Can Art: A Way To Recycle Some Tin Cans

We all use some canned foods from time to time.  And we all probably use empty cans for one purpose or another.  This instructable shows how to decorate cans to be used as organizers for pencils, pens, paint brushes, etc.  It's a simple thing to do, and children would especially have fun making their creations.

Step 1 Collect some Cans Destined for the Recycle Bin

Size doesn't matter, regular 14oz, is a good size, but all can be used.  I prime the can with a good primer as a binder for the glue to be used.

Comments

[Aunt Cheery]

I recently came across this site and am intrigued by many of the projects. I had to retire early due to health problems and have a limited budget. But I have gobs of craft materials and plenty of craft foam. The "mosaic" cans are wonderful! Is there a problem if I use the project idea to teach at my senior co-op apartments? It'll fit into everyone's budget! Thanks for the great idea.

[Creativeman]

You are welcome, and thank you for your interest. You are entirely free to use any and all of the ideas presented...it's a fun thing to do, and can keep some people busy for a while, anyway...good luck!

[nicnacnoo]

Wow this is brilliant. Love it and can't wait to try make one or two or three!!
Santa please send a hot wire machine in my direction!

[kilbia]

This is amazing! And I'm guessing the lid in the finished product is the lid from the original can, similarly decorated?

[hav2sing]

Love this AND the craft foam instructable (which I found first). Thank You!! Love your instructables!!

[lieancei]

I LOVE THIS PROJECTS,HOPE YOU CAN POST MORE PROJECTS FOR CANS.

[AutumnElayne]

Going to do this project at the art camp I'm teaching this summer. Thank you!

[sunshiine]

Just recently I was wondering how I could make something lovely out of a can.  Your tute will help me get started!  thanks!

[scoochmaroo]

What type of styrofoam do you use for your tiles?  Would the colored "fun foam" sheets they sell work or are they too thin?

[Creativeman]

Hey, scooch:  I thought about this, and decided to try the foam...it works pretty well!  I had a sheet of black and green  so used those as "tiles"...it's easy to cut, and stick on as they have glue backings.  I wasn't happy with the grout removal, but managed to scrub most of it off.  The solution to that would be to varnish the foam before cutting into tiles, and applying to the can (or other round piece). So check it out and see what you think...all kinds of applications come to mind, here come some more 'ibles!  I cut out the "S" from the foam, and the adjacent green tiles are foam, as well as the black.

[komecake]

  Coooooooooooooooool. :)

[scoochmaroo]

Wicked!  Saves a step in painting, since you can get so many colors, but I guess it adds that step back when you have to varnish it. I just couldn't figure out what foam you were using or where to get it!

[Creativeman]

I think it is just foam: EPS, only...styrofoam is a brand name (Dow). The fun foam is rubber, I believe and can't be cut with the hotwire.  But they might work, maybe I'll check it out!. Cman

[scoochmaroo]

Where did you procure the foam?

[Creativeman]

Most building supply stores, specialty insulation stores, etc.  I got a lot of usable foam from packing materials when I was still working...Still have several boxes to be cut up for art work! Cman.

[komecake]

  This is so cool! I don't have any foam or grout, but I DO have plenty of scrap pieces of material and I have e6000. WOOT. I'm so going to do this. I've been wanting a pencil holder for my desk. This is an awsome idea. Thank you so much. *runs to grab tomatoe soup can out of the trash*

[teralcor]

looks amazing, very creative stuff.

[bushra]

wow!!! its rilli kewl i ll  try :D

[toyzine]

Very Creative :D Love it all.

[chaitanyak]

 these look awesome!! will give it a try soon :)

[Creativeman]

Thank you. Good luck! Cman

[barberok]

 what fonts are you using?

[Creativeman]

Bookman old style, I think....Cman

[Howi]

 Cool.

I would suggest using foamcore for this - it's Styrofoam sandwiched between paper/cardboard (sometimes plastic). It can be cut with a stanley knife - might make it easier, and no need for a hot wire cutter (though I do love my hot wire cutter :) ).

[Creativeman]

Thanks for the comment.  However, I don't think foamcare would work at all. Remember, this is grouted like tile, and is very wet for the period of time that the grout is drying....and the foamcore would be much too difficult to cut into small squares. Clman

[Howi]

 it's very easy to cut into small shapes, I used to do it all the time making models. Usually the paper is wax-coated, as it is designed to be painted/used in crafts, so the grout shouldn't be a problem. Worst case you can give it a quick coat of watered down PVA to seal it.

[Creativeman]

I would like to invite you to do this and post a picture...in other words "show me"! Thanks for the comment. Cman

[whiteoakart]

I really like this.  It looks just like ceramic tiles and is quick and easy.

Another possibility for the 'tiles' is craft foam, those thin sheets of neoprene-like foam inexpensively available at any craft shop.

My only issue with styrofoam is that it does not react well to some paints and sealers.

[whiteoakart]

Oh, I spoke too soon. I see this has already been addressed.

[Creativeman]

Thanks for the comments. Cman

[alittlestranger]

what a great idea, i love this! :)

[Creativeman]

Thank you! Cman

[porcupinemamma]

groooooooovy! :0) Thanks!

[Creativeman]

Thanks, mamma. Cman

[scoochmaroo]

You've been added to the Crafts for Christmas guide!

[Creativeman]

Thanks scooch! Cman

[jrnuerge]

Hi Creativeman, I love your idea for recycling tin cans and want to share an idea I saw in Berlin last month.  Someone framed a piece of art with coca-cola cans!  They were about four cans deep all around and looked awesome!  I am going to do a collage of four photographs with different cans on each photo for a great focal point.
JR Nuerge
Eco-friendly+Eco-nomical=Eco-fabulous!
http://jrnuerge.com

[Creativeman]

Thanks jrnuerge!  Hard to visualize the coke art...pictures? Cman

[morrisonarts]

I am not wise in the ways of Styrofoam.  Wondering if you're purchasing thin sheets of the stuff or cutting thin sections of packing material.  Any special paint? 

[Creativeman]

I save styrofoam....packaging mainly. But I buy some every now and then. I cut it all to size on the hot wire.  Use only acrylic (water base) paint...other stuff dissolves the foam.  good luck. Cman