Upcycling Formula Cans

Once that baby starts on formula you will end up with MANY empty cans. They seem like they should have some great new purpose since they are a sturdy container with a nice plastic lid.

(Wipe clean with a wet cloth and thoroughly dry)


So here is a collection of ideas I have found.

1. Storage of dry cereal or crackers or packaged snacks.

2. Toy Storage - keep similar toys in each container with a picture or label of contents on outside of can. (Ex. polly pockets, animal figurines, marbles, rock collection etc.)

3. Arts & Craft Storage - Great storage for all the crayons (or markers or scissors etc) or for the foam stickers that come in a plastic bag and need to be restored in something else.

4. Piggy Bank: Cut a slot in lid with exacto knife. Voila!

5. Toilet Paper storage: holds the spare role of toilet paper perfectly. Outside of can could be decorated in wallpaper or scrapbook papers to coordinate beautifully with your bathroom.

6. Hair Accessory Storage: Decorate (have your child help) and store those multitudes of ponytail holders & clips!

7. Nuts, Bolts, Screws (etc.) Storage: Get that garage or shed organized!

8. Office: Use in a drawer at your desk to keep some plastic cutlery, tea bags, granola bars, etc. to have on hand when needed.

9. Office2: Keep your collection of spare pens, pencils, highlighters from cluttering up the drawer by being in the can.

10. Tea Bags!

11. Use as a gift container for items such as baked cookies, homemade hot cocoa mix, brownies, fudge, spiced nuts, bath salts or any other gifts that will fit!

this container was decorated by my daughter and we kept her Halloween treats in it (on top of the fridge)

Recycled Storage Ideas

Im in the mood for storage solutions right now as I try to organize the house before the baby comes. Here are some great ideas Ive found around the net:

Snack Containers from Baby Formula Cans:

http://junkmailgemsblog.blogspot.com/2008/10/diy-make-snack-storage-cans-out-of-old.html

Stylish Jars:

http://junkmailgemsblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/diy-office-storage-solutionsdont-waste.html

Peanut Butter Jar Storage:

http://myplumpudding.blogspot.com/2008/08/peanut-butter-jars-revised-edition.html

Other containers that I already use:

Film Canisters - great for bringing jewellery on travels, storing push pins, pouring melted wax into for chunky crayons

(kind of a thing of the past in the new digital era but I have purchased them from second hand stores)

Margarine , Sour Cream (etc.) Containers - Crayons, craft supplies, homemade playdough, something to hold paint that isn't easily tipped over

Cigar Boxes - store trip memorabilia, a small doll playset, sea shells, crayons, whatever! (i picked up a few boxes while in Cuba)

Peanut Butter Jars - I store the pieces for different playsets (Littlest Pet Shop, Strawberry Shortcake) in them but now seeing PlumPudding's idea, I plan to attach the lids.

Cappucino Tins - I have used these as craft projects where the kids attach stickers, ribbons, etc to create a little special box, Ive also painted them and used as presents filled with candies or cookies.

Play Dough Containers: Great for snacks to keep in your purse, diaper bag, etc. Use for snacks like cheerios, fruit snacks, crackers, candies, etc.

Also great for small craft supplies like googly eyes, tiny beads, etc.

Hot Chocolate / Ice Tea (Cardboard container with Plastic Lid): I have one Ive painted with a rooster and it stores tea bags. Ive also covered them in twine to give them a different look and used to store some thread, scissors, & pin cushion to have on hand for my hand sewing projects. Could be used to store kid's stuff too like little figurines, puzzle pieces, play kitchen items, etc.

~Any of the above containers also work great for keeping your Christmas Decorations from becoming a mess or breaking~