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Punched-Can Lanterns
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Turn your empty one-quart paint cans into festive outdoor lanterns. Punch patterns into the cans with a hammer and nail, and then paint them in a variety of colors. Place small candles or tea lights inside and voilà—candles for a summer patio party!
Related: 9 Easy-to-Make Garden Luminaries
Hanging Planters
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Pastel paints and stencils turn these old paint cans into hanging planters for flowers or herbs. You can use the handles to hang the cans on a hook or just screw the cans directly into a fence.
Home Office Cubbies
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There are many ways to repurpose paint cans into storage solutions for home offices. In this simple approach, line the cans up on a shelf to use as mail sorters. Put labels below each can to keep the paperwork organized.
Related: 10 Ingenious Alternatives to a Traditional Home Office
Paint Lid Mirrors
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Once you’ve used a few paint cans for a project, don’t throw out the lids! Repurpose them into delightful and functional items like these cool circle mirrors. Dollar-store mirrors, gold spray paint, screws, and a little ingenuity combine to create designer-style accents for a fraction of the retail cost.
Coat Hooks
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Affix cleaned painted cans to your mudroom or front entry for some practical and unique storage. Leave them unpainted for a modern, industrial look or go the designer route by covering them with color and pattern. They’re truly versatile: You can hang dog leashes from the handles, drape scarves on top, and store gloves and mittens inside.
Spray Can Bouquet Art
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If you’ve got a stash of empty spray paint cans, here’s a solution for them too: Craft a unique sculpture by painting the lids, adding small painted wooden dowels for stems, and displaying the “flowers” in a clear glass vase.
Bumblebee Bird Feeders
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You can make these whimsical bumblebee and ladybug bird feeders from either paint cans or coffee cans with lids. Use a painted pencil for a perch, attach white-painted washers for the eyes, and fashion wings from metal clothes hangers and netting (available at craft stores).
Related: 10 Feeders for Winter Nourishment
Jewelry Tin
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Decorate an empty paint can with ribbons, pearls, and silk flowers to create a pretty jewelry tin for a girl’s bedroom or to give as a shower gift to the DIY-minded bride or new mom.
Trash Can
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Need a creative and inexpensive wastebasket for your powder room or guest room? Wrap a rope in a pretty fabric, then wind it around an old paint can for a sweet, petite receptacle.
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If you are interested in more DIY repurposing projects, consider:
Cement Your Place in DIY History with 9 Easy Concrete Projects