Every time I go on a road trip, I pass so many old barns that are falling down, and it kills me to see all that amazing barn wood just rotting away, especially since I could think of hundreds of projects to use it on.
Well, I was in the craft store a few days ago and found some amazing scrapbook paper made to look like old barn wood.
… Had to have it!
I didn’t have any scrapbook projects to use it on, but I did have tin cans.
I always have tin cans. 🙂
The last time I did a tin cans project, I made office organizers. I didn’t need more of those, but I use candles year-round. So I turned my tin cans into barn wood candles, and it was so easy!
Supplies Needed:
- empty tin cans
- candle wax (I used two different fragrances of scented wax melts)
- candle wicks
- old wood scrapbook paper
- You could also use birch bark strips for a natural wood look.
- scissors
- glue gun & glue sticks
- narrow double-sided tape
- lace, if desired
First, you need to prepare the can. I used hot glue to set the wick in the bottom of the cans.
While the glue cools and sets, boil a pot of water and put the wax melts into another tin can (one with no wick), then set the can in the water until the wax is melted.
Carefully pour the hot wax into the cans with wicks.
Pull the wick up straight and position it between two pencils on top of the can.
Try not to disturb the can while the wax hardens. Letting it harden overnight or longer is best.
Once the wax is completely cool and solid, cut the barn wood paper to fit the size of each can and use the double-sided tape to attach it to the cans.
Trim the wicks to 1/8″.
I used the tape to attach lace around the top and bottom rims of the cans to give them a finished look.
If you’re not comfortable with candle making, you could also just put votives inside the cans. But I wanted candles that would burn longer.
These would be perfect for an outdoor or barn wedding and could be customized with any kind of paper.
Now, if only I could get my hands on some of the wood from an old, falling-apart barn!
Vaya con Dios,
This is a fun idea, Angie…and I have some of this paper! I’d like using the cans covered with this paper for organizers, too…thanks for the inspiration!
These are darling! I’ve never seen that barn wood paper, but I will definitely be looking for it!
I love this project! I always save the wax from my candles that won’t burn any longer and I have two baggies full of mixed fragrances, with the idea in the back of my head to use it for candles. I’m so glad I saw this!! And I have some wood grain paper too in a variety of colors.
Thank you so much for the tip and inspiration!
Angie, I like that craft paper with the wood look. The candles are the perfect use for it. Think I’ll look for some. Thanks for the post. It’s perfect for the upcoming holiday season.
Thanks Naomi! With an upcoming wedding in our family, I’m thinking my son and is fiance might want to make some for the reception tables.
Very cute! Perfect for a rustic Christmas.
I really like real barnwood, so also paper to look like it! I, too, save clean cans for various projects. So, this project is great for me. I love how yours turned out, especially with the lace.
Thanks Mare – I’m addicted to tin can projects – you can beat them for free decor! 🙂