Independent craft blog since 2007
I love seeing all the first day of school photos everyone is posting. A friend even posted her first day of Grad School as a joke (she is a mom of 2!). And this idea for making a back-to-school time capsule that includes hand tracings and a string that is as long as your are tall and more is a great way to celebrate and plan for a year of growing! Pop on over to the blog I Heart Crafty Things for instructions on how to make a recycled jar back-to-school time capsule.
Ever stumbled upon a piece of decor that instantly transports you back in time? That’s exactly how I felt when I came across Cindy’s tutorial on transforming a vintage milk can into the most delightful outdoor side table. It’s one of those projects that blends nostalgia and functionality in a way that just makes your heart smile.
Cindy starts the tutorial with a bit of backstory on old milk cans—those heavy-duty relics of rural life that once carried fresh milk from farm to table. It’s kind of poetic, turning something that was once a workhorse on the farm into a centerpiece on your patio.
The steps she outlines are clear and totally approachable. You’ll need a vintage milk can, a wooden round (for the tabletop), a few basic tools like a drill and wood glue, and your favorite paint. What I appreciated most was how she kept the instructions flexible. Her husband welded a steel bar to the can to hold the tabletop in place (which is super sturdy), but she also offers a no-welding alternative that uses a snug-fitting piece of wood inside the opening. Perfect for folks like me who aren’t exactly on a first-name basis with a welder.
The painting part is where things get extra fun. Cindy uses mineral paint for the base and a whitewash technique on the wood top, finishing it off with some gentle distressing. It gives the table this lovely worn-in look—like it’s been part of your porch for years. I could practically see it next to a rocking chair with a pitcher of lemonade and a good book.
One little thing I personally loved? The fact that she didn’t over-polish the final look. It’s clean, yes—but still has that imperfect, charming farmhouse appeal. Like something your grandmother might have owned, but cooler.
If you’re into DIY with a heart and a healthy respect for vintage charm, this project is 100% worth trying. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and lets you bring a little slice of the past into your modern-day life. Now if only I could get my hands on a milk can…