Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Tin Can Jewelry

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Jennifer from Made From the Heart at Etsy does a smashing (yuk, yuk) job of transforming used tin cans into stylish jewelry. I’m particularly fond of her sun-shaped Coke pendant ($7), shown.

Jenn shared with me how she started making recycled crafts:

 

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“Originally we were just trying to conserve and help the environment by recycling at home. I started seeing all these things that people were making out of recycled items, and I thought there has to be something we can do with aluminum cans, and my teenage daughter suggested jewelry. It took a while to experiment before we finally came up with something that would work but it was well worth it. By conserving and re-using what we have we are able to help make a better future. I like to know that instead of throwing it away it’s there to be used another day.”

 

Comments

  1. I would like to know this beautiful item mde from coke can have not sharp edges, have any material to protect from cutting.

  6. I have most of the books in this series and each one is a dlehgit. Full of ideas for making the gifts you give really stand out. When I make something from one of these books I always take the recipe with me.. I know I will be asked for it! The only draw back is that some of the recipes call for several ingredients and unless you have a well stocked pantry it can be a tad costly. However do not let that stop you. These books are a great source of inspitation and ideas.

Have you read?

DIY Review: Giving a Vintage Milk Can New Life as a Charming Outdoor Side Table

Ever stumbled upon a piece of decor that instantly transports you back in time? That’s exactly how I felt when I came across Cindy’s tutorial on transforming a vintage milk can into the most delightful outdoor side table. It’s one of those projects that blends nostalgia and functionality in a way that just makes your heart smile.

Cindy starts the tutorial with a bit of backstory on old milk cans—those heavy-duty relics of rural life that once carried fresh milk from farm to table. It’s kind of poetic, turning something that was once a workhorse on the farm into a centerpiece on your patio.

The steps she outlines are clear and totally approachable. You’ll need a vintage milk can, a wooden round (for the tabletop), a few basic tools like a drill and wood glue, and your favorite paint. What I appreciated most was how she kept the instructions flexible. Her husband welded a steel bar to the can to hold the tabletop in place (which is super sturdy), but she also offers a no-welding alternative that uses a snug-fitting piece of wood inside the opening. Perfect for folks like me who aren’t exactly on a first-name basis with a welder.

The painting part is where things get extra fun. Cindy uses mineral paint for the base and a whitewash technique on the wood top, finishing it off with some gentle distressing. It gives the table this lovely worn-in look—like it’s been part of your porch for years. I could practically see it next to a rocking chair with a pitcher of lemonade and a good book.

One little thing I personally loved? The fact that she didn’t over-polish the final look. It’s clean, yes—but still has that imperfect, charming farmhouse appeal. Like something your grandmother might have owned, but cooler.

If you’re into DIY with a heart and a healthy respect for vintage charm, this project is 100% worth trying. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and lets you bring a little slice of the past into your modern-day life. Now if only I could get my hands on a milk can…