Don't Pass Up Vintage Soup Cans: Turn Them Into The Cutest Rustic Decor

If you browse TikTok long enough, you'll realize the old saying is true: One person's trash (or recycling) is another person's treasure. We got a great reminder of that when we came across this video from DIYer Angie (@countrycraftheavenstore), who transformed a trio of vintage soup cans into the cutest cold-weather-themed decor. The DIY is simple: clean up a few vintage soup cans, dress them up with fabric and twine, and turn them into charming little pieces of seasonal decor.

All you need for this upcycle is a few cans of Campbell's Soup (or your brand of choice) and some basic crafting materials. Depending on your design, you can use lace, fabric, twine, jute, or other rustic embellishments. Once you have everything, it'll take about an hour to turn your old cans into vintage-inspired countertop decor. The best part is that you can customize the finished pieces to match your existing decor rather than trying to recreate Angie's design exactly.

To find vintage cans, you can search sites like eBay or Etsy. However, the selection will vary depending on when you look. Also, antique cans are often pretty pricey — especially if they're several decades old. (When we looked on eBay, some were listed at $35 each.) Keep in mind, though: Vintage cans can get rusty over the years. You might want to avoid using those that are severely damaged, since they could fall apart or cut you while you're crafting. That said, if you'd rather not shell out that much money for pre-loved cans (or you just don't like their vintage style), you can buy new ones at the supermarket. After you finish eating the soup, you can either keep the labels on or remove them and decorate the bare cans.

Vintage soup cans will serve as the canvas for this project, but the rest is up to you and your decor preferences. One option is to wrap twine and lace around the tops (like Angie did). Alternatively, you could use artificial flowers, pinecones, burlap, or whatever you find at your local craft store. It all depends on the look you're trying to achieve. If you're on a tight budget, see what you've got lying around your house. Repurposing an old bandana, for example, could be a fun way to create that rustic feeling.

@countrycraftheavenstore

The perfect addition to fall or winter decor, vintage soup cans! Rustic inspired for unique vignettes to adorn your home. Only a few left: https://countrycraftheavenst.etsy.com #nostalgiacore #fallaesthetic #cozyathome #primitive #rusticdecor

♬ Autumn Leaves – yukidoodle

After gathering your supplies and picking a design theme, you can get to work. First, prep the cans by washing and drying them, then file down any sharp edges. It's also a good idea to add a layer of metal primer to prevent future rusting. When that sets, cut a square of lace, cloth, or your preferred material, making sure it's big enough to hang over all sides of the can. If necessary, trim off any extra cloth. To keep it in place (and add a little extra rustic flair), wrap some twine or jute rope around the top of the can a couple of times. Finally, snip the excess twine and tie it in a tight bow to hold it all together. Use one as a small vase, make a trio of coordinating pieces, or simply display the decorated cans on a shelf or countertop.