DIY Rotten Food Cans

2 min read September 13, 2026 Natalie Mayhew
Share this article

Get the junkyard look for your Totally Gross Trash Bash without having to dig around in garbage cans for party decorations.  Download the free tin can printables HERE and you'll be able to recreate these gross and very rotten tin cans with my simple tutorial. Add these to the table along with myDIY Toilet Bowl Favor Display and DIY Barf Bags for simple and easy GROSS party decor. Watch out for the flies!

Project Time
40 to 50 min
Difficulty
Intermediate
Step
1

First, remove the handle from the DIY Paint Cans.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 1
Step
2

Next, measure and cut a piece of Corrugated Print Wall Panel to fit the height and diameter of the DIY Paint Cans.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 2
Step
3

Hot glue the piece of corrugated cardboard to the paint can.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 3
Step
4

Download the free tin can printables HERE. For some cans use these labels to decorate the cans. Print, cut and glue the food labels to the cardboard.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 4 part 1
DIY Rotten Food Cans step 4 part 2
Step
5

For other cans, decorate with the Gross Slime Drip Garland. Cut a pice off of the Gross Slime Drip Garland and then trim the top off where the holes are. Glue the garland piece around the top of the can.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 5 part 1
DIY Rotten Food Cans step 5 part 2
Step
6

For the remainder of the cans glue Smashed Bugs Bookmarks to the body of the can.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 6
Step
7

Glue Realistic Bugs to the lids and body of the cans.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 7
Step
8

Next, fill cans with Realistic Earthworms....a fun surprise for when they are inevitably opened.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 8
Step
9

Finally, add the cans to your dessert table for kid-friendly super gross decor!

For more gross ideas and inspiration be sure to check out the whole Totally Gross Trash Bash which includes a Toilet Bowl Favor Display and DIY Barf Bags on a Bar Favor Bar.

DIY Rotten Food Cans step 9

Oriental Trading is your go-to source for party supplies, crafts, toys, and novelties. With over 85 years of experience, we offer a wide selection of products at unbeatable prices, making it easy to create memorable celebrations.

Learn more about us