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DIY Moss Covered Vase

ByCloches & Lavender March 29, 2023July 8, 2026

Welcome friends! Let’s look at a creative way to repurpose a metal can and give it new life with an easy DIY moss covered vase. This easy craft uses an empty coffee can, a tea can, plastic coffee containers, or any empty cans to create beautiful home decor using SuperMoss self-stick moss. It’s an easy vase project that’s budget-friendly, and a perfect way to give old cans new life instead of sending them to the compost heap.

Have you ever used self sticking sheet moss? The best part is how quickly this DIY moss project comes together. In a little bit of time, you can turn an old can into a beautiful moss-covered vase that adds natural texture to your home. Whether you style it with fake flowers or fresh blooms from the garden, Trader Joe, or the grocery store, this preserved moss vase is an easy way to bring a bit of nature indoors. Let’s get started on this DIY!

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Table of Contents

1 Craft Supplies: DIY Moss Covered Vase
2 DIY Moss Vase
- 2.1 Notes
3
4 Moss Vase

Craft Supplies: DIY Moss Covered Vase

Supermoss sticky moss, peel and stick moss, or sheet moss
scissors
Empty cans, coffee can, tea can, plastic coffee containers
Card stock (Michaels stores, or Amazon)
jute or twine – MY FAVORITE
hot glue gun and hot glue sticks (optional)
Mod Podge (optional)

Step 1: Remove the Label From an Empty Metal Can

Soak the metal can in warm soapy water to remove the label.

Step 2: Apply SuperMoss Self-Stick Moss

Next, measure the length of the coffee can or tea can and cut a piece of peel and stick moss long enough to wrap around the entire empty metal can or plastic coffee container.

Pro Tip: Repurpose coffee cans, tea cans, plastic coffee containers, and other empty cans instead of sending them to the compost heap. It’s an easy way to reduce waste while creating gorgeous decor for a dining table or coffee table.

Remove the paper backing from the sticky moss, and line it up with the metal can, making sure the sheet moss is straight before pressing it into place. I didn’t use hot glue on my DIY moss-covered can because the sticky moss adhered on its own. However, if needed, add a dot of hot glue to the ends or any loose areas.

Continue pressing the sticky moss around the empty can until the entire outside is covered with moss.

Since the top edge of my empty coffee can was showing, I used leftover pieces of sticky moss. I cut thin strips of the preserved moss and pressed them along the top edge of my old can. This is the perfect way to give your moss-covered vase a finished, professional look.

Step 3: Personalize Your Moss Vase

Let’s add a personal touch to the easy DIY moss vase with a cardstock tag.

Pro Tip: Visit my Pinterest Transfers Board or Graphics Fairy for free printable images to use on card stock and other easy craft projects. After printing your favorite image, cut around the edges with these scissors (HERE) to create decorative edges. It’s the perfect way to add vintage charm and extra detail to this DIY.

Next, create two small holes near the top of the cardstock using a screw. I like using a screw because it makes the perfect-sized hole for threading the jute or twine onto the DIY moss-covered vase.

Step 4: Attach the Tag With Jute

Next, thread the jute or twine through the small holes in the card stock tag and place it at an angle on the moss-covered vase.

Meanwhile, heat your hot glue gun. Add a little bit or a dot of glue to each corner of the image, and one dot of glue in the center. Press the cardstock firmly until it is secure.

Wrap the jute around the can, working on one side at a time. Repeat this step on the opposite side, wrapping the jute in the opposite direction before tying a knot to secure it. This simple finishing touch adds texture and vintage charm to your DIY moss covered vase.

Step 5: Seal the Preserved Moss (Optional)

One of the most common concerns about decorating with moss is shedding. Over the years, I have used both a thin coat of Mod Podge and a coat of clear matte sealer to keep the moss in place and reduce fading.

I prefer applying Mod Podge with a foam brush. Rather than brushing it on, I stipple the Mod Podge using a gentle stabbing motion. Brushing may remove some of the preserved moss, while stippling keeps it in place. Dip the brush into the Mod Podge, stipple the entire surface, and allow to dry completely.

From my experience, both methods help preserve the natural look of the moss. This way, I can enjoy my vase and other DIY Moss projects for years.

diy-moss-covered-vase-adding-mod-podge-to-moss

Step 6: Style With Real or Fake Flowers

My easy moss vase is displayed on our bookcase with dried lavender. I love the combination of the purple blooms against the natural green of the sheet moss, making it a timeless home decor.

This preserved moss covered metal can is a creative way to style with natural elements throughout the year. Fill it with real flowers from your garden, Trader Joe, or the grocery store, or other seasonal natural elements to give your DIY moss project a fresh new look without creating a whole new project.

Creative Ways to Use Printed Images

Once you learn this simple technique, you can use printed images to personalize many easy craft projects throughout your home. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

Decorate flowerpots with seasonal or vintage-inspired images.
Create unique gift tags for birthdays, holidays, or hostess gifts.
Make one-of-a-kind greeting cards.
Personalize pillows or tote bags using iron-on transfer paper. (This is my favorite brand).
Print an image on cardstock and display it in a picture frame for inexpensive seasonal decor.

I love using the same printable images in different ways throughout the year. It’s an easy way to create timeless decor without spending a lot of money.

One Craft – Many Seasons

One of my favorite things about creating easy craft projects is designing pieces I can enjoy for months instead of one season. I made this DIY moss covered vase years ago, and it’s still one of my favorite decorating pieces. I change what’s inside to match the season, with fresh flowers, dried blooms, greenery, or natural elements.

A project doesn’t have to be made for one holiday or season. To me, sustainable decorating means creating homemade pieces you’ll enjoy again and again, instead of storing them away after one use. Repurposing a metal can into an easy craft project is a simple way to save money, reduce waste, and keep everyday items out of the compost heap while creating beautiful home decor.

The photo below shows how I still decorate with this DIY moss project today. It’s filled with natural elements, dried hydrangeas, and my preserved acorn branches that take me from early fall until it’s time to decorate for Christmas.

That’s the heart of Cloches & Lavender, creating timeless home decor inspired by nature and repurposing everyday items in creative ways.

Enjoy Your Easy Moss Covered Vase

Turning a simple metal can into a DIY moss-covered vase is a fun, budget-friendly way to repurpose items you already have at home. With just a few craft supplies and SuperMoss sticky moss, you can transform empty cans, a tea can, or plastic containers into beautiful decor.

Whether you fill your preserved moss vase with fake flowers, fresh flowers from your garden, Trader Joe, or the grocery store, it’s a decorating piece you’ll enjoy for months.

Easy Craft Projects:

Flower Pots with Lime

Easy Moss Wreath

3 Season Wreath – Easy

Shop the Project:

Moss

Foam Brushes

Cans

DIY Moss Vase

This easy craft uses an empty coffee can, a tea can, plastic coffee containers, or any empty cans to create beautiful home decor using SuperMoss self-stick moss.

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Yield: 1 vase

Cost: $10

Notes

Moss Vase

Craft Supplies:

Supermoss sticky moss, peel and stick moss, or sheet moss
scissors
Empty cans, coffee can, tea can, plastic coffee containers
Card stock (Michaels stores, or Amazon)
jute or twine
hot glue gun and hot glue sticks (optional)
Mod Podge (optional)