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In my last posts – 10 things you didn’t know a high speed blender can do and the perfect chocoholic smoothie bowl I mentioned that things are starting to get really busy around here and I sometimes feel that I would need a few more hours in a day to get everything done on time. But I promised I would show you soon some beautiful DIY projects that I’ve been working on lately. And today I’m keeping that promise!
So I give you … the most amazing Shabby French recycled tin cans ! :)
I had a project like this on my mind for a long time, especially that we became quite obsessed with making homemade hummus for the last couple of years and gathered a large stash of empty chickpea tin cans :) 
So this project is one of those projects when you’ll be so glad you saved all kind of empty tin cans and that requires only a few extra supplies to get things going.
I’ll try to keep things short, because I followed the same steps I always do when I want to create a Shabby Chic effect on any type of surface and I hope you already know by now how to do that yourself :) But if you don’t, I have 1 million pictures to show you (OK, maybe not exactly 1 million, but there are quite a few) so I’ve got you covered!
DIY Shabby French recycled tin cans
Supplies:
– empty tin cans, acrylic paint (you can also use milk paint, or chalkpaint) in two contrasting colors (I used black and white, but you can use your favorites), candle wax, 120 grit sandpaper, French labels
- paint suggestions: black acrylic paint & white acrylic paint ||| black milk paint & white milk paint ||| black chalk paint & white chalk paint
Directions:
- Start by removing the labels from the tin cans. I just let them soak in hot water (and a few drops of dish soap) for about ten minutes and the labels came off easily, without leaving any residues. However, if your labels are leaving unwanted glue residues or if some small parts of the labels just won’t go off after you soak them in water, you can make a mixture of 1 part vegetable oil and 1 1/2 parts baking soda, apply it on the tin cans and leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. After that, just rub it with your fingers and the residues should come off right away. Wash it again with dish soap to remove all the oil before moving to the next step.
- Then I painted the tin cans with black acrylic paint (without using any water) and let them dry completely.
- I rubbed some candle wax on the edges and on the areas I wanted to distress more afterwards (if you are not familiar with this method, the candle wax will help the first layer of paint – in this case the black paint – to show from underneath the next layer of contrasting paint -in this case, the white paint).
- Then I painted the tin cans with white acrylic paint (2 coats) and let them dry completely.
- I used some 120 sand grit paper to distress some of the areas – just go crazy with this part, depending on how much you want to distress them. As you can see, the black paint starts to show through the white paint when distressing them.
Don’t you just love them? This is when the Shabby Chic magic happens :)
Here you can see the difference between a painted and distressed tin can and a just painted one.
I totally prefer them painted and distressed, as you might have noticed from my blog by now :) And how not to love them? Every single piece is a truly unique decoration, made by you! :)
- Let’s move to the French labels part :) These French labels were actually planned to be used on another project that I have in progress for quite some time but didn’t have the time to just finish, some beautiful faux enamel French tags – I’ll show you (hopefully in the nearest future) how to make some of those too :) So the printable I made for the enamel French tags was sitting on my desk while finishing the tin cans (and having no idea on how to decorate them) and it kind of crossed my mind to try and see how would they look on the cans. I LOVED THEM and decided to use them right away! :) So the labels were initially printed on white cardstock paper and the only thing I did before gluing them to the tin cans was to white wash them with a little bit of white paint here and there, to make them match my cans.
If you want to waterproof the labels so you’ll be able to use them for a longer period of time or even take them outside, you can read this post here. I didn’t waterproof them this time, I just added two drops of white glue on the back of each label and glued them on the tin cans.
That’s it! :) Your new beautiful Shabby French recycled tin cans are ready to be used!
I used six different labels for my Shabby French recycled tin cans and I couldn’t decide which one I love more! :)
And these AMAZING beautiful roses that are like a match made in Heaven with my new Shabby French recycled tin cans? They were a gift from a lovely old man that used to sell flowers in a supermarket parking lot! I wanted to buy some peonies from him and he also gave me these roses as a gift! I had no idea they would be so perfect for this project, but maybe the Universe knew I kind of needed them:) How strange is that?
I’m sure you are already thinking about the amazing possibilities on how to use these beauties all around your home, because you can easily integrate them into any farmhouse, vintage, Shabby Chic or cottage style decor. 
Use them as vases filled with fresh flowers, in your kitchen to hold utensils, in your craft room to keep your brushes organized.
You can even take them outside this summer (don’t forget to waterproof the labels in this case and even seal the tin cans after painting them), they would look great on the patio near you favorite magazines filled with flowers or holding your colored pencils while enjoying some quality time with a few coloring pages :)
Use them on weddings and fill them with seasonal flowers, I’m sure everyone will love them! :)
You could also turn them into the perfect gift for someone special and fill them with that person’s favorite flowers or chocolate. Or both! :) 
I told you I couldn’t decide which one I love the most! :)
But if I would be forced to choose my top 2 favorites, I think these two below would be the winners! :)
Or maybe these ones? Tough decision indeed! :) 
So you guys I really hope you like my Shabby French recycled tin cans and decide to try making this DIY project. You might already have all the materials needed in your home, so why not start RIGHT NOW? :)
And if you like the faux enamel French tags I used for this project, I’m including them in the special gift every subscriber gets when joining Dreams factory’s newsletter. (You can subscribe using the form from the bottom of this page).
