How to Make a Decorative Toy Holder Out of Coffee Cans and Paint

Most parent's regularly undertake the tedious task of making sure that their children's toys are put away. Parents of multiple children have it even worse because there are so many more toys for them to handle. The following project involves making decorative toy holders out of inexpensive items such as coffee cans and art supplies. Children can help with this project, so it has the added bonus of keeping them occupied. Children are also more likely to put their toys away into a storage container that they helped to make.

Begin the project by obtaining a coffee can. I suggest that you wash it either in the dishwasher, or several times by hand so your children's toys do not end up smelling like coffee. After you have procured, washed and dried your chosen can use a metal nail file to dull any sharp edges on the rim of the can.

The can is now ready to decorate. You have several options available to you for decorating the can. You can use spray paint to quickly add color to the can (and top it off with stenciled designs if you would like) or you can use paint and fabric to decorate them.

If you choose to use spray paint I suggest that you use a paint that has a glossy or metallic finish. Flat and matte paints look very lackluster when used for this project. Spray the can with two thin coats of paint, allowing the paint to dry in between coats. Top it off with a thin coat of shiny clear coat spray paint to add shine and protect the paint job. If you wish to be even more creative use stencils and a contrasting color of spray paint to add designs to the can after you have sprayed it with the initial two coats. Then top with a layer of clear coat.

Another option is to use acrylic paint and fabric to decorate the can. If you wish to use this method then use a paintbrush or a sponge to paint the can with two coats of white acrylic paint. Allow the paint to dry between coats and then paint the can with a layer of clear coat acrylic paint. Next you can use any fabric design that you would like. When my children outgrow their favorite clothes I will often cut the design (say Dora the Explorer for example) out of the item to save for future craft projects. You can also do the same thing with old pillowcases or sheets. After you have chosen a fabric design use a strong glue, such as super glue to line the back of the fabric. Then press the fabric firmly against the can, holding it there for a minute or two.

This project is versatile, you can use any size and any quantity of coffee cans that you desire. The best one that I have made involved several coffee cans in varying sizes so my children could store a variety of toys in them. To make one like that simply follow the directions for making one storage can and repeat as many times as needed. Then either glue the cans together by their sides or group the cans together then glue each can down onto a board or other hard surface.