An old tin can and some craft papers are really all you need to create an adorable new pencil holder or storage. This upcycled tin can owl is an ideal kids craft project. The fall colors fit a fall theme, but it can be made any time of year with any color you prefer. You'll love how easy this is to make and how adorable it looks displayed on a desk or table.

Upcycled Tin Can Owl

You probably just throw away those empty cans after eating veggies or fruits, but they aren't trash. This proves they are tons of great ways to turn an old empty can into a gorgeous little container that adds function and beauty to a room. I love projects like this one that allow me to use regular craft supplies to turn trash into treasure.

This is ideal for making with kids as it helps them to practice their cutting and gluing skills. They can turn it into a pencil holder for their desk or pretend play and create a whole family of owls. There are tons of ways to put this to use, and this is just one cute little project you'll love having on your project list.

What Other Ways Can I Create Owl Feathers?

I love using craft paper for feathers like this because it's easy, affordable, and already on hand. You can use other options to create feathers on your tin can if you prefer. Like always, I make sure there are a variety of options so anyone can use what they have on hand to create their own crafts easily. Below are a few unique ideas to turn a tin can into an owl.

Foam paper cut into feather shapes.
Actual craft feathers in one color or multiple colors.
Cut card stock into rows of feathers and glue in strips instead of individual feathers.
Pistachio shells can be glued around the can to create a rustic look.
Burlap can be cut into feather shapes and glued in place.
Spoons are easy to cut to shape and glue onto a tin can as feathers.

How Do I Personalize This?

The easiest way to personalize this craft is simply to add different colors or using different options for the feathers. You can, of course, do a few other things to make it suit your preferences. Making it look unique is all about fitting your personality. Some ideas are below.

Different feathers colors or styles
Add a smile or rosy cheeks to the owl face
Glue the can onto wood pieces to create "legs" or "feet" for the owl.
Add beads or extra glitter onto the feathers to make it sparkle.
Glue twine onto the sides or top to hang this from the ceiling instead of sitting on a counter.
Make these in different sizes to sit beside each other to create an owl family.

What Can I Use This Tin Can For?

This is ideal as a pencil holder for kids, but it's useful for all kinds of things. I love the idea of using it on the kitchen table to hold napkins or utensils. You could add it to a party drink bar for straws. Perhaps a place to hold pens at a counter for a bank, church, or business. It's even ideal for holding makeup brushes or hair brushes and combs in the bathroom. Just make sure you don't get it wet if that's the case.

Anywhere you need extra storage, this little tin can owl can be added. It will look adorable, be functional, and fit into your decor easily. I'd even add it on my side table and put TV remotes or chargers inside to keep them together and out of sight when not in use! You can even fill it with candy or treats and wrap to give as a gift to friends and family just because.

If it's an owl you want to add to your decor, then I have other good ideas you might enjoy. Things like this pine cone owl, an upcycled CD owl wall messenger, cute wine glass owl craft, or this upcycled plastic cup owl craft.

Supplies Needed

How to Make an Upcycled Tin Can Owl?

Cut 2" wide strips of craft paper in yellow, orange, and dark orange or red.

Fold each strip in half, then in half again, to create a 2"x2" square.

Cut the craft paper at each fold so you have multiple squares for each strip.

Trim around the edge of each piece so it is rounded.

Cut a fringe into each piece of paper so one side is in tact and the rest is fringed.

Use scissors or a pen and furl the paper so that it looks more like feathers.

You'll have approximately 100 individual feathers in a mixture of the three colors.

Starting on the bottom of the can, glue the paper feathers around alternating colors.

Continue gluing the feathers in place around the can until there is only 2-3" open space on top of the can.

Draw a owl head shape onto the back of glitter paper - it will have 2 peaks and a valley between them.

Cut out the face shape.

Remove the backing, and attach/glue to the remaining space at the top of the can.

Using craft paper, draw and cut a small yellow triangle and glue in place for the owl nose.

Attach the googly eyes at the top of the face.

Fill with pens, pencils, or other items for storage.

More Upcycled Tin Can Crafts

Tin cans are one of the best items to grab and use as an upcycled item in your crafting. That means I have a ton of great crafts that fit into this category because they are always on hand. Whether you want to use them for storage or you need them for decor, they are handy for tons of ideas. Below are a few of my favorites!

Crafting Tip

If you don't usually buy items using tin cans, don't worry! You can pick up large batches of tin cans on Etsy for low prices. Lots of people save these to sell to others for fun crafting projects.

Yield: 1

Upcycled Tin Can Owl Pencil Holder

This adorable upcycled tin can owl is a perfect kids craft! Use this for storage in any room of the house or just as part of your decor!

Active Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $2

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Cut multiple 2" wide strips of craft paper in at least 3 colors;
Fold each strip in half, then in half again, until it is a 2x2" square then cut along the seams so you have individual squares;
Trim around the outside of each square to make it rounded on on side and flat on one;
Cut through the squares ¾ of the way through to create a fringed look;
Furl or roll the fringe so it flips up;
Do this until you have around 100 feathers;
Glue the feathers alternating colors, starting at the bottom of the can, and working your way upward until you have only 2-3" left open at the top of the can;
Cut an owl face shape with a long strip, two peaks, and a valley between the peaks, from foam paper;
Attach the face to the top of the tin can just above the feathers;
Cut out a triangle of yellow paper and glue onto the face;
Glue the googly eyes above the nose;
Use the can to store pencils, pens, crayons, and other items.

Notes

Use any color paper for the owl feathers that you prefer.

Recommended Products

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Finished Project Gallery

This is a perfect addition to your fall decor. Owls are always cute, and this one really fits that fall theme.

Add legs to the bottom for this to stand up a bit taller.

Or personalize with favorite colors of feathers instead of the fall colors.

Adorable Upcycled Tin Can Owl Pencil Holder