Old tin cans, often overlooked and unglamorous, may still retain hints of beets and carry remnants of labels, evoking memories of Depression Era games like "kick the can." However, when repurposed and creatively adorned, these humble cans transform into versatile items such as penholders, bowls, candleholders, and luminaries. Here are 15 practical and aesthetically pleasing ways to reuse tin cans.
Image credit: Author with Ai and Wei Cheng
1. Tin Can Storage Solutions
Tin cans serve as excellent storage containers for school supplies or craft materials, as illustrated in the accompanying image. These cans were adorned with sturdy scrapbooking paper, affixed using Mod Podge adhesive. The customisation possibilities are limitless, allowing for personalised designs to suit various needs. For a detailed tutorial with step-by-step instructions and accompanying photographs, refer to The Ornament Girl.
2. Decorative Tin Can Flower Holders
Here's yet another wonderful demonstration of the transformation tin cans undergo with a bit of crafting magic. It's akin to the tale of the ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan. These tin cans were lovingly hand-painted with latex paint, adorned with ribbon accents, and embellished with paper flowers secured using magnets. For detailed instructions on how to recreate this charming project, visit Or So She Says..., a guest blog hosted by Create & Babble. The tutorial even includes a downloadable file for crafting your own paper flowers to adorn the front of the can.
3. Tin Can Utensil Holders
Transform your tin cans into charming utensil holders for weddings or parties with this simple DIY project. Wrap paper around the can, securing it with tape for easy removal and customisation with different themes in the future. Next, use rubber cement to attach a black ribbon around the can, and tie an orange ribbon for an extra decorative touch. For a detailed tutorial with accompanying photos, visit The Wandmaker’s Mother.
4. Tin Can Luminaries
Illuminate your patio during cookouts or dinner parties with these charming tin can luminaries. Despite its impressive appearance, this craft is surprisingly simple to create. For detailed instructions along with accompanying photos, check out the full tutorial on Crafts Unleashed.
5. Tin Can Homework Organiser
As the school year kicks off, your home might resemble a chaotic explosion of school supplies. Simplify organisation with this rotating homework caddy, perfect for quick access to essentials. The lazy Susan component can be bought from a home store, while the tin cans are easily transformed with a coat of spray paint. For detailed instructions, visit Sandy Toes & Popsicles for the full tutorial
5. Tin Can Homework Organiser.
6. Upcycled Tin Can Storage Solution
Transforming large tin cans into stylish storage containers adds a touch of charm to any shelf. Decorated with scrapbooking paper affixed using spray adhesive, these containers are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Customised lids featuring screw-in handles add a personalised touch. For a detailed tutorial accompanied by photos, visit
Happy Happy Nester.
7. Upcycled Tin Can Bowl
This stunning bowl was crafted from a large restaurant-sized tin can using a quilling technique. Retaining the natural silver and gold hues of the original tin material, it boasts a unique shimmer. Created by
CraftyPA and available on Etsy.
8. Tin Can Black Cat Luminary
This black cat tin can luminary is perfect for adding a festive touch to your home decor or as a charming lantern for Halloween gatherings. Its striking combination of black and citron colours makes it an eye-catching piece. Complete with a glass votive cup and tea light candle, it is skillfully crafted by
SecondBliss and available on Etsy.
9. Hand-painted Watercolour Tin Cans
Enhance your home decor with a rustic and artistic flair by incorporating these hand-painted tin cans. Created by applying chalk paint and affixing napkins using a decoupage technique, these cans are sealed for durability. Perfect for storing small items or as decorative display pieces. Available from
RuthShabbyChic on Etsy
10. Powder-Coated Tin Can Lanterns
Elevate your outdoor decor with these stunning lanterns, perfect for suspending on a patio or adorning a table as a centerpiece. Crafted with a baked-on powder coating, they are designed for lasting durability both indoors and outdoors. Available in a range of colours and sizes depending on the crafter's inventory, these lanterns are skillfully made by
PeperIndustries on Etsy.
11. Mehndi Inspired Tin Can Luminary
Inspired by the intricate patterns of Mehndi henna designs, this captivating cut pattern adds an exotic touch to any home decor. The accompanying photo showcases the beautiful shadows cast by the candle within the can, making it an ideal table centerpiece. Created by
ManifeStnStudio and available on Etsy.
12. Personalised Tin Can Decorations
Add a touch of charm to your party, wedding, or home decor with these burlap and chalkboard tin cans, perfect for displaying personalised messages. Whether adorned with names, initials, playful notes, or heartwarming sentiments like those shown in the photo, these customisable decorations are crafted by
Partyinthebarn and available on Etsy.
13. Rustic Tin Can Flower Vase
Transform old tin cans into charming rustic flower vases, ideal for serving as centerpieces at country weddings or adding a touch of rustic flair to any tabletop. The bottom portion of the vase is repurposed from a glass candleholder, while a jar placed inside holds real flowers. Crafted by
LittleBohoCottage and available on Etsy.
14. Vintage-Inspired Tin Can Holders
These versatile tin cans are perfect for displaying or storing various items. Whether as centerpieces for events or organisers for art brushes, pencils, makeup brushes, and more, their uses are endless. Adorned with vintage-print scrapbook paper, twine trim, burlap lace, and a handmade denim rose, these cans add a rustic touch to any space. Available from HomeMadeFunsies on Etsy.
15. Quilled Tin Can Candleholder with Patriotic Theme
Crafted by
CraftyPA on Etsy, this candleholder features a similar quilling technique. Its stunning paint job and starburst design evoke the spirit of Fourth of July fireworks.
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