![](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/00family_on_beach_main_291_20110106-153335_1.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
The aluminum can gained mass appeal around 1967, when Pepsi and Coca Cola started using them for packaging.
![Protect Young Plants](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/q.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Protect Young Plants
Remove both ends of an aluminium can, then push it into the earth to serve as a collar to protect young garden plants from cutworms. You can also use a soup can or a coffee can, depending on the size you need. Remove any paper label.
![Create a Decorative Snowman](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/2_118.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Create a Decorative Snowman
Wrap an old soft-drink can with white paper and tape with transparent tape. For a head use a polystyrene foam ball and tape it to the top of the can. Cover the body with cotton batting or cotton bandaging material and tape or glue it into place. Make a cone-shaped paper hat. Make eyes and a nose with buttons. To add arms, punch holes into the sides of the can and insert twigs. Use dots from a black marker pen to make buttons down the snowman’s front, then make a scarf of woolly fabric.
![Create a Simple Chinese Lantern](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/3_86.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Create a Simple Chinese Lantern
Mark two lines around a clean empty can, about 2.5cm from the top and bottom. With a sharp craft knife, make vertical cuts about 1.5cm apart between the lines. Make a cut across the bottom of two adjacent strips to make an opening for a candle. Gently press down on the can to make the strips bend in the middle. Insert a tea-light through the opening, then tuck the cut ends of the opening strips inside the can. Finally attach a hanging loop. You can also spray paint the can before cutting if you like to make lanterns in different colours.
![Make Planters More Portable](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/4_123.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Make Planters More Portable
Don’t strain your back moving a planter loaded with heavy soil. Reduce the amount of soil and lighten the load by first filling one-third to one-half of the bottom of the planter with empty, upside-down aluminium cans. Finish filling with soil and add your plants. In addition to making the planter lighter, the rustproof aluminium cans also help it to drain well.
![Make Repoussé Christmas Decorations](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/5_108.jpg?fit=291%2C291)
Make Repoussé Christmas Decorations
Use a craft knife or old scissors to cut the top and bottom from empty cans, then slit the cylinder to create a flat piece. Cut simple shapes, such as stars or circles, and use a ballpoint pen to draw designs on the wrong side. Decorate with stick-on jewels or transparent glass paint, if desired, then add a wire for hanging.