Recycled formula tins - Arts, Crafts and DIY

64 Comments

Formula tins are so strong and sturdy. It seemed such a waste to throw them out every 2 weeks! So, I have decided to start repurposing them and use them as toys and for storage!
With older children, it could be a task you work on together!

Material

1 Empty Formula Tin
2 Rolls of scotch tape (or any coloured tape)
1 pair scissors
1 cup Rice/pasta

Method

Clean out the inside of the formula tin
Starting at the very top of the tin, lay one strip of coloured tape all the way around. Continue to do this all the way down the tin. You can choose the colours- can keep it all in one colour, or alternate to add interesting patterns.
The top and bottom can be a little tricky. Lay the strips down, as far out to the edge as you can. Dont worry if the strips dont cover all the way to the edge, because you are going to put a border to cover the missed pieces.
Before sealing, put some uncooked rice or pasta on the inside. I like to do both, as it makes different sounds. I even left the scoop inside one. My daughter loves when it makes all different noises.
Place the lid on tightly. Wrap tape around the top, so half is on the can, half is sticking up above the tin. The part of the tape that isnt stuck to the tin, cut little slices at regular intervals, so it folds down flats. Now go around and press the unstuck tape down around the edges of the lid, sealing the lid to the can. Repeat the same for the bottom.
You now have a very cool looking rolling toy!
For another use, dont seal the lid on and you can use it as a storage container for pens, pencils, creams etc etc.

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This project was posted by:

- teacup83
- 14 Mar 2014
  10:51 am

64 Comments

- - mom19782016 said
  - 16 Oct 2020
    4:12 pm
A practical storage solution throughout the whole house!

- - mom81879 said
  - 11 Nov 2019
    7:11 am
Lots of formula tins to use if you have a bottle fed baby. Handy storage ideas for those little bits and pieces

- - mggarner said
  - 10 Aug 2018
    11:53 pm
You could use contact as well or instead of scotch tape with different colours

- - mggarner said
  - 25 Jul 2018
    12:42 pm
That is a great way to keep everything tidy

- - kjgarner said
  - 22 Jun 2018
    1:44 pm
We use them for pens and pencils, great idea
- kjgarner replied
  
  26 Jun 2018 , 11:01 am
  Also great for paint brushes and utensils
- - mom93821 said
  - 15 Mar 2017
    6:53 am
These recycled tins looks so colourful and they are so practical.

- - mom19782016 said
  - 18 Oct 2016
    1:58 pm
They are so versatile aren’t they?

- - mom152736 said
  - 18 Oct 2015
    10:47 pm
i love recycling formula tins…there’s a new one every 2 weeks lol
- mom93821 replied
  
  16 Mar 2017 , 5:40 am
  Formula tins are a good size too and are reasonably sturdy.
- - dbhall82 said
  - 30 Sep 2015
    11:04 pm
Awesome idea I have formula tins coming out my ears!!

- - mom109229 said
  - 30 Sep 2015
    8:58 am
This is such a great idea! I might give this a go!

- - dannsbuild said
  - 10 Sep 2015
    11:32 pm
Great! Thanks for sharing! A good creative idea

- - Mum of 5 darlings :) said
  - 26 Jul 2015
    8:34 pm
This is an awesome craft for the kids to make and will be very useful.

- - Kell said
  - 22 Jun 2015
    10:13 pm
This is a very useful project and so pretty Thanks for sharing!

- - katith21 said
  - 04 Feb 2015
    2:03 pm
I’ve got stacks of old formula tins, so this will be awesome

- - mom106475 said
  - 04 Nov 2014
    7:01 pm
It is a great way to recycle, my daughter did the same with large cans and covered them with leftover contact from covering schoolbooks.

- - mom94125 said
  - 01 Nov 2014
    2:05 am
this is a great idea and you have made yours very pretty
- mom94125 replied
  
  07 Oct 2015 , 6:56 pm
  also fab way to get rid of those old formula tins etc. great recycling for sure.
- - ginoula5 said
  - 10 Aug 2014
    6:55 pm
love these, kids would loving making their own unique ones too, thanks for sharing

- - rachaelchara said
  - 06 Jul 2014
    7:57 pm
What a nice idea. Very cute.

- - mom57522 said
  - 05 Jul 2014
    8:45 pm
These look great. Awesome idea.

- - Peace.Love.Empathy. said
  - 13 Jun 2014
    1:43 pm
What an excellent idea. I haven’t had a child yet, I am currently pregnant, but this is an awesome idea. I love being creative and decorating things and I also love bright colours, so I’d probably even put these tins in my kitchen & put utensils in them etc.
Awesome, thanks heaps.