How to make recycled metal earrings from tin cans - no expensive jewelry making tools required

Welcome to the Upcycle Design Lab. I like to craft with recycled, repurposed, and unwanted materials. There is a lot of experimenting with trash and recyclables to make them "new" again. If you enjoy reusing repairing and re-imagining old items, I hope you will stick around and check out some of my other Upcycling tutorials and join those of us who are rethinking the things we throw away.
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▶️ Check out my favorite craft supplies in my amazon store.
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If you would like more upcycling craft ideas please visit upcycledesignlab.com/​​​
In this video, I will show you how to make several different earring styles using recycled tin cans. No fancy jewelry-making tools are required to make these upcycled tin can earrings.
To see how I prep tin cans for crafting in three easy steps watch this video. • How to make metal shee...
🙂
If you would like to print out the free earring template please visit the following link. The PDF downloadable files are at the bottom of the post. upcycledesignlab.com/upcycled...
Chapters
00:14 - Intro
00:38 - Materials List for upcycled tin can earrings
03:00 - How to cut earrings
04:07 - Smoothing edges
05:18 - Punching hole
06:25 - How to shape earrings
08:15 - Assembling earrings
08:53 - Additional ideas for shaping earrings
12:27 - Painting and Sealing
13:07 - Vote for your favorite
Advertising Disclosure: Upcycle Design Lab may be compensated in exchange for featured placement of certain sponsored products and services, or your clicking on links posted on this website.
Tin Snips - amzn.to/3zSgeBb
Hammer - amzn.to/3h88p2Y
Center Punch - amzn.to/3l5McU8
Needle Nose Pliers - amzn.to/38NoSVv
Sharpening Stone - amzn.to/3DPCoq5
Acrylic Paint - amzn.to/3DYB2Jo
Mod Podge - amzn.to/3ncUZWX
Jump Rings - amzn.to/3kVMoFm
Earring Fish Hooks - amzn.to/3n8gDfa
Dapping Block Set - amzn.to/3l09fzH
9 Piece Punch and Die Set - amzn.to/3hdTUKP
Other Metal Art and Craft Projects You Might Enjoy
Alice in wonderland yard art - www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPnUg...
Tin can Christmas ornaments - www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tHG5...
Tin can picture frame - www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbTgn...
United States flag cut out - upcycledesignlab.com/fourth-o...
#UpcycleDesignLab​​​​ #UpcyclingIdeas​​​​ #UpcycledMetalSheets #ActionTaker

[@eileenmcintyre8632]

They are all wonderful. Like the coloured ones best, but then the silver and gold are great too.❤

[@user-rh2ln4ig3b]

You have just saved my life.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I can't imagine how. But I am happy to hear that. 🙂

[@jmorgan8640]

I have that very mirror! Your work is beautiful and inspiring!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@RuminatingWizard]

Do not use a sharpening stone for that. Sandpaper on a flat surface or a file is much better. That stone isn't designed to flatten rough edges. It's for honing the edge of a knife blade.

[@lorikell6216]

I am teaching jewelry design to middle schoolers and I'm going to do this with them! Thanks!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

You are welcome. Have fun.

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you and your family are safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@RuminatingWizard]

They need to be learning math science and literature. It's not kindergarten.

[@InvincibleJennifer]

Math, science and literature can be incorporated into jewelry history, creation and design.

[@suzanneott5371]

​@@RuminatingWizardIt is very easy to incorporate math and literature in art projects.

[@mandsophie]

Thank you so much, Cindy❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@lyndar.4833]

I love your tin can earrings - I was hoping some may be in your shop, but didn't see any - but very cool!!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Sorry. I'm not very good about listing items to sell but it's a whole new year so maybe. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@deannwilson3553]

I like all of them. 1 and the turtle shell are my fav.😊

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@margaridacunha-rodrigues5640]

Love all!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@angelinalozada189]

Thank You from Puerto Rico.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching Angelina🙂

[@pamtracy2175]

Love ALL of them

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Pam 😊

[@chrisk.4435]

I just found your channel and love all of your projects! So inspiring! I can't wait to try some of these myself! 😊

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Chris - Thanks for watching I am happy to hear you are inspired. 🙂

[@borgesgx]

loved all of them

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@venganzamujer354]

i like all of them

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@yvonnewarren7353]

Love them all. Thanks for sharing

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Yvonne 😊

[@mariap.chavez8051]

yeah 👍

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching.

