
What Is The Difference Between A Lamb and A Sheep?
Lambs are babies less than 12 months old, and sheep are over 12 months old. Although I share two sizes of sheep today, I consider them all lambs because they are super fluffy and remind me of babies.
The whimsical design of the sheep today just feels more like a lamb. However, you can call them whatever you want. They are a perfect project for a recycled materials craft.
Supplies Christmas Lambs
Here are the supplies for the tin can Christmas Lambs or Sheep. LOL
- 15 oz. recycled tin can
- Sherpa Fleece Fabric – I found mine at Hobby Lobby, and you can purchase less than a yard. Also, check with Michaels.
- Large wooden bead 2-inch (option: roll a ball of aluminum foil if you don’t have a bead)
- Brown and tan felt fabric
- Small twigs
- Hot Glue Gun
- Finger Protectors
- Scissors
- Hammer and large nail for punching hole in the can.
- Ribbon optional
If you want to make a toilet paper roll Christmas Lamb, the supplies are the same except for the few substitutions below.
- Save toilet paper rolls.
- Medium wooden bead approximately 1-inch (option: roll a ball of aluminum foil if you don’t have a bead)
- Ice PIck or other sharp object to punch a hole
DIY Tin Can Christmas Lamb with Recycled Materials
If you love recycling materials for crafts, this project is for you.
Let’s gather our supplies and get started.
Prepare to Upcycle Tin Can
Begin by punching holes in the tin can for the lamb’s legs.
Use a large nail and hammer to punch four holes. Two in the front and two at the rear of the can. Position the holes approximately 1 inch apart.
You can punch the holes in the toilet paper roll with an ice pick. Hold the roll from the inside to keep it from collapsing.
Insider Tip
When punching the hole in the tin can, the can will bend. Some cans are thinner and may make it impossible to punch the holes without distorting the shape of the can.
If you have the time, I recommend filling the can with water and freezing it before punching the hole. You will be able to make a clean hole without bending the can.
How To Add Legs to Tin Can Christmas Lamb
Now, you can add the legs or twigs to the tin can.
Cut 4 similar size twigs approximately 5 inches long. Be sure the twigs will fit inside the holes on the can or paper roll.
To attach the legs, add a scrap of the fleece to the inside of the can with hot glue.
Place the scrap fleece at the spot where the twigs will meet. Add the twigs and press into the fleece.
Add hot glue to the twigs inside the can and around each one on the outside of the can or toilet paper roll. Set aside to allow the glue to dry.
Make Lambs Head
While the glue is drying, let’s make the lambs head. If you don’t have a wooden bead, you can make the head by simply rolling aluminum foil into a ball the size you desire.
Note: Be sure to wear the finger protectors for this step.
Cut a piece of fleece in a circular shape that is large enough to cover the wooden bead. Add hot glue and begin wrapping the fleece around the bead.
Continue wrapping and adding hot glue until the bead is 100% covered. It is okay if it is not completely round at this point.
Insider Tip – Lesson Learned
Hindsight is always 20/20, or so I’m told. If I were starting over, I would make the heads out of aluminum foil instead of the wooden bead. Both will work perfectly well. However, the 2-inch bead is heavy and requires extra glue to secure. The smaller bead was fine, but aluminum foil would be best to save money.
How Cover Tin Can Christmas Lamb with Fleece?
You can add the fleece fabric to the tin can Christmas lamb.
Cut the fleece fabric wide enough to cover the around the can and allow approximately two extra inches to the length of the can.
Lay the lamb with legs upward on the center of the fabric’s backside. Using scissors, cut a slit in the fabric along the sides in alignment with the legs. Don’t go beyond the leg placement. Refer to the image for approximate length.
Add hot glue to the center of the can between the legs, wrap the fleece fabric around it, and press to adhere.
Repeat for all sections, being sure to overlap the fabrics to avoid any gaps. Apply hot glue to the ends of the fabric and press until all ends are covered.
Add a generous amount of hot glue to the bottom of the head. Press at the end of the lamb and hold until it is dry.
Insider Tip – For Toilet Paper Roll Christmas Lamb
- I used skewers for legs on the first toilet paper roll lamb I am. I liked the twig legs much better.
