Today's project is from the Recycle Bin Crafts category.

We will be using a recycled tin can to create this cute little St. Patty's Day hat decoration.

Upcycled Tin Can St. Patrick's Day Hat

It seems like St. Patrick's Day is skipped when it comes to decorating don't you think? 

There aren't even any good St. Patrick's Day-themed craft supplies... I went out looking for a clover paper punch today and came up completely empty-handed! I checked three craft stores in my town and Target... nothin'! So I was forced to use what I have and get creative!

So, since I couldn't find the punch I only bought chocolates for this project, everything else I had!

I used a recycled dog food can, any tin can will work.

Since the paper won't cover the lip of the can, you can paint it with green craft paint. There's no need to paint the whole can since we will be covering it with paper.

Once the paint is dry, measure the height and circumference of the can. Cut the paper of your choice to the length and width you need and adhere to the can with Mod Podge.

Trace around a large round object (I used a large jar lid) on the cardboard to create the base of the hat. 

Then use Mod Podge again to glue the paper of your choice to both sides of this circle. I find it easier to glue the paper to the cardboard and then cut around the cardboard circle.

Glue the can to the center of the circle with E6000 glue. Glue the can open-side-up so you can create a little basket for candy. You can glue it in the other direction if you don't want a basket.

Cut a buckle shape with a scrap of gold metallic scrapbook paper and a strip of black scrapbook paper long enough to go around the can. Make it as thick or thin as you'd like.

Glue the strip of black paper around the can slightly above the brim and then add the buckle on top of that.

Fill the can with crinkle-cut paper or Easter grass. I have an old hat box full of crinkle-cut paper and Easter grass that I've saved, I chose some green grass for my hat. If you don't have this, you could even use shredded newspaper if you have a shredder!

Cute yah?!

Now here is where you'll be ahead of me if you have a clover paper punch! Punch out about four clovers. If you have to improvise like I did, you can make some by following the steps below.

Cut out twelve paper hearts with a heart punch or the old-school, grade-school method. You will use three hearts for each clover. Also, punch or cut four circles.

Glue three hearts to one of the circles to form your clover.

Trim the bottom of the circle.

Then add a self-adhesive pearl to the center. You can add a pearl to the regularly punched clovers too if you'd like.

Add some little paper stems and add highlights to each clover with white craft paint if desired.

To make the half-circle highlights, slide the side of your paintbrush through the paint leaving the other side paint free.

And then make a little swoosh motion on the paper. Add the dots by dipping the end of the paintbrush into the paint.

Use the florist's wire and the florist's tape to give three of the clover stems.

Curl the gold pipe cleaners around a pen or pencil to make tendrils.

Cut a tag from some of the paper you've chosen and stamp the words of your choice on it, then cut a slit at the top and clip it around one of the wires on the clover flowers.

Stick the clover flowers and the gold tendrils into the can, and glue the last clover onto the side of the hat.

Add candy and it's done!

I found these gold coin chocolates at Target's Dollar Spot. I was originally planning to use Rolos, those would be cute too!

I think cute St. Patrick's Day decor is a little harder to find so this is a great way to satisfy your urge to make things AND get some cute decor!


I hope you enjoyed this recycle bin St. Patrick's Day hat! If you did, I'd love it if you would share it!