Go retro and recycle empty tin cans into useful household items. The various sizes of cans make them ideal for holding such items as pencils, paperclips, plants, candles and flowers. Wash and dry the tin cans thoroughly prior to starting any project.
Make a container to hold various items using decoupage. Select various pictures from old magazines, printed wrapping paper or old photographs. Cut the items to fit between the top and bottom rim of the tin can. Overlap each item by approximately ¼-inch so leave a small boarder. Paint a layer of Mod Podge over the surface of tin can. Position the cut items on the tin can and press in place. Add more Mod Podge if necessary. After all the cut items are in the desired location, brush a coat of Mod Podge over the entire surface. Allow the Mod Podge to dry 60 minutes. The Mod Podge will have a milky appearance when wet but dries clear. Use this same method to decoupage on any item.
Create a tin punched candle holder. Place a rolled up washcloth or hand towel inside the tin can. Place the tin can on a hard, stable surface. Draw a simple design on the surface of the can. Simple designs include hearts, flowers, pollywogs and stars. Place dots along the drawn lines approximately every ½-inch. Position a 7-penny nail over the top of each dot. Hammer the nail through the tin can surface. Remove the washcloth or hand towel. Place a small candle in the tin punched can then remove. The flame will flicker through the tin punched design. If you want a colored tin can, simply paint the surface with a coat of acrylic paint or spray paint after you have completed the tin punched design.
Make a wind chime from three cans that fit inside of one another. For example, use a tune, soup and tomato paste can. Turn the cans over so the bottom is on the top. Place the cans on a flat, stable work surface. Locate the center of each can bottom and mark. Position a 7-penny nail over the mark. Hammer the nail through the tin can surface then remove the nail. Cut a piece of 20 pound fish line 4-feet long. Tie a 2-inch loop on one end of the fishing line. Insert the opposite end of the fishing line through the bottom of the tuna can so the loop extends past the bottom of the can. Slide the tuna can up the fishing line to the loop. Tie a knot 14- to 18-inches from the loop. Insert the long end of the fishing line through the soup can. Slide the soup can up the fishing line to the knot. Tie a knot in the fishing line so it is positioned approximately 1-inch from the inside bottom of the can. Slide the pasta can onto the fishing line and inside the soup can. Tie a knot in the fishing line so it is positioned approximately 1-inch inside the soup can. Slide the cans onto the knots. Hang the tin can wind chime from the loop. Paint the surface of the cans with a coat of acrylic paint or spray paint to add color.