8. Upcycled Tin Can Bookends
Two large tin cans, a little paint, and a bag of rice can become a tidy pair of bookends in under an hour. This is a good project for a rainy afternoon, and it is forgiving enough that kids can help with the decorating steps.
Materials:
- Two clean 28-ounce cans, labels removed
- Spray paint or chalk paint
- Sand, rice, or small gravel
- Hot glue and a flat wooden base or round coaster per can
- Felt pads, twine, or decorative tape
How to make them: Wash and dry the cans, then paint them with two light coats and let them dry completely. Fill each can about three-quarters full with sand or rice, then glue the lid of a wooden coaster over the open end to seal it in — or simply glue the can to a wooden base and fill it from the top. Add felt pads underneath and wrap twine around the middle for a rustic touch.
Time: about 45 minutes including drying. Difficulty: beginner, and a good candidate for a first craft project with children.
Painted cans look cheerful on a playroom shelf, especially in two or three coordinating colors. For a more grown-up version, spray them matte black and pair them with a stack of novels on an industrial shelf.