In this day and age we all need things to brighten up our lives, particularly now with the credit crunch in our midst. As the financial situation is critical, it results in us tightening our belts, so any savings you can make are just a bonus.

Containers can be used for so many items, so let us see what we can do! For example, you can store scissors, cutlery, crayons, brushes, tools, seeds, plants, rubbish or glues in them, so they are a very handy item to have in the home. This is just a for instance. So you get the idea!

Now, what can we use to make these items from? Really, I wouldn’t say that you need much at all!Here is what I personally suggest. First of all you will require a paintbrush, a pencil, you could use some craft paint if you already have it, or emulsion, in the colours you need for your design.

Also you will require some tracing paper or greaseproof paper, varnish a polyurethane one and a metal primer. The only other items you will need are empty cans or cylinders. So let us forge ahead!

Well what do we want with the lids? We don’t, do we really? So first step, remove them any which way possible so that you do not leave any dangerous raw edges. These do need to have been filed down before you continue. We do not want any nasty accidents.

Now, the next, most sensible step, would be to give the cans a coating of the primer, which has to be a metal one. Make sure that you cover the outside and inside thoroughly before this is left to dry. The actual design for your cans is what is needed now, whether they be large or small.

We cannot continue until we have our design. As an example, you could use bright patterns, circles, sunflowers, stars, cars,trees etc. It will entirely depend on what you want it for and, of course, whom.

If you are not wanting to draw and create your own design just look through a book or magazine and find something. You can then take it to a photo copy shop and obtain the size you need.

At this time we can now trace the design to our tin. We really should then paint a base colour inside and also to the outside for a background. We can then paint all the other detailing required later.

If you have simply done bright patterns, you could add a border at the top or bottom edge to give it clarity.

By now, hopefully, you should be happy with your design, so all that is left now to complete your work, is to varnish it. Coat the varnish on the inside and outside of the can and leave it to dry. Then I would say apply another coat.