Chip Can Chiminea


  I love recycling projects and now that summer is here, I can be outside to paint, create and recycle. The most recent recycling project has been to find a use for leftover chip cans from my favorite snack and Krylon Dual Paint and Primer Spray Paint in Gloss Leather Brown.

What you need:

  • (1) can Krylon Dual Gloss Leather Brown spray paint
  • Chip Can
  • Hot glue
  • Washers 
  • Assorted beads (all shapes and sizes)
  • Battery operated lights
  • Faux leather

How and How Long:

  1. To start my project I needed just a few items from my craft stash and my garage. A few washers in different sizes, pony beads, single nail, hammer, glue gun and battery operated candles.
  2. Collect your materials: Chip can (rinsed out and free from chip remains), washers or beads, nail, hammer, glue gun, glue and battery operated candle.
  3. Take the large diameter nail and make random holes or patterns of holes in the chip can. Being careful not to hit too hard so as to bend the can. Make two holes across from each other near the top so you can hang your lantern when it is done.
  4. Next glue beads or washers over the holes. Use as little as possible glue since you want the light to shine thru the holes for the battery operated candles and you don't want to see globs of glue on the can.
  5. Then get your spray paint and lightly coat all sides, letting it dry for about 25 mintues in between coats.
  6. When it is completely dry (24 hours). String a piece of Faux Leather cord thru two holes in the top for hanging.
  7. Insert One battery operated candle.
  8. Hang from chain or set in garden for accent lighting.
Approximate project time: 1 hour.

What it Costs:

Cost is $6 for spray paint.