This boring mesh trash can has been bothering me for years. I’ve had it since college, and sure it gets the job done, but again, it’s boring. The main reason I put off doing something about it was because I didn’t know what to do about it.
I first tried applying fabric around the outside with Mod Podge, which was a complete fail. I think the mesh, combined with the can not being uniform in diameter, were the factors to blame (it couldn’t have been me, right?!). So, I shoved it in a corner and kept dumping trash in it, until I came across some trim on clearance at Joann Fabrics.
Black and white stripes- so very me! I love how ideas will just hit me when I come across something random, like trim. I got 6 yards of it and spiraled it around the trash can, using tape to hold it in place.
I then used chalk to mark on the can where the trim was placed, as a guide for when I’d glue it on later. Using a hot glue gun, I first glued down one end of the trim. After unraveling the trim, I spiraled it around the can again, this time gluing down the trim onto the can as I went, making sure to follow along the path of the chalk marks.
After all the trim was glued down, I took a damp paper towel and wiped off all the chalk. And then I was like hey, if I turn it upside down, it could be a plant stand!
That was how it all went down. I’m always a fan of how the simplest ideas can completely repurpose things I was so close to ditching. It’s the BEST. The stand is sitting pretty next to the other plant stands I previously made.
I feel like there are tons of mesh trash cans out there like this one. Do you have one? Have you done anything to make your trash can less boring?
You are so creative! I probably would have gotten rid of that trash can a long time ago because I wouldn’t have known what to do with it. But it looks great as a plant stand! I hope you had a great weekend, Amy!
Oh, that is super cute! So creative!
This is such an awesome upcycle, pinning!!
xo, Tanya
What a neat repurpose, Amy!! I love the ribbon. Makes for the perfect table!!
Great idea! I’m always on the look out for items that could work as plant stands.
Love it! I’ve actually been researching trash cans to make stools out of, good to know I’m not totally crazy! This turned out so cute.
Amy, how is it possible that you can make ANYTHING look chic? Love this DIY upgrade to a plain old trash can :)
That’s using what you got! AWESOME! Where’s a spare trash can :)
This is so creative! I love how it turned out Amy!
It looks great! You are so smart to tape the trim in place first. I guarantee you if I was doing this, I would just start gluing it right on and it would definitely not be as straight and pretty as yours. You are getting quite the gorgeous collection of plants and stands there! Love it!
Such an easy project to turn something boring into something fab! Pinning :)
How clever! You would totally never guess that it’s a trash can! Loving the black and white striped ribbon too, I’m sure it complements the rest of your decor perfectly :)
I like your design on that basket.. I too re-did a Martha Stewart basket I picked up a goodwill for $2.00. Gave a whole new look to it and was pleased
Brilliant and creative – looks like something out of a catalogue!
Such a creative repurpose! It doesn’t look like a flipped trash bin at all!
I love this, Amy! So fun and cute.
I love this with the ribbon! In fact, I adored it so much that you are featured on this week’s Do Tell Tuesday link party and have been pinned to our features board! Feel free to grab a button and link up this week too. :) http://www.vintagezest.com/2014/06/do-tell-tuesday-26-with-features.html
Diane @ Vintage Zest
Amy, this was such a great idea! I love it!
Oh my gosh, love it! What a totally creative repurposing idea!!! I featured this on my blog today and I’m just stopping by to pin it! Thanks so much for sharing at Creativity Unleashed!
Stopping by from Skip The Housework link party. What a great idea to use the trash can. So creative! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t even know it’s a trash can if you didn’t mention it. Next time I’ll know what to do with it :) Creative idea and love your design!