[@josejaviersalinas822]

Muy bonitos

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@cindyhester9823]

I love them all! I would have to say I love #9 probably a little more.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi it's always nice to meet other Cindy's. Thanks for watching and voting.

[@teshanasingleton7371]

I love them all!!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@tinahanks7145]

I like all of them! But 1,2,6 & 8 are my favorites. Can't wait to try this!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Tina - Thanks for the feedback and for watching my video. I am so happy you are inspired. Have fun!

[@Danielle-nz9tn]

All amazing-2, 8, 9 are my faves. Thx for sharing!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Danielle - Thanks for watching and voting 😊

[@marshalarow6218]

Earrings, love #1,#4,#6,#7,#8

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you 🙂

[@hava-lil-faith]

Wow I love all of them. I just found you and I’m so excited to watch more! Thank you!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Holly, welcome! I am so happy to have inspired you. 🙂

[@rhondawymer6320]

I love them all, but if I must pick a favorite, it's between #5 and #7. Thank you so much, this is a fun idea!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Rhonda. Thanks so much for watching and voting

[@ashblack4351]

9 is my favorite. Great video! So many good ideas. Thanks so much

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching and for voting.

[@susanbaker3078]

Thanks for the great tutorials! 4, 5, & 8 are my favorites 💜💙💚👍

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Susan - thanks for voting and for watching 🙂

[@jerischneider9425]

I love the paint on them! Thanks for showing everything! Great job.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Jeri 😊

[@anjanowackadeklopp761]

This was so cool. I have to give this a try! Thank you, Shannon.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I so happy you found some inspiration. Thanks for watching.

[@usa3479]

I like all of them but my favorites are 4 and 5.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching and voting

[@comiksitran6437]

Very pretty earrings Cindy I would wear each of them. You explain everything so well and make your projects look so doable, thanks !

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@cacevedo07]

Great idea. Many thanks for sharing it!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching.

[@lucylu8358]

Thank you❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@judiminer61]

Those all turned out so beautiful. I would surely wear them.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂

[@flgirl250]

I like them all- #7 is my favorite. Nice work, I love to recycle & up cycle. Thank you

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching and for voting.

[@ninjabiscuit6157]

What a great tutorial, thank you so much. I've been looking for something eco-friendly to make and I love the recycled/upcycled ethos. Your earrings are beautiful, I particularly like the look of the rusted and painted ones

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Jacquie, Thanks for your comment. I am very happy that you are inspired. And its always great to find other folks who like to upcycle. Cheers.

[@karenvalido625]

Love them all! Thank you for sharing all your tips & ideas ❤️

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Karen thanks for watching. 🙂

[@Monheganer]

Great tips, thank you. I like the leaves you made and adding color with paint.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Donna thanks so much 🙂

[@hkreca622]

I really like the defined leaf earrings. Thanks for sharing this technique.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Helen, thanks for watching and for voting.

[@lauriehubbs9089]

What a fun idea! Thank you for sharing so much usable information!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Laurie - thanks for watching and commenting 🙂

[@cmabry5130]

I love this!!!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@HannahHann1984]

Thanks for a great tutorial I love all of the designs 😀

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@nanchasingwaterfalls5753]

Love all of them, now following you 😊

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Welcome so happy to have you join the crew. 😊

[@lulugeorge4055]

I like all of your earrings. If I could only choose one it would be number 1. Thank you for sharing your skills!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Lulu, Thanks for watching and voting. Have a happy holiday season.

[@alidaesparragoza6848]

Thank you from Margarita Island.Venezuela

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@miriamfitzgerald]

Really liked this, thank you so much ❤️

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Miriam.