- Also, on the first one, I used the full length of the roll. After completing it, I felt it looked out of proportion, so I cut approximately 1/3 inch off the next one.
Trim the Christmas Lamb
Finally, using the felt fabric, a small triangle from the tan fabric. Using a small dot of hot glue, attach it to the approximate center of the head. Cut two oval shapes for the ears and attach to the top of the head.
Roll a small piece of the sherpa fleece fabric and attach it to the back end of the lamb to form a tail.
Upcycled Tin Can Christmas Craft
The upcycled tin can Christmas craft is finished, and I opted for a whimsical look. The wooly Christmas lamb is super sweet with a pink bow.
In addition, the smaller toilet paper roll lambs carry a cheap Dollar Tree bottle brush tree. The tree is tied to the lamb with a small pink ribbon.
Combining the upcycled tin can Christmas lamb with the toilet paper roll lambs creates a fun vignette with pink bottle brush trees from Dollar Tree. Using recycling materials for crafts is good for the environment, and look how cute these are.
See more of this room in the upcoming Christmas bedroom ideas.
How To Make Upcycled Tin Can Christmas Lamb
Budget-Friendly DIY Upcycled Tin Can Christmas Lamb
Materials
- 15 oz. tin can
- Fleece Fabric
- 2 inch wooden bead or ball made of aluminum foil
- Small twigs for legs
- Brown and tan felt fabric
- Ribbon (optional)
Tools
- Hot glue gun
- Nail and hammer
- finger protectors
- scissors
Instructions
- Punch four holes in the side of the tin can for the legs
- Cut the twigs into four equal lengths
- Attach the legs into the holes with hot glue and allow them to dry.
- Wrap the wooden bead or aluminum ball with fleece fabric until covered.
- Wrap the tin can with fleece fabric by cutting around the legs.
- Tuck the ends at both ends of the can.
- Attach the head with hot glue.
- Attach a small piece of the fleece fabric to the other end for the tail.
- Add felt ears and nose with hot glue.
- Tie a ribbon around the neck (optional)
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Finger Protectors, 24 Pcs 3 Sizes, Rubber Fingers Covers, Silicone Finger Protector Sleeve Tips Guard Fingertip Thumb Cots Pads for Hot Glue Gun/Sewing/Sorting Paper/Ironing - Black Red Blue Green
-
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Full Size Glue Gun with Charger and 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Battery (Bundle)
-
DAVID TEXTILES Solid Cream Berber Sherpa Fleece Fabric by The Yard, Multi
Thanks for stopping by today, and I look forward to sharing my next adventure with you.
Additional Upcycled Tin Can Projects
Here are some of my other upcycled tin can projects. Click on each title to see the full tutorials.
- How To Upcycle Tin Cans With Foraged Twigs
- DIY Fall Wreath Made With Rusted Tin Cans
- Recycle Tin Cans for a gorgeous centerpiece.
- How to make DIY Plant Pockets with Recycled Aluminum Flowers
- 14 Recycle and Reuse Decor Ideas
Resources
Click the images below for resources and supplies.
Don’t miss this year’s gift guides. Each guide will be updated with early Black Friday Sales.
Pin It To Remember It
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Wendy
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
Simply the cutest Rachel!!!!! I will share it on the weekend! Happy Thanksgiving
Rachel
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
Wendy, I appreciate you so much. Thank you.
Shirley Ann
Monday 20th of November 2023
Very cute. I love it. How creative. I want to make one too. Love the Sherpa . Shirley Ann
Rachel
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
Shirley Ann, I'm glad you like it. Let me know how yours turns out.
debra@commonground
Monday 20th of November 2023
I have a lamb obsession. These are just adorable!!
Rachel
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
Debra, Oh, I'm so glad you like them. Thanks for sharing.
Eva
Monday 20th of November 2023
Good Morning..... WOW.....this is so cute Your ideas always amazes me.Your always always thinking outside the box as I say....lol Happy Thanksgiving To You and Your Family 🍂🍂🍂🍂
Rachel
Monday 20th of November 2023
Eva, I am so glad you like these. They are so easy and fun to make.
Renae
Monday 20th of November 2023
These are super cute. I never would have guessed that they were made from a tin can. What fun.
Rachel
Monday 20th of November 2023
Renae, I'm so glad you like them.