From the page: The can that yields music, cooking and art

Idea 5

Decorated countertop organizers

Easy 40 min

Turning cans into organizers is a classic of kitchens and studios, popularized by industrial and rustic styles. It works well because metal is firm, moisture-resistant and holds its shape without any sewing or reinforcement — all that's left is covering the edges and adding a finish.

What you need

  • Clean condensed milk cans, without the loose lid
  • Fabric, decorative paper, jute or cotton rope
  • White glue or fabric glue
  • Scissors and ruler
  • Fine sandpaper for the edges
  • Buttons, lace or tags to decorate (optional)

How to make it

  1. 1

    Sand the rim of the can inside and out until smooth — even without a lid, the sharp edge is the biggest risk of this transformation.

  2. 2

    Measure the height and circumference of the can and cut the fabric or paper with a two-finger overlap to close it over.

  3. 3

    Apply glue all around the side of the can and wrap the covering, aligning the seam — starting from the middle of the side helps avoid bubbles and twists.

  4. 4

    Fold the excess material into the can and glue it down, or cover the inner rim with rope glued in a spiral, which gives a beautiful and safe finish.

  5. 5

    If using rope, glue drop by drop as you wrap it tightly, pressing each turn against the previous one so no gaps open.

  6. 6

    Decorate with buttons, handwritten tags or strips of lace, indicating what each container holds.

Finishing touches

Make a trio of different heights (a large can, a condensed milk can and a smaller can) to compose a harmonious table corner. For damp environments, like a laundry room, prefer rope and jute and finish with a layer of water-based varnish.

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