Canny Crafts: How to Repurpose Tin Cans into Beautiful Mosaic Vases

In this post, I’ll show you the process of turning a recycled soup can into a mosaic flower vase using glass tiles and mosaic grout. I made mine in honor of St. Patricks day, but you can make yours in any color or for any occasion.

This was actually the first time I tried making mosaics like this, so hopefully I can tell you what blunders to avoid.

• Soup can

• Weld bond glue

• Small glass tiles

• Mosaic grout

• Tiny punched shapes (optional)

• Acrylic sealer

What materials can you use to make a mosaic?

You can use a variety of materials to make a mosaic. Mosaics don't have to be made of just tile and grout. You can make a paper mosaic that is decoupaged to almost any surface as paper is not heavy. Obviously, you wouldn’t use grout between the pieces of paper, but leaving a space between gives the desired result.

You can also make mosaics using glass or mirrors. You would want something to fill the spaces between those materials, however.

I have also made a mosaic wall art using beads and buttons as well as button and bead coasters. They both turned out awesome.

You can even make a diy mosaic box with craft foam and puffy paint!

Other things you can mosaic onto a can:

• broken CDs or mirrors

• glass gems from the dollar store

• sea glass

• beads

• broken pottery

Beginner Mosaic Tips

• Leave space between tiles for grout (about 1/8 inch)

• Work in small sections so tiles don’t slide

• Let glue dry completely before grouting

• Wipe grout gently so tiles don’t pop off

Mosaic on a can tutorial:

Step 1 - Get can ready

Peel the label off the soup can.

Depending on the soup can, you might have to use some goo gone or just water to get all the stickies off.

Step 2 - Glue on tiles

Use Weld Bond glue, made for mosaics, to start to add the little tiles to the soup can.

Use something heavy, like rocks, to keep the can from moving.

This was actually my second attempt at this project. The first time, I used an epoxy adhesive, but it didn’t work. When I went to rub off the excess grout, the tiles came loose.

Continue to add the tiles to the can, one row at a time. Make sure you leave spaces in-between for the grout to go into.

You will want the glue to dry before turning the can to add more. Otherwise the tiles could drip down or move.

When your'e done adding the tiles it should look something like this:

Let the adhesive totally dry.

As you can see, the tiles aren’t perfectly spaced, but that adds to the look, I believe.

Step 3 - Add grout

Spread on the pre-made grout. Using mosaic tools will help immensely, as you’ll see below. However, my first application, I used a silicone spatula.

After it dried and wiped the extra grout off the tiles, you can see how uneven the grout is and how even little holes in the grout appeared:

That left me searching for different tools to use. I actually found mosaic tools in my arsenal of craft supplies. I guess I forgot that my mother-in-law had given me some, ha ha.

I decided not to start all over, but to just add a second layer of grout. The internet gave me mixed advice as whether or not to add more grout. One source said you could add more as long as the first layer hadn’t set and that it took 2 days before it really sets. I also planned to seal it, so I figured I was safe.

As you can see, the slightly curved tool was perfect for adding the grout:

Use your finger to smooth out the bottom and torso it lines up from the tile and edge of the can:

Step 4 - Remove excess grout

The instructions on my pre-made grout said after 30 minutes from applying the grout, to gently wipe off the extra grout from the tiles.

I also found that using my thumbnail worked well to scrape off the grout:

Let the grout dry for a day or two.

Step 5 (optional) - Add embellishments

Since I was making this vase for St. Patricks day, I used a mini paper punch and shiny paper to make little shamrock shapes that would fit inside a tile.

Step 6

If you decide to add little paper shapes (maybe hearts), use Mod Podge to stick them on.

I only put the shamrocks on the white tiles, so you could actually see them.

Step 7 - Seal the can

Once the shamrocks are dry, use an acrylic sealer to seal the whole thing.

Step 8 - Display

Put some fake or real flowers in the mosaic can and marvel at your work!

This would make an awesome homemade gift for teachers, friends, or moms. It is a good reason to give the project a try.

Another excellent gift project is DIY Dollar Store Candle Holder Using Molds. Or try making a DIY sparkly ring dish. Check them out!

I also want to share that I made the top 100 craft blog list on Feedspot. I want to thank all my regular craft readers. You’ve all helped me continue my arts and crafts blogging journey 😄

If you enjoyed this diy mosaic vase tutorial, please share! ❤️