Recycled Hanging Planter

One day I was looking at a large empty can of tomatoes that I was ready to throw in the recycling bin then for one reason or another I decided to paint it. This led to me making a hanging planter for a friend who I was giving a plant to from cuttings. Here's how to do it!

You'll need:

• 1 large clean empty can (from tomatoes, beans, etc)
• nail and hammer
• acrylic paint and brush (from dollar store)
• stickers
• any kind of strong thick cord

Instructions:

1. Clean out the can and remove the label. Sometimes there can be some of that glue left that is tough to get out, I use something called "Goo Be Gone", but someone told me rubbing alcohol has done the trick too though I haven't tried it.
2. Dry the can and paint the outside, either just one colour or use one base colour and you can paint things like flowers, rainbows, and anything else you can think of on there. Make sure the base coat is about 3-4 coats if possible and dry can between each coat. It won't look perfect, but that's OK because it will be original! If you have varnish you can coat the can too.
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3. With a hammer and nail, poke three holes around the top ridge of the can, with each hole being the same distance apart as other holes or else the plant won't hang right.
4. Cut three pieces of cord, all the same size (whatever length you choose).
5. Tie one cord to each hole with a few knots so it's well secured.
6. Bring the loose cords together and tie them together with a big knot. Then a bit higher close to the top, make another knot. Now you have a secured hole to hang the plant.
7. Decorate with stickers, glitter, or anything else you have on hand.
8. Put a nice small plant in there (make sure it is already in it's own container, the hanging planter is just for decoration.

This would be a great craft for kids/parents to do together!

By Lisa from Halifax, NS