Make a Picnic Caddy Out of Recycled Tin Cans

Yesterday, at a family gathering, I stopped my brother-in-law from throwing away empty jumbo-sized tin containers of fruit. I told him, "I'll take those. I'll use them in my garden to put around my tender seedlings to protect them from the wind." I am always looking for functional ways to reuse items that would normally be discarded to the trashcan. I remember a grade school craft where we used empty frozen orange juice containers to make a pencil holder. That same concept can be used to make an adorable picnic caddy that you can use for family gatherings or to give as a gift. This is also a great project for children.

Items Needed to Make a Picnic Caddy

-Three empty tin cans (all the same size, washed, dried and labels removed)
NOTE: To help the tin cans retain their stability, use a can opener that opens the cans from the top not the side. Make sure there are no jagged or sharp edges. If there are, use a heavy, rough file to remove them before proceeding with project.
-Leftover wallpaper border (needs to be one inch taller than the tin cans)
-One yard of ribbon (should match wallpaper)
NOTE: If child is making this project, use construction paper and crayons, markers or paint.
-Craft glue
-Scissors
-Tape measure (preferably the dressmaker type)
-Assortment of small silk flowers (optional)
-An 8-inch decorative plate-to match the wallpaper (optional)
-Plastic cutlery

Instructions on how to Make a Picnic Caddy

After you have prepared your tin cans, using the tape measure, record the circumference and height of one of the cans. Use these measurements to draw and cut out three rectangles from the wallpaper. Add one inch to the height and one-fourth inch to the width of each rectangle. Make sure you make your markings on the wrong side of the wallpaper. These rectangles are what you will wrap around each tin can.

Next, glue one of the wallpaper rectangles on all edges. I like to put a few drops in the center. Line up the bottom edge of the wallpaper rectangle with the bottom of the tin can (overlap one-half inch of the wallpaper), and carefully wrap it around the tin can, overlapping the side with the extra one-fourth inch. The wallpaper should be one-half incher longer at the top and bottom of the tin can. Using the scissors, make diagonal cuts on overlapping wallpaper at the top and bottom, to just before where the wallpaper meets the rim of the tin can. Fold the one-half inch overlap over and into the inside of the top of the tin can and press firmly. Fold the edge of the wallpaper over the bottom of the tin can and press firmly. Glue the ribbon around the top and bottom edges of the tine can, overlapping the ends of the ribbon edges. Repeat with the other two tin cans.

NOTE: Try to start and stop the top and bottom ribbon where to match the wallpaper seam.

To connect the tin cans, glue along the seams, and join as in a cloverleaf shape. Glue bottoms of tin cans to the plate. Arrange several small silk flowers around bottom where there are gaps between the tin cans and glue in place.

Your picnic caddy is now ready to use. Just insert your plastic knives in one tin can, and forks and spoons in the others.

Variation #1: Use old fabric instead of wallpaper. If you have ric-rac or lace, use this around the edges instead of ribbon.

Variation #2: Make themed picnic caddies to go with holidays.

Source: Personal Experience