You've Got Some Tin Cans? I've Got Some Toy Ideas!
Making toys of coke cans or other used tin cans was popular years ago. Now it's a kind of lost craft but fortunately the web is full of nice freaks who like to restore lost crafts. Let me be one of them :) I've collected a bunch of interesting links, images and videos with tin can toy ideas. Check them out and see if you'd like to try making some of these toys yourself.
Warning: safety first. Working with tin is dangerous. Always use protection gloves.
A Coke Can Airplane
Let's start with some inspiration first:
This is an airplane made of coke cans. It's quite an advanced toy and requires precise cutting and bending. It's not the best project if you are just starting with coke cans.
DIY Coca Cola Truck
The below video will show you how to make a truck from used Coca Cola cans. It's only slightly simpler than the airplane above, but at least there are plans which you can follow. It's a good project for someone with a bit of experience working tin cans:
Coke Can Camera
This camera is real piece of art. There are no plans or instructions so if you want to do something similar you'll have to use your imagination.
Airplanes and Helicopters
There is a cute store on Etsy selling aviation toys from tin cans. Have a look at their Airplane made from Coca Cola. Have a look at the seller's account, he has several other very nice toys (I am not related to them in any way). Whether you'll buy or just use for inspiration, it deserves a look.
Scale Modeling in Metal 1/10 scale Midget Racer & The Coke Moke
Here's a video showing rather advanced scale models from used tin cans. Pretty impressive!
Tin Can Robot
Here is a lovely tin can robot with very detailed instructions and pictures. Painted and cute robot, well done!
Tin Can Telephone
Don't forget the good old tin can telephone! It's not just a toy, it's a functional device that may also be used to help learning some physics concepts.
More Interesting Links
Here are several other interesting pages that will give you ideas or instructions for making tin can toys:
- Tin can water can - this is an antique that you may or may not want to buy. I'm sharing it as idea mostly.
- A lovely shop with tin can models. These are very impressive models with very affordable prices. If you want to buy something ready, this store is good choice. If not, just use as inspiration.
- Tin Can Mastery: The Art Of Creating Toys Out Of Cans. Some lovely ideas to check here!