You've got lots of cans passing through your house everyday, right? Did you know you can re-purpose them into many different nifty things? Here's one very simple idea.
Start with a can.
Spray it with an adhesive spray and cover with the fabric of your choice. Wrap the rim with seam binding and hot glue into place.
Fill it with supplies like fabrics...
...or pens
or buttons, stamps, patches, ribbons, whatever you'd like.
Or make a bunch and fill them all.
Notes: The vintage can shown here was shown only for an example, as this project was done a few years ago and I didn't have a before shot. :) I prefer to use new cans that I'd be recycling anyway. (Old cans are so pretty!)
This can was spray painted so the bottom teeny tiny rim didn't distract from the project, however, it's completely unnecessary.
This is such a fun idea -- I like your fabric collection.
Posted by: Monica | July 09, 2011 at 07:13 PM
My heart stopped when I saw the Sharpies in the lovely can!! I am an elementary teacher and colorful Sharpies give me such a thrill, as weird as that seems!!!
Posted by: Lindsay Terry | July 09, 2011 at 02:03 PM
So cute! I use Japanese washi paper to cover cans for our pencils, etc. As someone mentioned above, though, the rims can be troublesome if the lid was removed by a can opener. I love how you solved that with the trim at the mouth. You got me thinking...
Posted by: Sue | July 07, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Would a glass jar work? Same instructions? This looks great!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 06, 2011 at 07:00 PM
I covered large cans with scrapbook paper and then put a label on the side indicating the contents. I have them in my crafting area holding various craft supplies.
Posted by: Diane J. | July 06, 2011 at 09:53 AM
I love it! My 6 yo daughter is always wanting to do crafts, but I am not crafty at all. This looks like something I can actually do with her...and not want to throw away immediately afterward. Thanks!
Posted by: Kate Hayes | July 05, 2011 at 07:57 PM
That is just plain adorable!! Love it! {but that Folger's can took me right down memory lane to my grandpa's shed and his cans full of "fool's" gold, rocks he had "tumbled" & other treasures! ;}
m ^..^
Posted by: {oc cottage} | July 05, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Oooh! Sharpies! Great little project :)
Posted by: Julie | July 05, 2011 at 02:45 AM
oh that is just the cutest! Love the cherries fabric!
Pearl
Posted by: Pearl | July 03, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Just stumbled upon your blog looking for 4th of July recipes. Beautiful story and site.
Posted by: amy | July 03, 2011 at 12:55 PM
I just did this for my glasses in the bathroom. I lined the inside with a fuzzy fabric so they don't scratch and I love it!
Posted by: Elizabeth Brueseke | July 02, 2011 at 05:48 PM
So cute! I need several for all my pens, pencils, scissors, paint brushes.....
Posted by: Lana | July 02, 2011 at 01:06 PM
Thanks! This is easy and very cute!!
Posted by: Weekend Cowgirl | July 02, 2011 at 08:08 AM
great idea! i like how you used fabric--i usually use scrap paper.
just be careful while washing out the cans...i can't tell you how many times i've cut myself on the rim of a kidney beans' can!
Posted by: lindsay | July 02, 2011 at 05:38 AM
hi serena.
i blogged about your fabulous cookbook today and how happy it made me. everyone said "you have to read her blog" so here i am! :)
i love this first post even!
awesome.
:)
they were right....you do have a beautiful space.
can't wait to try the cakes and pies in your cookbook!
Posted by: meg duerksen | July 01, 2011 at 06:45 PM
That is such an awesome idea. I love great summer projects.
Thanks!
Posted by: Paula | July 01, 2011 at 05:27 PM
Very Cute!!
Posted by: Cindy | July 01, 2011 at 02:28 PM
THANK you for another "how to"! I love it. I made your embellished tank top awhile back.
Posted by: Hayley | July 01, 2011 at 02:15 PM
I just discovered your blog and LOVE it! Thanks for all the great tips. I will definitely be a new follower. Happy Fourth of July weekend!!
www.thisfarmfamilyslife.blogspot.com
Posted by: This Farm Family's Life | July 01, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Yes, but where do I get that fabric?
Posted by: carrot jello | July 01, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Oh, what a LOVELY idea.. I will have to give this a try as I have thrown away some ugly cans... But I must say I think your can was pretty to begin with.. : )
Posted by: RubyJean | July 01, 2011 at 10:47 AM
I have my sewing scissors in a can covered with fabric and I love it!
Posted by: Amy | July 01, 2011 at 10:36 AM
I love this idea this would look so cute on my desk at work!
Posted by: Heather_Nance27 | July 01, 2011 at 10:16 AM