DIY Network

Tin Cans 101 Get tin cans ready for art action. From "B. Original" episode DBOR-410

Turn tin cans into marvelous metalwork.

The materials for your next great craft project could be as close as your kitchen cupboard – make sure you don't throw them out.

Tin and heavy aluminum cans – the kind with printing right on the can – often have great graphics and vibrant colors that make them a natural for metal projects. Michele Beschen scouts the ethnic groceries, specialty shops and even home improvement centers for great-looking cans to B. Original with.

Scroll down to see how Michele Beschen preps cans for her projects, the check out how she uses them to create fun flowers, make sassy signage and cover just about anything in marvelous metal.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Tin Cans 101

• Don’t use cans that have paper labels: Look for ones with label graphics printed directly on the metal. Try specialty stores, such as Mexican or Asian groceries, for unique cans. It’s also a great opportunity to try some new foods.

• Home improvement stores also are a good source for interesting cans. Look at stains, cleaners and other products with colorful printings on the metal.

• Clean cans thoroughly before cutting them.

• Use a standard kitchen can opener to remove tops and bottoms from cans. Keep any lids that have colorful printing.

• Use tin snips to cut down the can’s side seam as far as possible, then cut from the other side until the cuts meet (figure A).

  Safety Alert: Wear heavy gloves when cutting the cans or working with cut cans. The cut edges are extremely sharp.

• After cutting down the side, flatten the can by placing it on a hard surface and hitting it with a hammer or rubber mallet.

• If you want a distressed look for your metal projects (figure B), place the can on concrete as you flatten it with a hammer. Or, scuff it up with a wire wheel attachment on a rotary tool (figure C).

It just takes a few moments to flatten a can. Collect several, then prep them all at once to be ready for any of Michele Beschen’s tin can projects.