Turn An Old Bunch Of Tuna Cans Into The Cutest Jewelry Storage

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At first glance, used tuna cans may seem pretty useless, but to avid DIY crafters, they are the collectibles of the DIY world. This is because there are endless unique ways to repurpose these metal containers into functional and decorative items for use around the home. One tuna can recycling idea that will shift your outlook on these tin cans' potential is turning them into a cute jewelry storage tower. You'll end up with a way to keep your accessories organized. Over and above that, the upcycled tuna cans make a jewelry holder that's prettier and sparks more joy than a cookie-cutter store-bought one.

The idea is simple. You'll arrange the tins into a simple tiered mini organizer, which is perfect for all the cute little items that usually drop off your radar when tossed into drawers. To do so, you'll stack four clean tuna cans around a center pole so they spiral upward like a mini carousel. Each tin compartment can swing out to the side, making it easy to access the items inside. The final product will not only have tons of handmade charm but will also take up minimal space on your dresser thanks to its vertical design.

To get started on this budget-friendly jewelry storage hack, you will need four clean, aroma-free empty tuna cans, five tuna can lids, and a hardy plastic straw from an old travel cup for the storage tower's inner pivot center pole. If you don't have any old cups whose straws you can recycle, order a replacement reusable straw set like this one from the Beonsky Store instead. Besides that, you will also need a wide straw, like one of these Jumbo Smoothie Straws from ALINK. This wider straw will form your swing-out hinges. Make sure that the inner hard straw is thinner and slides up and down the thicker straw easily and smoothly. Next, get heavy-duty glue like E6000 or Gorilla glue. You'll also need craft glue to stick labels on the tin cans, scrap paper, scissors, and a hacksaw. Then, visit your hardware store and buy a ¾-Inch black iron pipe and a compatible metallic floor flange for your jewelry storage tower base.

Now, to the fun bit: creating your storage tower. First, make the swing-out details. Cut your wide-diameter smoothie straw into four 1¼ inch sections using a pair of scissors. Next, glue one straw piece to each can, with its open end facing up and in the same location on all cans' side walls, using your E6000. Let the glue set fully. At this point, you can cut your scrap paper to size to create fitting labels. Stick your labels to your cans using craft glue. For a unique look, use soft metallic paint pens for the lettering.

Next, stack the cans and slide the sturdy center straw upward through the glued straw sections to create a hinge-like effect. Measure the gap between each can and use those dimensions to cut three straw spacers from your wide-diameter smoothie straw. These spacers will keep the stacked tuna cans from collapsing into each other, preventing the swing-out action from being ruined. Also, trim the inner hard straw to size with a hacksaw or pipe cutter, but add about 1½ inches to the final height.

Now assemble everything. First, glue a lid to the bottom of each can. Then slide the center straw upward through each can's side straw, placing the straw spacers between each can and lid layer. Test the layout to ensure a smooth swinging motion. Now use the metal pipe and flange to make the base. Screw them together, then glue the lowest can securely to the top of the base structure. Place a pen cap neatly at the top to finish the center pole. Last, glue a small knob, button, or pipe clamp to the top of the fifth lid, then place it on the top can to complete the look.

To spruce things up, consider spray-painting the tuna cans with your preferred color. Something like a black matte spray paint can give your jewelry holder a fancy, modern look. You can also line the tin compartments with felt or fabric to provide a smooth landing for all your metallic jewelry. Now ditch the clunky jewelry box for this space-saving storage alternative made from old tuna cans and fill it with your precious jewelry.