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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Nancy Straughan

Make a desk container

Cactus pot by Nancy Straughan for Do Something
Sharp thinking ... Nancy Straughan’s tin can planter. Photograph: Nancy Straughan

You will need:

Tin cans

Spray paint in a colour you like

Washi tape or acrylic paint

Masking tape

Paint brushes

1 Recycle a tin can and clean it out thoroughly.

2 If using spray paint be sure to use it in a well ventilated area. Paint the outer side of the can with spray paint or acrylic paint; letting some of the original tin show gives it a vintage look. Let it dry. It may need a second coat.

3 To add decorative stripes or other patterns you can use coloured washi tape. If you don’t have washi tape to hand simply mask around areas that you wish to add colour to and paint a few thin layers of contrasting acrylic paint.

4 Let the can totally dry and pot up any plants you like or use the can as storage.

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