How to Make Recycled Products From Soda Cans

Soda Can Vase

• 1

  Cut the top off a soda can. Pierce a slit in the side of the can near the top, using a knife, and then cut around the can with scissors. Soda cans are thin and you can easily cut them with scissors. Be careful not to bend the can.

• 2

  Put a strip of tape around the top edge of the soda can. Fold the tape down on both sides, so part of the tape is inside the can and part of it outside. This makes the sharp top of the can safer to handle.

• 3

  Wrap the can with double-sided sticky tape, starting at the top and working down to the bottom. Make sure the tape doesn̵7;t overlap.

• 4

  Measure the height of the can with a ruler. Cut straws of the same length, using a knife. Cut about 30 straws to begin; you can always cut more if you need them later.

• 5

  Peel off the protective layer from the double-sided tape. Place a straw upright against the side of the soda can and press gently with your fingers.

• 6

  Continue to attach the straws next to each other, working around the soda can until you end up back where you started. The decorated soda container can now be used as an attractive vase.

Soda Can Lights

• 7

  Draw a line around the soda can one inch from the base. Pierce the can on the line with a knife. Cut around the line with scissors. Discard the top part of the soda can.

• 8

  Use a file to smooth down any sharp edges around the cut. Be careful not to bend the can.

• 9

  Paint the outside of the can with oil-based paint. Water-based paints won̵7;t adhere to a soda can. Let the paint dry.

• 10

  Put a tea-light candle inside the can. Make several decorated cans to use for candle holders in your patio area.