[@annekevangorkum]

No choice....the are all so beautiful!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@buckeyepelican]

Great video! Thank you for your excellent content. Now I'm inspired to incorporate some of these techniques into my beaded jewelry.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I am happy to hear you are inspired. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@MsTJPink]

Hello, new subscriber here! I absolutely love your upcycling! I already make jewellery from all sorts of things, but I've never thought of using cans, genious! I'm going to give it a try, I'm particularly fond of those leaf shapes you did with the flat screwdriver, stuning effect. Thanks so much x

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi, I am happy to hear that you are interested in making some tin can earrings. I am not sure if you have seen any of my other tutorials but I have also made lots of different earring styles from aluminum beer and soda drink cans. This video will show you a re- cap of many of them if you are interested.
ua-cam.com/video/3TUVCEFxogA/v-deo.htmlsi=FlbPLYbix4hTJSXy
Also there are tutorials on my channel for recycled bottle glass jewelry and jewelry made from watch parts. If you want to check them out. Thanks for watching.
Cheers,
Cindy

[@mdiaz4552]

#1!, #8!, #9!!!...all very creative and nice, but these are my favorites...couldn't choose only one.😄 Thanks for the good explanations and for such a great inspiration.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching and voting 😀

[@cowleyscorners7736]

These are just beautiful. I love them all.thanks so much for teaching your craft.❤

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for your comment and for watching. 🙂

[@normacolley5496]

I loved all of them i couldn't choose thank you for sharing your work

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much 🙂

[@donitafichter8298]

Wow! Those are lovely! I think I’ll give it a try so thank you for sharing your skills and knowledge and letting we viewers use your ideas!
I think I like #9 the best (the leaf if I remember lol) and #8a close runner up!
Merry Christmas!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Donita - Merry Christmas to you as well. I hope you enjoy making this project. 🙂

[@barbarawalsh4936]

Can't wait to try this. I have plenty of tin cans.
When I went to print the template, my printed superimposed all the designs together. It made a mess out of the designs. It all looked right when I started.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. Sorry you are having trouble with the templates.

[@pambennett8967]

So good

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Pam 🙂

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you and your family are safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@eileenmcintyre8965]

What a fantastic idea. Brilliant tutorial. Thank you.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Eileen. Thanks so much 🙂

[@venusiandesigns]

They are all really nice, I’m going to try making some. Thank you

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks. Have fun!

[@MariasMiscellany]

These are great! I've been looking for ways to use up my cans. 👍

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks have fun with your project.

[@michellestone2859]

Oh my gosh. I love it❤

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@user-rf2cd3hb9b]

Brilliant! I make paper bead items and am really fancying this. Eco and sustainable .... my clients will love it

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Susan - thanks so much for watching. I am happy you are inspired.

[@stellaunger8568]

I loved your earrings, every pair. It sparks my interest to make some. Thank you.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks so much for watching. Happy to have inspired you.

[@azizcrew]

i love them all!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@kimarellano3791]

Great work .

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you.

[@neewily]

Thanks for sharing your creativity with us. You are appreciated 👍

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Marietta - thanks for watching.

[@lorrainejones6950]

Fabulous tutorial!! Well done and thank you for bringing your talents and skill to us!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Lorraine - Thanks for watching.

[@jude1515]

I think all the designs are pretty and great idea for recycling.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@judyedwards1151]

I like them all, but #8 speaks to me the most. Thank you for a wonderful tutorial.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you and your family are safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@shelligreen5627]

Yep, number 8

[@kfitz192]

I love all the styles of earrings but my absolute favorite is number 9! Looking forward to making earrings and pendants with this wonderful technique you've shared.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you for voting. I am planning on making more for an upcoming craft fair so it helps to know which are the most popular.

[@kfitz192]

@@UpcycleDesignLab They're all gorgeous!!!

[@ajaythakkar8926]

Excellent, since you have prepared from used tin

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@heraffa]

I love number 9!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Heather - thanks for watching and for voting. 🙂

[@AproapeG0l]

Those earrings look amazing, you are very talented!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Alina - thanks so much 🙂

[@barbarahudson2573]

Very nice!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Barbara 😊

[@candaceklein4259]

I like the dome shape Thankyou for the info also the tube shape you made by wrapping the tin

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Candace

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

They are very nice results.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Petrolia 😊

[@jennygurubatham3777]

I am going to give it a try

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hope you have fun with it. Thanks for watching.

[@qmnnvrdyz8965]

I'm soo excited to try this! Being a "Jill of all Trades", I already have all the things needed to make these, and I just ordered a bunch of the coolest color-shifting paints! Thank you for making this awesome vid!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I am happy you were inspired. Have fun! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@aimsabson6538]

I use a fiber wheel to smooth all my edges. It's fast fast fast!

[@colleencunningham4762]

Real nice

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you.

[@yvonneackermandiaz9469]

Y uno creyendo que no puede hacer isas recicladas bonitas. Muy bellas, yo me las pondria, me gusta su forma decolorear

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thank you.

