Unbreakable Party Containers: How to Cover Tin Cans with Fabric

I’m finishing up a few projects for the Gardening Party. (You’re still doing the anti-rain dance for me, right?) One of the things I needed were containers that I didn’t have to worry about breaking outside. Enter fabric-covered tin cans. This is as easy as cut, Mod Podge and smooth.

Here’s a tip: read to the end of this post so you can be ready for a special deal on Thursday!

Fabric covered Tin Can Supplies

• Tin cans
• Measuring tape
• Scissors or rotary cutter and self-healing mat
• Mod Podge
• Brush

Fabric covered Tin Can Instructions

1 – Choose your tin cans based on the height and width of the items you want to store in the containers. FYI, I choose some pop top containers, and I wouldn’t recommend them. The edges are a little sharp, and you’ll need to put your hands inside the cans. Empty and wash your cans. Peel off the labels.

2 – Measure the circumference of the can. Then, measure the height from the inside of the top and bottom lips.

3 – Allow overlap in your circumference sizing, then cut your fabric to size. It may be a little hard to get to the exact height measurement. If you have a rotary cutter, this is no big deal, because you can trim it to size on the can.

4 – Spread Mod Podge on your tin can. If you start at the line on the edge of your can, it’s easy to line up the fabric so it goes on straight.

5 – Smooth down the fabric, paint on more Mod Podge, and keep smoothing. When you get to the fabric edge, paint more Mod Podge over the fabric that’s already glued down and smooth the fabric edge onto it.

6 – Paint a layer of Mod Podge over the fabric. This will seal it and give it strength.

7 – See how I have a gap between the fabric an the lip of this can? I wound up covering it with some grosgrain ribbon, applied with my hot glue gun. (Work in 2-inch sections at a time.) This gap is why I started cutting my fabric a little taller than I needed it.

8 – In this photo, you can see how I ran my rotary cutter into the underside of the can’s lip. Just gently remove the trimmed off fabric section by section. If you try this, make sure to do it before the Mod Podge dries.

And that’s it! I think this could be great for pencil and marker storage, too. Does anyone else have at least 100 pencils in their house? Why do my kids love them so much?

P.S. Have you signed up for Plum District yet? If you like my party plans, you’ll want to be a member on Thursday, June 19!