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12 Decorative Ways to Upcycle Tin Cans
Fun Cans = Fun Vases
Anytime you're working with commonplace flowers, such as daisies or carnations, be creative with your vases to add personality and make them unique. A cost-effective option is repurposing a tin can. Here's how: This idea simply requires a thorough washing of the tin can before adding any floral and water.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Birdfeeder
Feed your regular birds stylishly with a coffee can birdfeeder. Here's how: Using rubber-coated gloves, remove the bottom of the can completely, then spray the exterior with glossy, non-toxic spray paint in a bold hue. Next, use a utility knife to cut the lid in half, then place each half along the bottom of each open end. Loop a three-foot section of rope through the top of the can, and secure the outside to a branch, nail or hook. Fill the inside of the can to the top edge of each lid with birdseed and hang.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Night Light
Keep dark task areas dimly lit at night with a tin can night light. Here's how: Update the exterior with spray paint, mark the desired shape or design with a marker, then use a drill and a 1/8-inch drill bit to create holes. Next, use a hole saw to create space to insert the plug and bulb through the back of the can before plugging it in.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Desk Organizers
Keep everything in its place in your office by upcycling cans into desk organizers. Here's how: Create a solid color scheme with spray paint, then bend lightweight aluminum forks into handles using pliers. Attach the fork handles either by drilling pilot holes with a drill and securing in place with metal screws, or by simply using hot glue.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Hanging Planter
Bring a natural element to any spot in the house with a repurposed can hanging planter. Here's how: Use a drill and drill bit to add two equidistant holes along the top of the can, then add a thin chain through the holes. Add two inches of water to the bottom, and insert cut flowers.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Candleholders
Use discarded tin cans to create lofty candleholders. The trick for design success is to stagger the cans in different heights using odd numbers. If you want to add color to the cans, consider spray-painting them in an ombre effect.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Luminary
Play with shadows and light by making a homemade luminary. Or, make more than one for year-round soirees. Here's how: Mark the exterior of a can with a marker, then puncture holes along the traced shape using a drill and a 1/8-inch drill bit. Once the entire shape has been drilled with holes, place a votive candle on a flat, level surface, and cover it with the can placed upside down.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Cake Stand
No cake stand? No problem! Here's how: Create a makeshift cake server by updating a six- to eight-inch-wide can with non-toxic paint. Place the can on top of an upside-down plate, then stack another plate on top. This can be made permanent by adding industrial-strength adhesive along the top and bottom rims of the can. Or, you can use the arrangement temporarily then take it apart.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
New Vases
Create industrial-chic vases for succulents or ferns. Here's how: Drill holes in the bottoms of the cans, update their exteriors with rolls of cork and add decorative tin trim.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Map-Wrapped Planter
Give a tin can an Old World update in minutes. Here's how: Cut a paper map to size, adhere it to the outside of a can with spray adhesive and fill the inside with a low-maintenance plant, such as a small fern or a succulent.
Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions
Cutlery Holder
When hosting parties buffet-style, simply repurpose a tin can for forks, knives and spoons. Here's how: Remove stickers and labels, then wipe all residue away with a sponge. Send the can through the rinse cycle in your dishwasher, set it out on the table and fill it with flatware.
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