Upcycled Tin Can Stilts

Making tin can stilts is easy and a great way to recycle those cans. They are fun because they can be painted all the different colors and decorated to fit any personality. Using yarn to make the handles is fun because it too can add all the colors and textures. Did you play with the classic tin can stilts when you were a kiddo? Do you remember crazy fun it was? It took a lot of practice (along with some bumps and bruises) to get it right.

Coffee cans are fantastic for making stilts. You will need to clean the cans and remove all the labels before getting started. Be sure to have the following supplies ready too.

Supplies for Tin Can Stilts

Tin Cans
DecoArt Multi-Purpose Acrylic Paints
Hole Puncher that Cuts Through Metal
Yarn

Directions:

First, paint your cans to decorate them. They can be painted solid or with lots of decorations.

Next, punch holes in the can on either side.

Following the hole punching, use yarn to make the handles. Braid colors together to make it a thicker handle. Your final yarn handle should measure from your child’s armpit to their ankle then doubled.

Finally, tie the yarn handle through the holes of the can to complete the stilt. You will need to do this for both cans.

When the child stands on the can and hold the handles to balance, they become taller. This is a great activity for coordination and balance. It takes a lot to get the hands and feet and ropes and cans all working together at the same time!

More Recycled Craft Ideas

Beth used Poly-Fil to make this awesome upcycled sweatshirt pillow.

Even More Recycled Crafts

I love recycled crafts because they make something old into something new and useful. Maybe there are some more things you would love to try making in this fun post.

What Recycled Items are Good for Crafts

There are so many things that can easily be recycled into craft projects for kids. Here are the things that I save up in my garage. When it gets to be too much, sometimes I do drop offs at the local elementary school.

Jars
Shoeboxes
Paper Tubes
Bottle Lids
Cans
Food Boxes

Ten Reasons to Craft

I am going to say this again. Crafting is just a great idea. It is proven that crafting can be really good for mental and emotional health. Studies show that making and crafting can lower anxiety. Another benefit to crafting is that it creates connection. When we make things and give them to others, we spread kindness and love. Here are my top ten reasons to craft with kids, and I mean kids of all ages.

Mental Health Benefits – Crafting puts me in a good mood.
Self Expression – Crafting allows me to express myself.
Education and Growth – I learn new skills by making things.
Connection – Crafting connects me others through workshops, classes and gifting.
Decor – Through making and crafting, I can totally customize every aspect of my decor.
Gift Giving – Gifts is totally my love language. I love to make handmade gifts.
Offline Time – Crafting keeps me off of my phone and social media. We all know this can be beneficial.
Income – Because I craft and sell items that I make, I have an additional income source.
Fun – I like to have fun and to me, making things is fun.
Socializing – Attending events where crafting is a part gets me out and around others with like minds.

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win 10 pounds of PolyFil and a $100 gift card to JoANN Stores.

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Have fun making these. Be sure to share this project!

Cheers and Love,

Laura

Upcycled Tin Can Stilts