Crafting is a great way for kids to learn and express themselves, but it can get expensive quickly.  Reusing materials from around the house is not only eco-friendly, it’s economical!  One household item that lends itself perfectly to craft time is a can. There aren’t many things we purchase in cans anymore, due to concerns about BPA in the lining, but there are BPA free options out there and it’s sure fun to create new things with them! 

Whether dining outside, hunting for fireflies or enjoying the stars, lanterns and luminaries are a fun option for lighting the way.  With a hammer, a nail, and some cleaned out cans these are quick and easy to make.  A scrap piece of wood roughly the size of the inside of the can makes things a bit easier but isn’t required.

The first step, of course, is to clean your can and remove the label if there is one.  Next determine what design you would like and create the designs using dotted lines on the can.  If you are using wood, place it inside the can, and for each dot, carefully hammer the nail into the can creating a hole. 

Coming up with design ideas and transferring the design is a great activity for kids.  If you think your child is mature enough to handle a hammer with your supervision, this might be a good time to talk about how to use a hammer and tool safety. 

Once your design is complete, you can hammer two more holes on opposite ends of the top of the can to create a handle (this example uses a pipe cleaner, but any string or yarn would also work).  Now show off your new creation with a votive candle and see how the holes light up!

Cans are also great for making vases, noise makers, flower pots, and stilts.  Do you craft with cans?  What are your favorite projects?

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