10 Things Tuesday: Pop Cans!

We've (thankfully) cut down on our soda intake to practically nothing...except for some parties.  And aluminum is one of the easiest materials to recycle (and sometimes you even get a little money for it), so why not, right?  Well, maybe after looking at these ideas, you'll have a reason or two to hang on to a few of those cans.  :)  Please note, almost all of these ideas require some adult supervision, and cut aluminum can be rather sharp, so these aren't really TOYS.  :)

10. Lanterns!  I have loved this idea since we actually did these...was it for seminary?  I don't know why, but it seems like it might have been!  Anyway, we poked holes in them and did it this way...

...but you could also do it this way, which is just as cool!

9. Pop can flowers!  You can use the whole can,

or just pieces of it.  Either way, they're pretty cute!

8. Magnets!  I love this, although I don't have a die cut machine of any kind.  But all you do is attach a sheet of aluminum can (cut off the top and bottom, cut down the middle, and now you have a rectangular sheet!) to adhesive foam.  Then, cut out with die cut machines (the maker of these used a Sizzix machine) and slap a magnet on the back!

7. Cool Modern Art!  There are a TON of ways to go about this, but this is one of the easier crafty-arts to duplicate. 

OR, you could get your cinematography skills fine-tuned with a sweet stop-motion video, like this one!  :)

6. A soda can airplane?  Heck yes!  Directions can be found here.

5. New Year's Noisemakers!  If you're into vintage, this is the noisemaker for you!  Check out the directions HERE.

4. I already did some fun art, but what about these?  I could see me doing a whole jungle or farm full of these guys and open-framing them for a kids' room!  How cute!

3. Pop can stove!  We've made these before with a votive candle, and they were kinda worthless...but this idea uses denatured alcohol instead, and every reviewer swears they are great! 

2. Pop Can Sun!  I could see me making a small mirror out of this, or painting it bright yellow afterwards for a recycled/reused trash collage!  Man, I'm going to have to have an entire room just for recycled art!

1. Lotus Flower Votives!  I think these are just sweet and pretty and awesome. 

BUT WAIT!  Save those POP TABS, too!  Not only can you donate them to charities like the Ronald McDonald House, you can also use THEM in crafting, too!  Check out some of these *inspired* creations!

5. Pretty flower!  Directions for this crocheted pop top flower can be found HERE!

4. Chain Link Armor!  You need a LOT of pop tops for this awesome armor (directions HERE), but how fun (and cheap) to make for your little knight!

3. Make some funky recycled earrings!  I bet these would look great in any color!

All credit goes to Creative Itch!

2. Pretty poptop lampshade!  Apparently I love lampshades, which is funny since we don't actually have any lamps around the house...but maybe I'll have to get on that!  This is too pretty.

1. Along with the chainlink idea, you can make just about ANYTHING out of pop tops--just google "pop tab art" and you'll see!  I love this belt...

...and this purse...

...and this skirt!

The possibilities are endless!

So, what are you waiting for?  This makes me almost want to go buy a box of soda JUST so I can use the cans!  :)  Happy crafting!