I just did a post on Jars so now the cans are calling for my attention! Seriously, you are just not going to believe all of the things you can create using tin cans and other simple and cheap craft supplies! I first fell in love with the idea of converting tin cans into household décor when I saw some gorgeous tin can wind chimes. But then I ran a few searches online and I stumbled across a ton of equally amazing ideas.
These projects don’t stop at decorative items either. Some of them are useful, like toys for your kids, vases for plants, or lights. There is even a project for a working camera that you can shoot real pictures with—made out of a tin can!
Here are some incredible tin can recycling projects that will blow your mind! I can’t wait to try these projects for myself, and I know you’ll be just as excited to do some of these yourself!I have been saving my tin cans for a while now!!
I am sure you have all seen the first one, but it is such a wonderful idea! You glue different size cans to a piece of wood:
Then you use the Rustoleum Metallic Gold Spray Paint:
They don’t look like cans anymore! Nail several bare cans directly to the wall or attach them using magnets to make a tidy craft system:
Tea and coffee tins can be reused to hold the same contents, but can look a thousand times better with a little attention.
They sure don’t look like tea and coffee cans anymore. These were done with scrapbook paper.
happyhappynester.com





Top right: Caddy, Shabby Chic Inspired
Bottom left: Caddy, Cynthia Shaffer
Bottom right: Jute Covered Vase, The Thrifty Crafter
For a more feminine look:
While the upcycled tin can above has a timeworn look about it, these upgraded tin cans have a beautiful shine. Nonetheless, their appearance is still definitely quite vintage. I am loving the pale pinks and the delicate designs. They would add a feminine touch to any home. Source: mollymell
Here’s another one for kids to do:
These have to be the cutest lawn ornaments I’ve ever seen. As you can see, they are just basic painted tin cans with little eyes and colored floral wire for wings. At the link you will find a full list of supplies along with a tutorial. This would be loads of fun to do with your children!
DIY Instructions & Source: www.myveryeducatedmother
This next one I think is really pretty:
Just a mixture of seeds and beads..by sewcraftalicious
I love this look:
I can never get enough of that rustic look. Look at these tin can goodies I found at Crafts and Chic Décor. LOVE the one wrapped in the old newspaper print. There are really all different ways you can make these cans have that country, sort of rustic look.
Thinking of kids:
Cutest Tin Can Owls DIY. Aren’t they gorgeous! I need to make some like NOW!
Now there is another use for the cans, but I haven’t tried it. I’m not the most coordinated person, and I would probably cut myself. But these are all over the internet
I wouldn’t recommend the above craft for children, very sharp….. but aren’t they cute!
Coffee can lanterns are all over the internet.
hese are hanging lanterns made from coffee cans that I found atDesign Sponge via maggie makes . Just imagine these hanging all around from the branches of a tree at night or sitting on a table outside in your backyard, balcony or patio.. so pretty! This is a nice, photo illustrated tutorial and they were even kind enough to share a printable template of the designs they used for these beautiful lanterns. Here were a few things I was thinking as I read the tutorial:
- In the tutorial it says to use a hammer to punch the holes but I think you could probably use a drill also if you wanted. You could drill different sized holes by changing the size of the drill bits.
- You could even use a Dremel with different attachments if you wanted. They even have a Dremel attachment that you can use to cut shapes into metal cans.
- DO be very careful when working with cutting these cans! Make sure the cans are firmly in place when you are working on them and as always use high powered tools with care! It’s also a good idea to wear gloves and safety goggles.
Here are some more ideas for cans:
What a creative idea! I have never seen anything like these hanging tuna can candle holders I found at Crescent and Old Lace. Even though they look to be mounted on the wall, they are actually suspended with strings of jute that is connected to a wooden hanger. You can see lots of other photos plus the instructions how to make them at the link. Wouldn’t these look pretty with glitter on the inside…sparkling.
What a about a tin can nightlight!
These are not only a useful way to use cans but….so pretty. Wouldn’t these look great in your kitchen window
Again, The new color, rustoleum copper is gorgeous!
I love the old tins, they add so much flavor to your decor:
No if you are going to grow herbs or plants in tin cans….be sure to drill a hole at the bottom for the excess water to escape. If you don’t have a drill, use a hammer and nail. I would then line the bottom with a coffee filter cut the size of the bottom, then add your dirt. If your not making a hole in the bottom. Be sure to add small pebbles on the bottom of the can so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
So, did any of these spark a idea? Start saving your cans!!!Not only can you make awesome things from them but you are putting less into the landfills.
Love the copper herb pots, so on trend. Really enjoyed this post.
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Rustoleum has so many gorgeous metallic spray paints…under $4… I love them. They sit in my kitchen window. Some herbs had to be transplanted in my garden…growing so fast!
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They look really stylish.
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I have used this product on a few projects and love the rich colors! So easy to spray paint
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I love these ideas! I am getting started on the outdoor items first. Reblogging this fun post on Stone in the Road! Thanks Linda!
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You are so welcome honey, are you doing better these days?
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Yes. Much! Thank you so much.
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🤗❤️
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Thank you for posting!
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The lanterns are very pretty.
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Aren’t they pretty Cynthia! Be careful making the holes. I filled the cans with water and froze in freezer. You can make the holes easier when going into ice and can doesn’t bend. I would love to see yours if you decide to do these yourself….please!!
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So cute!!
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Thank you so much Michelle!
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Kelly such creative ideas .Will save all empty cans in future
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Aren’t they amazing! It’s so awesome when you can turn a soup can into something beautiful!!
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Yes .Simple and amazing 🙂
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Yes, So simple! I enjoy using the cans and jars, it keeps them out of the landfills, which is always great!🤗❤️️
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Love the cans and all of the ideas!
