hands on : as we grow

Upcycling is free.

Upcycling is versatile.

Upcycling can be done with things you have on hand.

Tin cans... I have a lot on hand, at all times!

Upcycle those tin cans before you recycle them!

Here are 26 activities, crafts, holiday ideas, as well as music makers that you can do with tin cans - with the kids!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is probably the most well-known, and popular, of his books. At least it is to me.

I asked Henry if he'd like to make a caterpillar out of tin cans.

He jumped at the chance and wanted me to read the book constantly while he painted.

We've been on a tin can binge,

so Henry and I had to make these drums from tin cans, too!

During my hunt for balloon ideas,

I found this tin can drum idea from both Quirky Momma and Mini-Eco.

Since Father's Day is this coming Sunday, and his Dad used to be a drummer,

I thought these would make a perfect gift from Henry!

[I may fill them up with some goodies before Sunday, too!]

A DIY upcycled windchime.

Henry and I rummaged through our recycling bins to find some tin cans in various shapes and sizes, including some lids.

[I taped around the rims of the cans to prevent any cuts.]

Using his trusty green ~~basting~~ paintbrush,

A forest in the sandbox for the Forest Fiesta!

Henry and I made a real forest with upcycled tin cans, tree branches and a few plants.

Henry loves picking up sticks at Grandma's house. So that's just what he did.

While he added the biggest branches he could find to Grandma's twig pile,

10.05.2011