[@1955dmb]

I like #8 and #9 if I had to choose. But they are all so wonderful, especially knowing the cost is minimal for those of us 'makers'. I tend to gravitate towards crafting things with costly materials making it very hard to be profitable!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for watching 🙂

[@micsathome]

I Like 6,7 and 9

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Ana - thanks for watching and for voting 😊

[@rmm3150]

Good video. #9

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@hippychickshannong3884]

Thanks so much! I usually make candles with my tin cans -I must making earrings

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching 🙂

[@ebrume3587]

Thank you for the amazing Tutorial, you make it look like very easy..I am sure is not..:)
and my favourite is No 3

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching and voting. It does take a little time and patience but it is really a pretty simple project.

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you and your family are safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@bonniejean207]

3,7 ! ❤️

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@nadenecooper6076]

I liked 5.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for watching and voting 🙂

[@Lisa_G3]

Great tutorial! It’s hard to choose but I think I like #1 the best. I bc plan to watch more of your videos so it might be answered in another- but , I’ll ask here. Do you have another way to get the sides of metal less sharp? Would sanding with sandpaper do it? I just want to minimize the possibility of accidentally cutting myself when they are done- so just from normal picking them up. Hope that makes sense.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Lisa - Thanks for your question. I do sand down the pointed ends and then hammer the pieces before shaping them. As long as there aren't any burrs on the edges they aren't sharp when handling the metal. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@bq1428]

I like #1 best but this video is a year old but i am going to make some so thsnk you.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Bonnie - thanks for watching and voting.

[@comiksitran6437]

And I really like the new intros. You getting any packing done ?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

I am glad to hear you like the new intros. On the packing front we have had a change of plans. So that is currently on hold. Thanks for asking.

[@terrijohall6941]

All!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks 😊

[@clioclioclioful]

😍

[@saraalexander9589]

very creative and lovely idea! Is the paint (that you dab on some of them) an acrylic paint?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Sara - yes I just used regular acrylic craft paint. Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@marlenequigley7476]

Thank you for sharing. Question. When I cut down vintage cookie tins. What can I use to darken r age the edges. Much appreciated your response

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for your question. I am not sure if you saw my video on how I prepare tin cans for my craft projects. It would be difficult to do this process just on the edges and I am not sure exactly what look you are hope for but here is the link ua-cam.com/video/1pRlDt_fwYY/v-deo.html.
Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@hurstjames6199]

Hello how're you doing today hope you and your family are safe due to the covid 19 pandemic?

[@RuminatingWizard]

@@hurstjames6199 Stop saying that.

[@PolyDm-zs5ti]

Q tipo de pintura es? (Muy lindo trabajo)

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for watching. I just used some inexpensive craft store acrylic paints.

[@christibooth6794]

6, 7 and 9

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks Chisti 🙂

[@sarahcox9284]

1&3 are my faves,but really,they are all fab. What paint do you use for the earrings please?😊

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Sarah I just used regular acrylic craft paint. Thanks for watching and voting

[@sarahcox9284]

@@UpcycleDesignLab ,thank you.

[@beaderinnyctheworld8753]

How do you know which can tins are safe to use to create jewelry? Is there a coding you need to use?. I would like to use it to create earrings and focal pieces for necklaces.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi thanks for watching. Sorry I am not sure I understand your question. What do you think is unsafe?

[@VoLchon-Ok]

Номер 3 понравилось.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks for voting and for watching. 😊

[@sharonrudder738]

I guess I missed it but how do you deal with the sharp edges?

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Sharon they aren't really sharp after a little filling and hammering. 🙂

[@aliciamaynard8660]

What do u mean by mid podge the earrings

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi I sealed the paint with a coat of mod podge. Thanks for watching 😊

[@user-hm4cu6rm5h]

Привет из Украины:) Супер украшение:)!!!

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Thanks. Hope you are staying safe.

[@papiojenjones1585]

Can we use aluminium cans? I'd be hard pressed to find a tin can.

[@UpcycleDesignLab]

Hi Papiojen - I don't think these techniques would work very well on Aluminum but here are a couple of jewelry ideas using soda and beer cans. Embossed earrings - ua-cam.com/video/zM7RgDdZLYA/v-deo.html
Soda can beads - ua-cam.com/video/ZwylPPuWFt8/v-deo.html