You can (re)do it! Issue #37

Transform empty paint cans into coordinating room decor

By Tiffany Threadgould
Published: September 1st, 2008 | 10:50am

Low-VOC paint may be the latest eco-friendly rage, but you can’t get more eco than reusing the paint can itself. Use the last of the paint to color the can and lid. Then transform them into a clock and planter that’s guaranteed to match your freshly painted room. Best of all, most of your supplies were already paid for at the paint store.

CLOCK

SUPPLIES:
• paint can lid
• paint-brush
• clock mechanism
• drill
• 3/8-inch drill bit
• permanent marker
• ruler

1. Paint the lid of the paint can and let dry.
2. Flip the lid over so the clean side is facing up. Find the center of the lid and mark with a marker.
3. Drill a hole through the center of the lid.
4. Attach the clock mechanism to the lid and hang.

PLANTER

SUPPLIES:
• paint can
• paint-brush
• rocks
• potted plant (smaller than 5.5 inches in diameter)

1. Remove any labels from the outside of the can. Paint the outside. If there’s a bit of paint left inside the can, let it harden and dry.
2. Fill the bottom of the can with rocks. Fill it up so the top of the plant pot is flush with the top of the paint can. Place your plant on top of the rocks and rock out with your new, matching, low-cost décor goodies.

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Visit Tiffany Threadgould’s Re-Playrgound at replayground.com.