Do you have a bunch of old tin cans just sitting around the house? While you might be tempted just to toss them in the recycle bin, why not upcycle them instead?
These upcycled tin can ideas are all super simple and fun to do. You’ll find loads of creative ways to use up old cans!
Not only can the kids join in with a fun craft, but these are great for getting your creative juices flowing as well. From pencil holders to candle holders, this list is full of great ways to use empty tin cans.
Don’t forget that before starting any type of craft from the list below, you need to be sure that you’re cleaning the tin cans all the way. The last thing you want is to have the craft started or almost done and realize that it’s full of old food or dirt.
Also be sure to check for any sharp edges on your tin cans – use a metal file to get rid of them if you find any!
Once you’re sure that they’re clean and have a smooth edge, pick a few tin can crafts from this list and a little paint and get started.
Of course, once you start, you’re going to be excited and ready to create more.
Instead of heading to the craft store, try using items around your house for whichever why DIY craft idea you pick from this list.
You’ll be amazed what you can do with simple tin cans – from fun ideas for your home to a simple way to make great gifts.
What can you make from old tins cans?
This list is full of fun projects and ideas but don’t forget that there are always more! Some simple craft ideas are:
- cheap and effective planters for your outdoor space
- a caddy to hold your art supplies in your craft room
- gorgeous tin vases to hold beautiful flowers
- there are infinite possibilities!
Also check out my DIY Wedding Centrepieces made from Upcycled Corks which can be a great way to use up tin cans! It’s perfect for cheap wedding decor.
29 Ways to Upcycle Tin Cans!
This list of upcycled items is great for being creative at home. Using what you can instead of adding to a landfill is always a good idea.
Save yourself some money and make your own utensil holder. This is a fast and easy way to keep everything organized in your kitchen.
If you’re looking for a fast and simple Halloween decor idea, you can’t go wrong with this. Just use your tin can and start creating this cute and adorable mummy. Of course, not all Halloween decorations have to be spooky.
Finding fun crafts for kids is always a cute idea. The best part about this fun tin can activity is that you can then use it as a wind chime as well! Just hang it and display it somewhere for everyone to see.
If you want to make something a bit fancier, check out this fun planter! You can proudly display this in any room in your home for everyone to see and enjoy.
I love this fun owl tin can craft because it’s great for fun home decor or even a simple activity for the kids. This would be super fun for a sleepover or even a girl’s night at home.
I’m all about organizers, and this one is great! This is perfect for homeschooling and helping to keep all the supplies organized, but it’s great for everybody in the house knowing where their pencils and pens are at all times.
If you love the unique farmhouse look, you’re not going to want to miss out on this. This simple vase craft is the perfect way to add a fun look to your home decor.
Why not bring this popular carnival game directly to your house? Then, everyone will be trying to knock over the stack of cans in a few moments.
If you don’t have a ton of space in your yard, create your own planters for your house! These cute planters look just like butterflies and are bright and fun, and cute!
This simple stash tin is an easy way to make a storage container look unique and fun. Using washi tape is a fun idea.
Everyone could use a little bit of organization in their life, and these tin cans are the best way to make that happen. All you need are a few easy supplies.
If you have tin cans that you can upcycle and reuse, why not? They make great storage containers for forks, spoons, utensils, and more.
The best part about this is that you can personalize it for someone special in your life. This is a great gift idea that you can easily create fast.
If you’re a fan of watermelons, you’re not going to want to miss this! Check out how simple it can be to create storage containers that look just like watermelon!
More cowbell! This is a fun noisemaker activity that is great for the kids. You can even make these and take them to fun graduations or outdoor activities to make quite a loud noise.
These lanterns are perfect for Star Wars fans! Not only are they easy to do, but they’d look great in any room in the house.
Reusing your tin can for planters is so much fun. This simple idea is perfect for adding the ability to grow herbs or other small plants with little to no effort on your part. Not only that, but they take up such a small space.
Personalized Tin Can Pencil Holder Craft for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day
Use this fun gift idea as a way to show mom and dad some love. Homemade gifts are always the best gifts, and these are no exception.
This cute treat holder is great for holding all those yummy holiday goodies and candies. Use this simple tin can upcycle as a fun decoration as well.
Clever Recycled Craft Idea: How to Make Garden Markers from Tin Can Lids
This is the perfect summer craft! Planting a garden is a great idea, but it’s hard to remember exactly what you grew. Use these garden markers as the ideal way to keep track of all your rows of seeds.
You can never have too many planters in the house! Here is another excellent idea to have a planter easily in every room of the house.
This pen holder is seriously out of this world! The kids will love having a storage container for their pens, pencils, and markers and love knowing that they helped.
Snowman Pencil Holder - Red Ted Art - Make crafting with kids easy & fun
Changing out your pencil holder for the holidays is a fun idea that the kids will quickly get behind. Here is a simple pencil holder that is great for Christmas decor.
You can never have too many pumpkins when it comes to Halloween crafts. So check out these easy fall decor and fun Halloween craft that is great for kids of all ages.
Making owls for the house is a lot of fun. These would look great on a bookshelf or just a fun new accessory for your desk.
Use these beautiful lanterns as a simple way to add a little light to your night. Making lanterns is a fun activity that can be used for lighting up any outdoor space.
What I love about this look is that they’re really beautiful candle holders. You can have these on any table to create a warm and romantic feel.
This recycled wedding centrepiece is made with old corks and any round container from your recycling - I used large coffee cans but tin cans would absolutely work for this too. Just need a hot glue gun and a few more touches and you'll have the perfect rustic wedding decor.
This post contains 55 different ways to upcycle your old junk to organize your stuff and includes several more ideas for upcycling tin cans.
There are so many great ways to use tin cans!
Don’t forget to check out my tips for 47 Upcycled Planter Ideas that are Easy to Make when you’re looking for simple ways to use your tins cans – the list is packed full of upcycling ideas including some fab ideas for tin cans.
I hope you have found some inspiration for how to turn an everyday item into something useful and pretty.
It’s so fun to add a little bit of paint and a little personality to create something really unique and fun.