How to Make Crafts Using Recycled Tin Cans

Cans, Cans, Everywhere! What to do with tin cans seems to be on everyone's mind. They are truly everywhere. From coffee cans to vegetable cans you can do your part in helping the environment by recycling these cans into creative craft projects!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean Tin Cans
• Craft Supplies

1. Below are a few of my favorite Tin Can craft projects, along with links to instructions for each. I'm sure when you are finished with these, you'll be itching to use up more of those tin cans you have laying around, so be sure to use the tips suggested in the last paragraph to find more recycled craft projects!

2. Pen Holder
   
   A handmade pen holder would make a great gift for anyone who works in an office environment. The instructions don't suggest it, however, I think it would make a great pencil holder in a locker as well! Add Velcro to the bottom of the can so your student can stick it to the shelf in his/her locker at school.
   
   Source: http://www.crafts.kaboose.com/pen-holder-collage.html

3. Wind Sock Craft
   
   You can easily create a beautiful wind sock in any style you'd like if you start off with a tin can. Decorate it with crepe paper, ribbon, appliqués, glitter and more!
   
   Source: http://www.familycrafts.about.com/cs/gardendecor/a/blwindsock1.htm

4. Tin Can Storage Containers
   
   Perfect for storing art supplies as the directions suggest, but how about taking that a step further?! This style storage container would be great in the kitchen for storing large utensils, perfect in the bathroom. It would easily hold toothbrushes, toothpaste and if you were to use large coffee cans, you could even store your hairbrushes, blow dryer, curling iron, etc.
   
   Source: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/recycling-crafts/tin-can-storage.shtml

5. Tin Can Lantern
   
   Create a little ambiance for your front porch! These really neat lanterns can be decorated however you choose! Design a different one for every holiday by poking holes to make a Christmas tree, Hearts, Easter Bunny, etc. This would make a great rainy day project for older children too!
   
   Source: http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=456

6. Flower Pots
   
   Now, here's a way to really get your flower pots to match any room in your house! Paint them, decorate with pretty paper or fabric and embellish using scrapbooking supplies! Add dirt and plant your flower(s) as you would in any other pot!

7. As you can see there are many different uses for your leftover tin cans. I'm sure after reading this list you can think of a few on your own, but if not, browse the internet, using search terms, such as Recycled Tin Can Crafts, Recycled Soup Can Crafts, Recycled Craft Projects. Any variation of these terms will grant you a wide selection of projects to choose from! Once you get started recycling by crafting, you'll never want to stop!

Tips & Warnings

• Always be sure to use a can opener that doesn't leave sharp edges. If you don't have one, file the edges of the can.

Resources

• Tin Can Storage Containers
• Tin Can Lantern
• Tin Can Pen Holder
• Tin Can Wind Sock

[cancrafts]

on 8/2/2009 Love to see people working with a recycle mind. Since 2000 I'm working with cans. I invite you to see what I do. Thanks for the article. Very interesting. http://recycledcancrafts.blogspot.com/

[nessalh19]

on 1/20/2009 Thank You! They are all a lot of fun :)

[bossypants]

on 1/20/2009 Clever and resourceful assortment of tin can crafts! Thanks!