Clever Ways to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans

Clever Ways to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans

So after doing this blog for 10 years I have officially become a hoarder because I no longer want to throw anything away, in hopes that I can turn it into something fabulous!  I have also become a huge advocate for recycling, reusing, and repurposing.  Taking the eco-friendly route feels good and also gets your creative Do It Yourself juices flowing, hence this article, Clever Ways to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans.

If you strive to be the Hostess with the most, I have discovered that reusing cans, jars, boxes, and the like are perfect for party centerpieces and other decorations.  By covering them with decorative paper, or painting them, recycling items like these gives them a whole new look to fit any party theme.  For example, use wrapping paper to cover old boxes and create height and dimension to a candy or dessert table, or use glass mason jars embellished with ribbon or raffia as a tea light holder.

Make Instruments for Kids

Get the tutorial: Recycled Toy Instruments for Kids

Make a Flower Container

Get the tutorial: Tin Can Plant Holder

Turn them Into Gift Wrapping

Get the tutorial: Recycled Gift Wrapping with Tine Cans

Spray Paint Them to Make Flower Vases

Get the Tutorial: Spray Painted Cans

Make pop top cans for gifts

Here is how to reseal a pop top can that you already opened. This is a fun and clever gift wrapping option for small gifts like jewelry.

Make a trophy

Make a funny trophy for family game night. I made this one for the Couples Olympics we do every year.

More Fun Ideas to Reuse Tin and Aluminum Cans

Check out these five ideas for reusing tin and aluminum cans.

1. Aluminum Can Tea Lights – Turn your favorite cans of soda into  decorative lighting.
2. Food Can Centerpiece – Use vintage cans to create an interesting centerpiece.
3. Food Can Storage Containers – Paint food cans to store office supplies.
4. Tin Pincushion – Make a cute pincushion out of a small tin.
5. Craft Supply Tin – Cover food containers with scrapbook paper to store scissors, paint brushes, or other craft supplies.

You May Also Like

Before you go, check out this video tutorial I made for how to make beads out of plastic water bottles.

Check out these other creative ways to recycle:

• 6 Ways to Recycle Beer and Wine Bottles
• 10 Ways to Recycle Newspaper
• 4 Ways to Reuse Old Boxes
• 5 Creative Ways to Repurpose Old Books
• 6 Ways to Recycle Bottles and Glass Jars

This post was originally published in August 2011 and has since been updated and improved.