DIY Volkswagen Van from a Recycled Tin Can with Free Craft Printable. Give your empty tin cans a second life with this adorable DIY Volkswagen van craft! This upcycled tin can project is a fun, creative, and eco-friendly activity that kids and adults alike will love. With a free printable template included, you can easily turn a simple can into a festive Christmas van, perfect for decorating, gifting, or even using as a treat holder filled with cookies or candy.
Whether you’re crafting at home or in the classroom, this recycled van project is a great way to teach kids about creativity, sustainability, and reusing materials in a fun way.
For a festive touch, you can decorate your van with a mini Christmas tree tied to the top or, if you’re crafting during summer, transform it into a surf beach van with bright colors and flowers.
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DIY Volkswagen Van from a Recycled Tin Can
Why You’ll Love This Tin Can Volkswagen Van Craft
- Eco-friendly: A great way to upcycle and reuse tin cans
- Free printable included: Choose between colored, flowered, and coloring page versions
- Customizable: Paint it in any color you like, red for Christmas or turquoise for a beach van
- Kid-friendly: Simple, hands-on, and fun for kids ages 5 and up
- Versatile: Use it as a Christmas ornament, decor piece, or small gift box. Or give it a summer twist.
Craft Supplies for the Upcycled Volkswagen Van
You’ll only need a few materials to get started:
- Empty tin can (12 oz size or similar)
- Kitchen Mama electric can opener
- Printable Volkswagen van template, find it below
- White and red acrylic paint (or any color of your choice)
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Painter’s tape
- Light blue, grey, or black paper for the windows
- Four large buttons for the wheels (plastic lids or cardboard circles work too)
- Two small buttons for the headlights
- A small pine branch or mini Christmas tree from 3-4 inch
- Yarn, ribbon, or twine for tying the tree on top
- Glue stick or hot glue
- Scissors
Free Volkswagen Van Craft Printable
To make this craft even easier, we created a free printable Volkswagen van template. It’s available in multiple versions:
- A red van with and without a flower design, see image bellow
- A coloring page version to personalize your own design
The printable is designed for a 12 oz can (10.8 cm height). Be sure to print true to size (uncheck “fit to page” in your printer settings) so it fits your tin can perfectly. For the best results, print on heavier paper or cardstock for a smooth finish and easy handling. Get the Volkswagen Printable right here.
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How to Make a Volkswagen Van from a Tin Can
Step 1: Prepare the Can
Clean and dry your tin can thoroughly before painting. Ensure there are no sharp edges.
Step 2: Paint the Base Coat
Paint your tin can white and let it dry completely. You may need two coats for solid coverage. Allow each layer to dry for approximately 30 minutes. I recommend using Acrylic paint for good coverage on all surfaces. My favorite is Amsterdam Acrylics; it covers perfectly!
Step 3: Add the Van’s Body Color
Use painter’s tape to mark off the top of the can. Paint the bottom section red (or any color you prefer). This will create the classic two-tone van design. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape.
Volkswagen van craft activ”>
Step 4: Paint the Front “V” Shape
On the front of your can, draw a V-shape for the van’s nose. Leave the inside white and paint the surrounding area red to match the lower half. Let it dry before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Add the Windows
Cut out windows from light blue, grey, or black paper. You’ll need four small side windows and one large front window. Use the printable template as a guide for size and shape. Glue them evenly around the can.
Step 6: Create Headlights
Glue two small buttons to the front of your van for headlights. You can also add sequins or beads on top for extra sparkle; see images for reference.
Step 7: Attach the Wheels
Glue two large buttons to each side of the can to make the wheels. If you don’t have buttons, cut circles from cardboard or use plastic lids.
Step 8: Add the Christmas Tree
Glue a small pine branch or miniature Christmas tree (3 or 4 inch) to the top of your van. Then, tie it down with a piece of yarn, ribbon, or twine for that perfect “Christmas road trip” look.
Volkswagen van craft, free printa”>
Optional: Turn It Into a Beach Van
This craft isn’t just for Christmas! Use bright colors like turquoise, yellow, or pink and decorate with paper flowers or surfboards to make a summer beach van. It’s a great craft for year-round fun and a creative way to reuse cans in different themes.
Teacher and Parent Tips
- This craft is great for classroom recycling projects or Earth Day activities.
- Let children customize their vans to match their favorite colors.
- For younger crafters, pre-cut the windows and shapes in advance.
- Display finished vans as Christmas decorations or gift boxes, just fill them with treats!
Turn your empty can in these cute Christmas vans!
More Fun Christmas Crafts
Looking for even more creative Christmas fun? We’ve got you covered!
Explore our blog post featuring 29 fun and easy Christmas crafts for kids, packed with colorful, hands-on projects that are perfect for home or classroom activities. From paper ornaments to reindeer puppets, there’s something for every age and skill level!
Want a simple, ready-to-go way to keep kids crafting all season long?
Discover our BIG Christmas Craft Printable Bundle, specially designed for kids ages 5–8. Inside, you’ll find festive templates, coloring pages, and easy craft projects that make Christmas crafting stress-free and full of joy.
Everything is low-prep, print-and-go, and perfect for sparking creativity and imagination, whether at school, daycare, or home.
Get the bundle now on Teachers Pay Teachers or our Etsy craft printables shop and make this holiday season magical, creative, and full of festive fun!
Final Thoughts
This DIY Volkswagen Van Tin Can Craft is the perfect mix of creativity and sustainability. It’s an easy and charming project that teaches kids how to repurpose materials while creating something beautiful. Whether you make it as a Christmas decoration, a handmade gift box, or a fun weekend craft, this cheerful van is sure to bring smiles.
So grab your empty cans, print the free template, and start crafting your own little holiday road trip today!
Enjoy crafting, and have a happy holiday season!
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I think I’ll try this with a large white plastic vitamin bottle I have. Even small white plastic pill bottles would be cute. I’ve been saving mine for something. Perhaps this is it.
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