How to Make a Tin Man Out of Cans

You can create a simple tin man figurine out of recycled tin cans. While it won’t be movable like the Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz,” this simple project will entertain children who enjoy recycling items. Instruct children to keep their hands away from the open end of the can so they don’t cut their fingers. The open end on the cans should face down so the head and body both have a solid top.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cans of different sizes
• Black marker or acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Googly eyes
• Pipe cleaners
• Hot glue gun and glue stick

Instructions

1. Remove labels from cans.

2. Paint three buttons on the front of the larger can. These will be simple black circles that are colored in. Another option is to glue actual buttons, cogs from old watches or other small, light hardware to the can.

3. Glue the eyes on the front of the smaller can however you like them. Or use small hardware items in place of the eyes or for other facial features.

4. Shape the pipe cleaners into arms and legs and glue to the larger can. Make a simple foot shape by bending the ends of the pipe cleaner to make an oblong circle shape.

5. Glue the small can to the larger one to finish the tin man.