Do you ever buy specific groceries at the store so you can recycle the container into the next greatest craft project? I'm totally guilty of doing this, so don't judge! In fact, I bought three different size cans of soup until I found the right one for this Upcycled Clay Pot Uncle Sam. Get crafty with the kiddos and celebrate the Fourth of July.
Upcycle a Soup Can and create the cutest clay pot, Uncle Sam
This post, The Cutest Upcycled Clay Pot Uncle Sam, contains affiliate links. Using links to these sites means I will earn a percentage of the purchase at no extra cost to you.
Here's what you need to make the cutest Uncle Sam for July Fourth
- Terra Cotta Pot – 4 1/2” Wide
- Terra Cotta Saucer – 4” Wide
- Americana acrylics from DecoArt – Flesh Tone, Country Red, Bright Blue, Coral Shell, Titanium White
- Recycled Can – Large Soup (think Chunky)
- Craft Foam – Yellow, White
- Letter Stickers – USA
- Blue Embellishments – Self-Adhesive Rhinestones or Pearls
- Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
- Paintbrushes – Flat and Round
- Pencil
- Scissors – I love my Fiskars!
- Craft Knife
- CLAY POT UNCLE SAM PATTERNS – download below ⇓
Here's how to upcycle a clay pot, Uncle Sam:
STEP ONE
Basecoat the recycled can with Country Red and the clay saucer with Bright Blue. Paint rim of clay pot Titanium White and base of clay pot Flesh Tone. Let dry and apply a second coat, if necessary. I love Americana acrylics by DecoArt because they are highly pigmented and rarely need a second coat on almost any surface. Using quality products saves time and money in the long run.
STEP TWO
Once dry, paint two-thirds of the base of the clay pot with Titanium White. Let dry and apply a second coat of white, if necessary.
STEP THREE
Once dry, paint Titanium White stripes around the recycled red can. Let dry and apply a second coat of white paint, if necessary.
STEP FOUR
Download, print and cut out Clay Pot Uncle Sam Patterns BELOW. Trace mustache onto white craft foam and cut out with scissors.
STEP FIVE
Attach mustache to the bottom center of Uncle Sam’s face with the glue gun, and then attach clay saucer to top of clay pot.
STEP SIX
Paint nose and mouth with Coral Shell and eyes with Lamp Black. Paint squiggly eyebrows and once the black paint is dry, add highlights to the eyes by dipping the end of the paintbrush handle in the Titanium White paint to create small dots. TIP: When you just need a small amount of paint, unscrew the cap and use that as your palette.
STEP SEVEN
Trace five stars across a piece of yellow craft foam, overlapping the tips slightly to create one long garland of stars. Cut out carefully with scissors. Trace a single star and cut it out with scissors.
STEP EIGHT
Attach star garland to the base of the red and white striped can with the glue gun and glue sticks. Then glue the can to the top of the clay saucer. Add the single star to the top of the can.
STEP NINE
To finish the Clay Pot and Soup Can Uncle Sam, attach USA letter stickers to the front three stars. Embellish with blue rhinestones or pearls, using the tip of the craft knife for precision placement.
Soup Can Uncle Sam, the cutest upcycle
A terra-cotta pot and saucer plus a recycled soup can transform into a fun Uncle Sam craft to decorate your home this Fourth of July. And if you were wondering that Italian Wedding Soup was delicious!
This Clay Pot Uncle Sam Craft is quick and easy, going together in just about an hour. A fun way to spend some time with family and show your patriotic spirit!
For even more Uncle Sam crafts, check out my Coffee Filter Uncle Sam and the DIY Uncle Sam Gnome projects which are perfect for the Fourth of July!
Sharing is Caring!
Too busy to make this right now? Pin it for later! I'd love for you to pin this project to your favorite craft board on Pinterest and then it’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.
Thanks for stopping by!
Uncle Sam is looking super cute! Great idea using a can for the hat. Pinned.
THANKS, Allyson!
Well this is the cutest Uncle Sam ever! XO
THANKS Laura! XO
Bonkers awesome Uncle Sam! I’m thinking that I will do the cutouts on the Cricut, enough for three, then invite my grandson and granddaughter over for a painting party! Thanks, Beth, fir an adorable project!
YES, Barabra! So quick and easy to make with the kiddos!
OMG!! So cute!! I think I will have to make this one too!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!!!
Hugs,
Deb
Thanks, Debbie – he’s one of my favorites!
I have clay pots in my craft room that just have been waiting for a project like this one! Thanks for sharing it and it will be a feature post this week. #HomeMattersParty
YES! Donna! I’d LOVE to see yours when complete 🙂
Such a cute Uncle Sam. I can see this as a fun craft for my grands. I am happy to feature your cute Uncle Sam at Love Your Creativity. Happy summer.
YAY!! Linda!! Thank you for the feature!