Introduction: Can Art:Pebble Cans and Other Delights
Due to interest in my instructable:https://www.instructables.com/id/Can-Art-A-Way-To-Recycle-Some-Tin-Cans/; I was prompted to find another use for tin cans. This instructable shows the end results of the creative process...from empty tin cans and plastic jars to complete, usable art/garden objects.
Step 1: Collect Cans and Plastic Jars
Plastic jars? Yep, I found that they work fine and fill the need very well! Who'd have thought that you can utilize plastic containers in this manner? I wasn't so sure at first, but so far, it seems to be very doable.
Step 2: Other Materials and Tools
To complete these projects, I used three different adhesives to attach pebbles, glass baubles, broken tiles, etc. First was regular thin set, a mortar like material for setting tiles; 2: Tile adhesive, which accomplishes the same thing, but is a latex product, ready to use, and 3: A product called Flexall. This is a filler type agent to use for filling gaps, holes, etc in various materials. It seems very similar to the tile adhesive, and it worked exceptionally well. the usual trowls, sponge, mixing containers, a paint brush, hammer, etc.
Step 3: First Pebble Can
Here I've shown the first can I did. On this can I used tile adhesive and applied the stones directly onto the adhesive. I cover all steps later on.
Step 4: Second Pebble Can
On this can, I wanted a larger circumference than the can itself, so came up with a method to apply a thicker coating of material. Basically, I first glued some broken pieces of tile onto the can. Around these pieces, I applied chicken wire, much as you would in lath and plaster work. Then, the tile set mortar was applied to this supporting grid of wire, and allowed to dry. A second coat of black sanded grout was then spread over all the surface and smoothed out with a damp sponge. This gave a very smooth, uniform exterior coating to which I would then attach the tile pieces. To do this, I used regular tile adhesive. Then, the tiles are applied, the piece is allowed to cure at least over night, then the tiles can be grouted.
Step 5: A Plastic Jar Becomes a Vase
Here I show how I used Flexall and an empty peanut butter jar (plastic), to make an unusual vase/planter.
Step 6: A Can With Broken Tile As a Mosaic
Here the same techniques are used, but left over travertine tile was broken in to small pieces and adhered to can with tile adhesive. Can is then grouted as with the others and is ready to use.
Step 7: Make a Stand for New Project(s)
To make a stand for various vases and planters i use throughout the garden and on the patio, etc., I wanted some square stands as I like to elevate various planters while arranging them in the different areas that I use them in. These pieces are simply cast out of concrete in easy to make molds. My molds are about 5in. x 5in. and of two varying heights. To make intermediate size pieces, I use the larger mold, but only fill it half or three quarters full. These stands can then be used as is, or decorated as I have done to a few of them, as shown. I will do another instructable on how to decorate/paint these pieces.
Step 8: Basic Steps for All Items
!. Collect materials and cans, and bottles you will use.
2. Spread adhesive on the piece following general instructions found on the adhesive packaging. I've done a lot of tile setting and it is basically the same procedure.
3. Apply your covering material of choice into the adhesive as soon as possible.
4. Let set/cure over night or longer. You want the material to be completely dry and or set totally.
5. Grout those items that need it, such as the glass tile and broken tile piece. The pebble cans are not grouted.
6. For the pebble cans, I went back with a dark brown paint to go over the adhesive that shows around the pebbles. You don't have to be too careful doing this, just take a damp sponge and wipe over the stones to remove any paint that adheres to the rocks. After this step, I applied a gloss polyurethane varnish, water based, and that was it.
7. Holes can be drilled into the cans to use as planters, or left as is to be used as vases.
Step 9: Pictures of Made Pieces
And this is what they all look like when assembled after completion!