How to Recycle: Turn Tuna Cans into a Rainbow Caddy using Polymer Clay

Refer to my basic instructions (see my article here) and then have fun with this project. As a Clay Cutter Caddy it is great for storing your different shaped cutters including Kemper® Kutters, Makin's® brand cutters and Wilton® cutters. It could also be a fun jewelry holder.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 5 prepared tuna cans ...See my basic instructions
• Super Glue
• Automotive spray such as Armorall
• Clay Blade
• Toothpick
• Various Colors of Clay
• The following are available at PolyClayPlay.com
• Makin’s® Mini Geo Set
• Various Shape Cutters - Kemper® Kutters, Makin's® brand cutters and Wilton® cutters
• Clay Gun Extruder (optional)
• Textures

1. I use each section to hold specific shaped cutters that are easy to find by looking at the decorations on the outside of the can. For example, the yellow can has stars all around it and holds the star cutters, the heart can holds all heart cutters and so on making selection of the right can quick and easy.
2. Follow the BASIC instructions for preparing the cans. (See my other articles.) Prepare five 6 ounce tuna cans using the safety can opener.
3. Wrap each can with a different color of the rainbow...one each of red, orange, yellow, green and blue.
4. Decorate each can using one shape for each can. As you can see in the pictures, this caddy was made using different shades of blue circles for the base, hearts for the red can, flowers for the orange, stars for the yellow one and leaves for the green can.
5. Bake the cans following the clay package directions. Note: You can bake polymer clay over and over. The next step is easier when you have baked the decorated cans first.
6. Follow the next steps to add a black extruded border around the top of each can if desired. This makes a nice finish because it will cover the bottom of each can that is placed on top.
7. Using the slot disc in a clay gun extruder (Makin’s® brand available at polyclayplay.com) extrude strips of black clay long enough to go around each can. If you don't have an extruder, you can cut strips ¼” wide and use them.
8. Gently press a strip to the top edge of a can, smoothing the ends together where they meet. Repeat with each can. The top edge of the strip will hang over the edge slightly. Don't fold it over. Leave it sticking up.
9. Spray a tuna can lid (just the lid edge) with automotive spray to prevent sticking and place it on top of your can, just inside the black strip you have just added. If the black strip is very soft, let the can sit or "rest" for a little while. This will let the clay firm up. You can also stick it in the refrigerator.
10. Repeat this step for each can.
11. Bake your cans. While they are slightly warm, carefully remove the lids being careful not to burn yourself.
12. Glue the lids from 4 of the cans to the bottom of each can using super glue. Don't glue a lid to the can that is the color you want the bottom of the stack to be. The last lid will be used for the decorated top lid on the stack.
13. Check the black border and if it is loose, glue it back in place, making sure it doesn't interfere with the lid or the next can fitting on top.
14. DECORATING THE LID: Add a thin piece of silver clay inside the lid. Trim the excess clay away by using a needle tool and “drawing” around the edge of the lid. (Request a How To article on making needle tools.)
15. Smooth the piece down pressing any air bubbles to the edge and out. If you have a stubborn bubble, poke it with a sharp needle tool, smooth the hole closed pushing the bubble out as you do.
16. Decorate the lid with various shapes from Makin’s mini geo cutter set using silver and black clay. Leave a space in the middle for a handle.
17. For the handle, roll a ball of black clay. Slightly flatten it as you press it to the middle of the decorated lid. Stick a cut toothpick into the center of the flattened ball. Roll a slightly smaller silver ball and press it down on top of the toothpick.
18. Bake the lid. When it has cooled, check the handle and glue it back in place if it is loose.
19. Varnish all the cans and the lid if desired making sure you use a varnish that is compatible with polymer clay. See warning below.
20. Fill each can with your cutters or whatever you have planned to use it for and get back to having fun with your clay... now that your tools are all organized and out of the way.
21. If you would like to see more recycling projects check polyclayplay.com. There is a book available now: "Recycling with Polymer Clay and Juice Bottles". There will be a new book coming soon that will have lots of decorated tuna cans and other recycled items covered with polymer clay.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have the cutters shown here, use what you have.
• Use different texture sheets to decorate your cans.
• Let your imagination go wild.
• If you would like more information about what varnish works with polymer clay, please request it. If you don't use the proper varnish, immediately or some times months later, the varnish will become sticky and stay that way forever. The wrong varnish reacts with polymer clay in a negative way.
• Follow the package directions for baking polymer clay. Polymer clay is non-toxic but if you burn the clay, the fumes are toxic. Open windows and leave the room until the fumes have cleared.