Are your pens, makeup brushes, or craft supplies taking over your space? Before you buy another plastic container, check your recycling bin! At WiseHomist, we love a good upcycling project, and turning empty tin cans into custom, stylish organizers is one of our favorites.
This is a fantastic, budget-friendly DIY that’s perfect for any home, whether you’re organizing a small apartment in Cairo or a large family home. It’s a sustainable way to add a personal touch to your desk, bathroom, or kitchen. Let’s turn that clutter into something beautiful!
What You’ll Need:
- Empty Tin Cans: Any size (from beans, tomatoes, corn, etc.), cleaned with labels removed.
- Safety Can Opener: A “smooth edge” opener is highly recommended.
- If you don’t have one: A metal file or heavy-duty sandpaper. (Safety is key!)
- Your choice of decorating materials:
- Paint: Spray paint (matte or gloss) or acrylic/chalk paint.
- Paper: Scrapbook paper, wrapping paper, or even wallpaper remnants.
- Wraps: Jute twine, colorful yarn, or ribbon.
- Adhesive: Hot glue gun, craft glue (like Mod Podge), or strong double-sided tape.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Step 1: Clean & Prep Your Cans
Wash your cans thoroughly with soap and water and let them dry completely. Use rubbing alcohol or lemon oil to remove any sticky label residue.
CRITICAL STEP: Check for Sharp Edges!
If you used a standard can opener, the inner rim can be very sharp. Please be careful. Use a metal file or a folded piece of heavy-duty sandpaper to carefully sand the edge until it’s completely smooth to the touch. A safety can opener that cuts from the side is the best way to avoid this.
Step 2: Decorate Your Cans!
This is where you get to be creative. Pick a style that matches your home’s aesthetic.
- The Painted Look:
- Spray Paint: For a clean, modern finish, take your cans outside or to a well-ventilated area. Apply 1-2 thin, even coats of spray paint. Let them dry completely between coats.
- Brush-On Paint: Use acrylic or chalk paint for a more rustic, textured, or farmhouse look. This is also a great kid-friendly option.
- The Wrapped Look (No Paint Needed!):
- Paper/Fabric: Measure the height and circumference of your can. Cut your decorative paper or fabric to size (leaving a slight overlap). Apply Mod Podge or craft glue to the can and wrap your paper tightly, smoothing out any bubbles as you go.
- Twine/Yarn: This creates a wonderful, rustic texture. Apply a dot of hot glue near the bottom of the can to secure the end of your twine. Tightly wrap the twine around and around, pushing the rows together. Add a dot of glue every few rows and at the end to secure it.
- The Washi Tape Look:
- For a quick, easy, and non-permanent design, simply wrap strips of colorful washi tape around the can to create fun patterns.
Step 3: Assemble and Use!
You can use your newly decorated cans individually or group them. For a desk caddy, arrange 3-5 cans in a cluster you like. Use a hot glue gun to run a line of glue where the cans touch each other to hold them together securely.
Fill them with pens, pencils, scissors, makeup brushes, or kitchen utensils. You’ve just saved items from the landfill and created a functional, beautiful piece of home decor!
We’d love to see your finished projects! Tag @WiseHomist on social media or share your photos in the comments below.