That’s it for today, if you have any questions or want more details on how to make the Shabby French recycled tin cans, just leave a comment below.
/// SAVE THE SHABBY FRENCH RECYCLED TIN CANS ON PINTEREST FOR LATER ///
Don’t forget to smile,
Diana
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links so you can easily find the products I love. See more of my favorites {HERE}.
Sharing with lovely people at these awesome parties.
If you make some decorations inspired by any of my projects, please use them for personal use only. And don’t forget, on Instagram you can hashtag them using #bydreamsfactory or tag me using @bydreamsfactory. Have fun! :)
Bettyann
Unable to download tin can labels keep taking me back to signing in? Love what you did with tin cans!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Bettyann, thank you, I’m glad you like them!
When the sign in box pops up, go to the bottom of that box and click ‘No thanks, continue to download →’.
Angela Laverick
hi, i cant download the faux enamel labels even though i have signed up to the news letter
Diana / Dreams Factory
I have sent you the details on your email address, I hope you managed to download the labels afterwards.
Have fun using them! :)
Karren Haller
How great these are, boy I could fill my house with these pretty thangs, lol. I love how they turned out. Pinned!!
They were perfect to share on the #OMHGFF this week, hope to see you again soon.
Have a great weekend!
Diana / Dreams Factory
I know what you mean, Karren, they would look great in any room, in any season! :)
Thanks for pinning, will sure link some more to your parties!
Megin
Simply Beautiful! I adore the look and the idea of upcycling old cans. Love the labels, too!
Thank you for sharing this week at Brag About It link party on VMG206 (Mondays at Midnight). I plan to feature you next week!
~ Megin of VMG206
Diana / Dreams Factory
So happy you like them, Megin! Sometimes the things we have around around our home that we get to recycle make the most beautiful and unexpected projects.
Thank you so much for the feature, I really appreciate it!
Chloe Crabtree
You are right, I am already thinking of all of the possibilities for what I could use these for. My home is more a coastal/nautical style than French, but I could just use the same technique and then switch up the labels for something more my style. These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing over at the Celebrate Your Story Link party!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Oh, your home must be so beautiful, I’ve always wanted to live in a beach house! :)
Yes, the possibilities are endless in terms of choosing colors, painting and decorating them according to one’s need.
Love your idea of adding some nautical labels to give them a more coastal feel!
Katherines Corner
these are lovely! Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things link Party. pinned and watch for your feature tomorrow xo
Diana / Dreams Factory
Happy you like them, Katherine!
And thank you for sharing them with your readers, I really appreciate it! And for pinning! :)
Tammy
These are super cute…stopping by from Katherine’s corner…
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Tammy, I hope you will give them a try!
Thanks for stopping by! :)
Annette
They’re beautiful.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Annette!
Seana Turner
These would be so pretty out on my patio. And if they were rusted or beat up by the end of the summer, who cares? I can always make more. Think I have to give this one a try:) (visiting from Brag About It)
Diana / Dreams Factory
Seana, I also use some of them outdoors and they are resisting pretty well.
I don’t mind the rusted and beat up by the weather part, this will only add character to the whole look! :)
Thank you for stopping by!
Kaneen Devine
LOOOVE this post
Diana / Dreams Factory
Gladdddd you like it, Kaneen! :)
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique
French, shabbilicious and totally gorgeous Diana… like all of your amazing projects.
Thank you for linking up at Shabbilicious Friday. I’m delighted to be featuring this tutorial at tomorrow’s party and have already pinned it several times.
Hope you have an amazing weekend my friend. Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Diana / Dreams Factory
You are too sweet, Kerryanne, thank you so much for your beautiful words!
And you know how much I always appreciate your features and all the pinning, right? :)
Many hugs and smiles!
Christine at Must Love Home
HI, coming over from Friday Feature Link Party! These are adorable…I love, love the tags and have pinned this so I can make it later! Awesome project and you made it look easy! Have a great one! Christine
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thanks for stopping by and for pinning, Christine, I’m glad you like my recycled French cans!
This project is indeed really easy, and the final results are more than beautiful :)
I hope you will give it a try!
Julie
So simple,so pretty, love them!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thanks, Julie! :)
Mimi
Who would imagine a humble tin looking so fabulous! Just beautiful! Mimi xxx
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you, Mimi! :)
We have to work with what we have and bring out the beauty in the things around us.
Cynthia Chilson Finger
So sweet and SIMPLE. My two favorite things. Thanks so much for sharing!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Simple is better sometimes! And a little bit of sweetness didn’t hurt anybody! :)
Thank you for stopping by, Cynthia!
