DIY Surprise Can Gifts for Graduation with Recycled Tin Cans and Napkin Decoupage

DIY Surprise Can Gifts for Graduation with Recycled Tin Cans and Napkin Decoupage

Today, I’m upcycling tin cans into surprise can graduation gifts. These are made with cleaned out tin cans, napkins and Mod Podge. In the video, I explain all the steps for this easy and fun gift wrap idea! These are so fun to make and people LOVE to get them as gifts!!

Watch and Learn: DIY Surprise Can Graduation Gifts

Materials Needed:

Tin Can with a pull top on the top and non-curved bottom

Can Opener (I like the safety style ones)

Dish soap & Sponge (lemon)

Can filler: cash, candy, confetti, gift cards, small gifts

White paint (I like to use FolkArt Home Decor Chalk)

Graduation themed paper napkins

Mod Podge – Matte, Gloss or Satin

Paint Brushes

Tacky Glue

Hot Glue (optional)

Ribbons

Graduation embellishments

Watch and Learn: DIY Surprise Can Graduation Gifts

Steps:

Remove the label from the can. Don’t open the pull top. Turn the can upside down and open the bottom of the can. Enjoy the the food in the can…don’t toss it! Enjoy it!
Wash the can throughly and the lid too. You can rub a little fresh lemon on any stubborn smells like tomato sauce.
Fill the can with the gifts.
Glue the lid back on the can using tacky glue. You can use hot glue but it doesn’t stick as well on metal and it looks clumpy.
Paint the can with white paint. This will allow the napkin print to show up.
Separate the plys of the napkin. We are only decoupaging the top printed ply of the napkin.
Trim the napkin to fit on the can.
Add a thin coat of Mod Podge to the can.
Carefully, place the napkin on the can. Use your fingers to tap the napkin in place. Use the paintbrush to smooth the napkin over the ridges of the can. Work carefully and don’t press too hard. Allow to dry for 10 min.
Add a top-coat of more Mod Podge to seal the napkin to the can.
Once dry, embellish with ribbons, scrapbooking supplies, gift tags…etc.