ADVERTISEMENT
### **4. DIY Bird Feeder**
Creating a bird feeder out of cans is a simple and rewarding way to repurpose them, while also providing food for local wildlife. This is especially useful in the winter months when natural food sources can be scarce for birds.
#### **Why It Saves Money**: Commercial bird feeders can be expensive, but by using old cans, you can make a homemade feeder without spending much at all.
#### **How to Make a Bird Feeder from a Can**:
– **Materials Needed**: Empty cans, twine or string, peanut butter, birdseed, and a butter knife or spoon.
– **Steps**:
1. **Prepare the Can**: Clean the can thoroughly and remove any labels.
2. **Apply Peanut Butter**: Using a butter knife or spoon, spread a generous layer of peanut butter on the outside of the can. Make sure the peanut butter is spread evenly.
3. **Coat with Birdseed**: Roll the peanut-butter-coated can in birdseed until it’s well covered. You can press the seeds in slightly to make sure they stick.
4. **Add Twine**: Cut a length of twine or string, and tie it around the top of the can, leaving enough length to hang the feeder.
5. **Hang the Feeder**: Hang your new bird feeder from a tree branch or hook in your yard and watch as local birds enjoy the food you’ve provided.
This simple and effective project not only repurposes cans but also helps local wildlife, making it a win-win situation.
—
### **5. Tin Can Lanterns for Outdoor Lighting**
Repurposing cans into lanterns is a great way to add ambiance to your outdoor space, whether you’re hosting a backyard party, camping, or simply want to enjoy a cozy evening outdoors.
#### **Why It Saves Money**: Purchasing outdoor lanterns can be costly, but by using cans, you can create your own stylish and functional lighting without breaking the bank.
#### **How to Make Lanterns from Cans**:
– **Materials Needed**: Empty cans, a hammer and nails, a drill (optional), wire (for hanging), and candles or LED lights.
– **Steps**:
1. **Clean and Dry the Cans**: Remove any labels and clean the cans thoroughly.
2. **Create Holes or Designs**: Use a hammer and nails or a drill to create patterns, holes, or shapes around the can to allow light to shine through.
3. **Add Hanging Wire**: If you want to hang the lanterns, attach wire to the top of the can to create a handle for hanging.
4. **Place a Candle or LED Light Inside**: Place a tea light candle or an LED light inside the can. The light will shine through the holes or patterns, creating a beautiful lantern effect.
5. **Hang or Place Your Lanterns**: Place your lanterns around your yard or hang them from tree branches for a charming, rustic touch.
These tin can lanterns are perfect for adding a warm, inviting glow to your outdoor spaces while saving money on expensive lighting options.
—
### **Conclusion**
Old cans are often
seen as trash, but with a little creativity and effort, they can be transformed into a wide variety of useful and decorative items for your home, garden, and office. By repurposing cans, you not only help reduce waste but also save money by creating your own planters, organizers, candle holders, and more.
Next time you find yourself reaching for the trash can after finishing a canned beverage or food, think twice and consider how you can reuse it instead. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll be amazed at the innovative and cost-effective solutions you can create with a little imagination and some old cans. So, don’t throw them away—give them a second life and enjoy the benefits of recycling and repurposing!
