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DIY Grungy/Primitive Cans

Make your own grungy cans! DIY rusty can, how to make a tin can look old? This simple DIY cost pennies to make with things you already have on hand. Recycle your empty cans and add warmth and character to your home.



If you are a beginner with at-home #DIYs this #project is a perfect one to start with. It's simple and affordable with no mistakes to be made. You will be pleased with your finished project.


What Is Grungy?

Primitive grungy cans and jars, the name does them no justice, but let me tell you “grungy” does not disappoint when it comes to these cute, functional little decor pieces that you can make yourself for pennies. An empty can, cinnamon, and Elmer’s glue are all you need.


What is primitive decor? Also known as country or folk art. Primitive style is from early Americana mid-1700s to early 1800s. You may recognize it when you see barn stars, crows, and aged wood signs. Primitive is very similar to farmhouse style decor but with more muted earthy tones and pottery.



Instead of tossing out your empty cans or glass jars make grungy jars and turn them into cute decor with a useful purpose. The uses for these cans are endless. They are perfect for pen and pencil holders, children’s paintbrushes, makeup brushes and so much more. You can also use your grungy can for just decor, and put a battery-operated candle or cinnamon sticks in them. My favorite thing to do is put candy canes in them for Christmas time, a little Christmas ribbon around the can and you have a pretty, warm, and inviting decor piece. You can also use your leftover glue and put pictures on them. Google free printables for whatever you are interested in. Print it out on computer paper, cut the picture out, rip it around the edges, and coffee or tea stain it.



STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS- How To Tea Stain Paper



What You Will Need

An empty can DO NOT use a can with a pop-top, the inside rim can be sharp use a can that you need a can opener to open.


Cinnamon

Elmers glue

Small paintbrush or sponge brush, I used the sponge brushes from Dollar Tree

Two flat containers

A little water to add to your glue.





To make the grungy can; Pour a bottle of glue into one of your containers and add a little bit of water to thin out your glue.


Pour cinnamon into the other container


Spread the glue over the can then roll it into the cinnamon. You can sprinkle the cinnamon on any bare spots.


Let the can dry completely (this part shouldn’t take long maybe an hour or so) Repeat the process one more time, a layer of glue, roll in cinnamon and let it dry. The final step is a light layer of the glue mixture to seal the cinnamon and give it a finished look.



Now get creative and decorate. You can take any image and glue it to the can while it's wet or you can glue an image to the can when it's dry. If the can is dry apply glue to the back of the image and place it, you may have to go around the edges with a little more glue. I hope you enjoy making these grungy cans. They are fun, useful, and simple to make.


Thank you for stopping by Lia Rose Simply Home!





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Hi, thanks for stopping by!

Hello, my name is Wendy I live in upstate NY with my husband and four children. Now that my children are getting older I have some extra time to share my experiences, recipes, traditions and life tips.

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