3. Tin Can Cutlery Caddies and Lanterns
Aluminum soup, vegetable, and tomato cans are staples of modern pantries, yielding a steady supply of lightweight metal cylinders that usually go straight to the curb. With a few safety precautions and some creative decorative techniques, these humble metal cans transform into sophisticated organizational caddies or ambient outdoor lanterns.
First, empty and thoroughly wash the tin cans, taking great care to press down any sharp inner rims using pliers to ensure they are safe to handle. If you plan to make hanging lanterns, use a hammer and a sturdy nail to punch decorative patterns—such as stars, geometric lines, or swirls—into the sides of the cans. For a chic tabletop cutlery caddy, skip the punching step and focus on surface decoration. Wrap the outside of the cans in natural jute twine, lace trim, patterned scrapbook paper, or metallic spray paint. Once decorated, group three or four cans together and glue them onto a small wooden base or slice of a tree branch, adding a matching wooden handle for easy transport during backyard barbecues and patio dinners.