There’s something so charming about spring crafting — soft colors, tiny florals, and those small touches that make your home feel fresh again. Today I’m sharing a simple, cheerful project that transforms an everyday tin can into the cutest little birdie nest display. It’s budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and such a fun way to bring a bit of spring indoors. Join me as I take you through each step for creating your very own.
- One clean, dry metal can
- Acrylic paint (I used white)
- Paintbrush
- Sanding block (optional)
- One decorative floral napkin
- Mod Podge
- Four craft wooden sticks (popsicle sticks)
- Hot glue
- One foam craft block
- One small birdie nest decoration
- Faux florals
- Floral cutters
- Heating tool (optional for faster drying)
Paint Your Tin Can
Start with a washed and completely dried metal can. If you want a slightly distressed or smoother finish, lightly sand the surface with a sanding block before painting—totally optional.
I went with white acrylic paint for a clean, bright base. Apply your first coat, let it dry, and then add a second coat for good coverage. I used a heating tool to speed up drying, but air‑drying works just fine too.
Preparing the Napkin Design and Applying the Napkin With Mod Podge
Choose a decorative napkin with a pattern you love. I used a floral design because it feels perfectly springy.
Using scissors, carefully cut out the pieces of the design you want to use. Once you have your cutouts, be sure to peel away the second layer of the napkin — you only want the top printed layer for Mod Podge.
Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge onto the can where you want your design. Gently place your napkin cutout on top, smoothing it down with your fingers or a soft brush. Add another light coat of Mod Podge over the top to seal it.
Let everything dry completely before moving on.
Add the Craft Stick “Legs.”
Now for one of my favorite details — the little craft stick legs that give the display its charming, cottage‑style look.
Use hot glue to attach two craft sticks to the back of the can and two to the front. They should extend slightly below the bottom of the can so they act as decorative legs, lifting the whole piece up just a bit. It adds height, character, and a sweet, handmade feel.
Once the sticks are attached, paint them with white acrylic paint to match the can. After they’re dry, I added tiny butterfly jewels to the tops of each stick for a little sparkle.
Build the Inside of the Display and Add Faux Florals
Cut your foam block down to size so it fits snugly inside the can. Once it fits, add a small dab of hot glue on top of the foam — this helps keep the bird nest from shifting.
Press your birdie nest decoration into place.
Using floral cutters, trim your faux flowers to the lengths you want. Tuck them around the nest, filling in any gaps and adding pops of color. This is where the whole project really comes to life — the flowers soften the look and make the nest feel like it’s sitting in a little spring garden.
Your Spring Birdie Nest Display Is Ready
And that’s it — a sweet, simple spring decoration made mostly from items you probably already have on hand. The combination of the painted can, floral napkin design, raised craft‑stick legs, and the little nest tucked inside makes this such a charming piece to display on a shelf, entryway table, or windowsill.
If you want to tweak the colors or add more embellishments, go for it. This is one of those projects that’s easy to personalize and make your own.
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