DIY Tin Can Crafts, Projects and Ideas for Upcycling

The Best Tin Can Crafts and Projects

There are so many different ways to recycle tin cans. If you’re not saving all your empty tin cans already, you’re going to start once you see all the awesome and creative DIY tin can crafts on this list!

These aren’t just kids craft ideas either. We have those of course, but we’ll also show you how to reuse tin cans at home, around the garden, and for super functional purposes. You’re going to love these ideas!

P.S. If you don’t have ANY old tin cans on hand, you can always try to find new ones in bulk on Amazon, but they’re not always the exact ones you’ll want for the crafts below.

1. Rustic Christmas Centerpiece

I wouldn’t initially think of using recycled tin cans as a centerpiece item, but wow this looks great! It’s easy and cheap to make too. And while this specific idea is perfect for Christmas, you could probably come up with some differently themed centerpiece ideas with tin cans as well.

Get the full tutorial from Lily Ardor.

2. Silverware Caddy

If you’re the type who gets together with family and friends for picnics or backyard gatherings, I think this cutlery caddy is perfect for get-togethers like that. Super cute and functional.

Get the full tutorial from Hometalk.

3. Fence Flower Garden

I love the bursts of color that these tin can planters add to the garden. What a frugal way to expand and enhance a fence!

Get the full tutorial from I Should Be Mopping The Floor.

4. Tin Can Owls

If you came looking for tin can crafts for kids, this is definitely one of my favorites. These owls are simple to make and can be done in so many different colorways.

Get the full tutorial from I Heart Crafty Things.

5. Tin Can Grill

When I saw this grill craft I KNEW I had to include it here. It may not be the most beautiful or useful thing in the world, but making a grill out of a tin can is just neat.

Get the full tutorial from Dian Thomas.

6. Tin Can Organizer

We love home organization tips, and one of our favorite tips is to have designated storage containers. Using some old tin cans that you spice up like this is a great (and frugal) way to get organized!

Get the full tutorial from Mountain Modern Life.

7. Tin Can Honey Bee

Ok…this is adorable! This honey bee is pretty much made completely out of recycled parts (which I love), and it’s such a perfect garden decoration.

Get the full tutorial from Think Crafts.

8. Lanterns

There are a ton of different variations of tin can lanterns around the internet, and that’s because you can get so creative with them. You could punch holes in them to form letters, different designs, patterns, etc. and then you can paint them for an even nicer look. Then just add some sand and a candle and voila!

Get the full tutorial from HGTV.

9. Butterfly Planter

This is another super cute garden decoration that doubles as a planter. You can definitely get the kids to give you a hand (get it?) with this one!

Get the full tutorial from Crafty Morning.

10. Chunky Knit Planter

I had to take a double-take at this knit planter because I honestly didn’t notice it was made from clay at first glance! I love the clean and simple style here.

Get the full tutorial from Lily Ardor.

11. Tin Can Pig

Here’s another tin can garden decoration for you! You’ll need a good supply of tin cans for this one, and some helping hands wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Get the full tutorial at Stay At Home Life.

12. Tin Can Felt Monsters

With different sized cans, various felts, and some googly eyes, you and your kids can make an almost unlimited number of unique monsters. What a great Halloween craft idea!

Get the full tutorial from Hello Wonderful.

13. Cow Bell

This craft should be super simple to put together, and will keep the kids busy outside for a few hours! And don’t worry, it’s not actually too noisy!

Get the full tutorial from The Crafting Chicks.

14. Tin Can Bunnies

So far we’ve already had a Christmas craft and a Halloween craft, so an Easter craft only seems appropriate! These tin can bunnies are pretty darn cute.

Get the full tutorial from We Know Stuff.

15. Tin Can Robots

Last but not least, some classic tin can robots! Grab some screws, nuts, and bolts, and whatever other fun materials you can find, and let the kids go wild! So many creative ideas will come from this simple concept.

Get the full tutorial at Easy Peasy and Fun.

Final Thoughts

While we’ve included some of our favorite tin can projects on this list, there are SO many more ways to upcycle your old tin cans at home. Hopefully, the ideas above inspire you to get crafting and maybe you’ll even come up with some of your own unique tin can designs along the way.

Just remember the next time you crack open a can of beans or tomato soup, be sure to save the can! And make sure to pin this post or bookmark it for later 🙂

What are your favorite tin can projects from this list? Have any DIY tin can crafts of your own? Share below!

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