Marie, The Interior Frugalista
Oh my goodness these are so pretty! Your link caught my eye at the Thursday Favorite Things party. My daughter is getting married in August and I’m just loving this idea for table centerpieces. Thank you so much for the inspiration and I’ve pinned your gorgeous French Recycled Tin Cans to my Wedding Board.
Diana / Dreams Factory
How exciting, Marie! I hope your daughter had an amazing wedding, filled with many beautiful and precious moments!
Thank you for pinning, I really appreciate it! :)
Michelle Haas
I subscribed to your newsletter but did not receive the french faux labels by email
Diana / Dreams Factory
Michelle, as a subscriber you have to go to my subscribers’ special page, use your password and follow a link to download all the goodies.
Please let me know if you have managed to do that by now.
If not, send me an email at diana@bydreamsfactory.com and I’ll send you further details.
Sherry
I have chosen your shabby chic tin cans as my feature for Totally Terrific Tuesday this week! These are so pretty, and I love that they are inexpensive to make.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you so much for the feature, Sherry!
That’s the beauty of using things that you have around your home when recycling or decorating. You don’t have to spend a small fortune and you get some beautiful final pieces … made by you! :)
Leanna
This is a wonderful project. I have been saving metal coffee cans not wanting to waste them, and not 100% sure of how I wanted to upcycle them for fall. This will work. Thanks for sharing,
Leanna
Diana / Dreams Factory
Glad you like them, Leanna!
I do the same thing with lots of cans … and many other different recipients.
But I usually manage to put them to good use when inspiration strikes! :)
Marc Schreiber
Great job. I have some alternate techniques, first use rubber cement instead of wax then use masking tape to lift the upper layer of paint off. A simple rubbing with your finger will remove the remaining cement. For the labels to have a more painted (decaled) on look soak the card stock in a shallow container to wet the back side then carefully peel the printed layer off and apply to the project with an appropriate adhesive. These are techniques I learned as a model railroader.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you so much for sharing your techniques, Marc!
I wanted to try the rubber cement method before, but unfortunately I cannot find the rubber cement in my country. That’s one of the main issues with living on different continents, I guess! Not finding the same or some similar products can be frustrating sometimes, trust me :)
As for the labels, the funny thing is that I actually wanted to use decals first ( my favorite image transfer technique), but I kind of liked the look of the card stock labels better, the decals looked too flat on this project.
I love your idea of soaking the card stock, removing the back side and only applying the front side, I think I will give it a try sometimes.
Melanie
Spotted this as a feature on Merry Monday! Perfect for a shabby chic bridal shower party!
Diana / Dreams Factory
So true, Melanie, they can be easily integrated in different decors, according to our needs.
Thanks for stopping by! :)
Dana
Wow! Super awesome project. I appreciate the step by step tutorial and am excited to try this. Thank you for sharing!
Diana / Dreams Factory
Thank you very much, Dana, I hope you will give it a try!
Feel free to share … if you do! :)
kirsten rhode
love
Linda F. Pope
Diana,
Your French recycled tin cans are so lovely. So happy I found you. This is my passion to make anything shabby French. Your crafts are so special, and can not wait to make some of them. I have actually made some shabby Paris cans before. I gave most of them away as gifts and they are treasured by them all. I have one left for myself. I am going to make some just like yours as soon as I can. Thanks much. Linda
kerstin fischer
i cannot download the numbers
Orma
Hi,
How did you transfer your tags on the cans? What decal paper did you use?
Thanks!
Orma
Diana / Dreams Factory
Hi Orma,
I used just plain white cardstock paper for this project.
No waterslide decals this time! :)
Orma
Thank you
Debs
I would love these labels but I can’t find them on your site anywhere?
Diana / Dreams Factory
Debs, I mentioned in my post that the labels are available for free download for my subscribers only.
If you would like to join my subscribers list (and receive these labels) you can do that by simply adding your email address in the ‘You’ve got mail’ box on the sidebar.
Debs
Hiya, thank you, after several tries yesterday and earlier I have finally been able to get the email opt in working for me, had a little bit of trouble with the password but yay! finally have the lovely labels! All your pintables are fab and make getting the ‘Frenchied’ look so easy, cant wait to get started :-) Thanks for sharing x
Diana / Dreams Factory
Heya, Debs!
So happy you managed to download them and mostly … happy that you love them!
Have fun Frenchifying :)
Debs
Oh and what is ‘card stock paper’?
Diana / Dreams Factory
Cardstock paper is thicker than regular or printing paper, is the one usually used for cards, postcards, scrapbooking, other crafts, etc.
You can find more details online just by searching the term on Google.
Debs
thanks, I’m thinking in uk its just called card x
Kathi Blakely
Love your ideas.
Diana / Dreams Factory
Happy you like them, Kathi!
Hope you will give them a try! :)