Check your post..all of the content is showing up twice.
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Thanks for the heads up Robin! Hope your having a great day!
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I am! Hope you are as well!
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Awesome honey! I’m getting adjusted to being back home. Boy, I sure missed my doggies!🤗❤️️
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I’m sure they missed you too!
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Oh my goodness…as soon as I stepped in the door and put suitcase down, I hopped onto the bed and we just kissed, they whined and hugged! My little babies. I’ve learned, even if I leave for a few minutes they act the same as I left for days. I’ ve learned to just lay on the bed and let them go through their little rituals.🤗❤️️
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😀 Yep, sometimes you just have to let them get their excitement out.
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🤔😂🤗
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I love them!! So cool. I’ve been thinking of ways to upcycle those cans and jars. Spraypainting looks great and elegant! 🤗🤗🤗
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I love spray painting…so many gorgeous choices to chose from. I would love to see what you do, be sure to let me know when you’ve created something with the cans or jars, I would love, love to see! 🤗❤️️
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I’ll have to keep some of these in mind for my classroom
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Oh, your a teacher…awesome! What grade do you teach??🤗❤️️
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Grade 1
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Oh how fabulous! What a great age! 🤗❤️️
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They are a high energy age, that’s for sure!
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For sure! You must have lots of patience, and love for children!🤗❤️️
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I do love kids but don’t have a ton of patience- thankfully they figure this out quixkly
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hahaha…thanks for the chuckle!
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How wonderful! They are so lovely.
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Thank you Arlene! I think of my grandmother every time I see your name. Start saving those cans!!🤗❤️️
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Thank you Kelley.
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Youre so welcome Arlene!
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Great crafts ideas and your recycling too. Great job.
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Thank you so much Crystal! You’re so sweet!🤗❤️️
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Great ideas. 😀 Thanks for leaving me a like. They make me smile.
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Make me smile too, thank you!🤗❤️️
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Someone out there shares my love for Illy coffee! I love some of these ideas for Chanukkah and Purim gifts, darling. Starting to save coffee tins…
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That is awesome Dolly!!! So happy to inspire an idea! I would love,love,love to see your creation when finished!🤗
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I’ll try!
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You say that…lets see some doing! We are stuck indoors anyway!
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But I want to do it with kids! And I only see them on the screen, and my daughter-in-law would not allow to make a mess in her house.
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Then she can stay home and clean the roof.
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That’s why anything I have ever done with the kids, whether cooking or craft, was done in my house. I love my daughter-in-law, and her excuse is that she has a live-in, and it’s not fair to create extra work for her.
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Oh my gosh. My daughter in law married to my eldest is the worst. Within three months they married and then pregnant. Everything was fine until she had the baby. He is not allowed to talk or see any of his family, brothers mom and dad. It’s been 5 years now.
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That’s terrible!
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Bobby was my best friend. We talked daily and saw each other every other weekend. He lived in Orange Co.
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I am sorry to hear that!
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I try not to think about it, it breaks my heart, I try to tuck it all away. ❤️️
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Think positive, darling – always think only about good things!
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Oh my gosh. What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. It’s so much easier it seems for me to let things go as I age. I feel more at peace with life. ❤️️❤️️
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This is so for many of us; we see life from a different perspective.
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Just seems so much calmer. I find I’m not stressed or worried anymore. I’m not oblivious to what is happening with this virus, I stay safe, I’m just not letting myself get depressed or worried. Must be age.
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I hate to tell you this, but in a way, it is age. It’s hormonal changes that come with aging. But don’t worry, you are still the cutest!
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I’m not worried at all, I feel blessed. I’m in a good place, mentally. I am sending you lots of love, your family and your fur babies!
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🤗❤️️
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And honey, working online takes a lot more time than going into a live classroom. I am horrendously busy most of the time.
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I’m so sorry honey, it must be really challenging! I’m so glad to hear that your staying safe. 🤗❤️️
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I love challenges, but they do take time. I am trying my best to stay safe. I hope you are doing the same.
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I’m hardly going anywhere, except essentials. I did go to Hobby Lobby though yesterday to get some items for my cork tree. I am very careful. We had 1 million cases in one week here in Ca. 11/9-11/16.
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I’ve heard. You take care of yourself, darling! Be well and stay safe!
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I am! I went to a drug store and a woman was actually walking around the store without a mask. I wish people would wear masks and stop spreading the virus.
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I agree.
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❤️️
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Theses are all such great ideas.
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Why thank you, that is so sweet! Have I inspired you to try one ?
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You’re welcome! With my physical limitations I need to stick to yarn crafts. But, it’s always so nice to see the creativity of other crafters.♥️
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You are so creative with yarn! I love your projects! I fell in love with your teddy bear!
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Thank you so much! I’m having a lot of fun! Both bears were gifts from my kids and are very special to me.♥️
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I can see that…so special…always in your heart. Will you be getting together with the kids on Thanksgiving?
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I live with them. So, definitely.
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Oh, that is wonderful honey! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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Are you able to get together with your family? Covid has changed si much.
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No, they shut things down here. Here in Ca a total 1.12M
+8,808 Positive cases and 18,729 + 17 Deaths
So it will be my youngest son and myself. How about you?
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These ideas look like so much fun!
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Thank you Amy, they really are. Happy Thanksgiving!
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To you too!
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We had 1million of cases in one week, 11/9-11/16.
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❤️️🤗
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Neato!
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Thank you so much Leanne! Are you going to create any?🤗
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I made the vase with a bottle instead of a can.
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Cool Leanne, do you have a pic?
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