Original project inspiration and directions:
Cutlery Holder
Cord Wrapped Tin Can Flatware Caddy
DIY Kitchen Utensil Holder from Tin Cans
First, gather a set of matching cans for your utensil holder. Soup cans are a good size but smaller cans would work just as well. (Note that pop top cans will require an extra step later to deal with the problem of the sharp inner edge.)
Next, remove all the labels so the metal is bare. Ensure the cans are fully cleaned by washing or soaking. Don't worry about the residual glue strip from the label, as it can be positioned where the cans will later be connected.
If there are sharp edges at the tops of your cans, carefully cover these with duct tape or another similar material to prevent cuts.
Create a base for the cans to sit on together. Use thin cardboard (like a cereal box or similar) or a small piece of posterboard. Place the cans in a triangle on the base material and trace around the three circular bottoms as a group.
Cut out the base, making sure to keep it all in one piece for stability purposes. Try cutting in with the scissors from different angles to cut the three inner points accurately.
This example was completed using leftover contact paper. Alternatively, old gift bags or scrapbooking paper could be used in the same way but would need to be glued on or adhered with double-sided tape. Felt/other fabric could also be used with hot or fabric glue. If nothing else, paint is always an option!
To cover the cans, wrap one can to get the general size. Be sure to have a little bit of overlap when going around. Once the paper is cut to the appropriate length and width, it can be used as a template for the other two pieces.
Next, wrap each can individually. Either stick on the contact paper or glue/tape on whatever other material you are using.
Turn all three cans over with their wrap seams facing toward the middle of the triangle they form. Match up the pre-cut base for correct positioning and then glue this onto two of the three can bottoms with hot glue.
Carefully flip the cans back to an upright position. Separate them slightly to add a vertical line of hot glue where they connect, gluing the first two cans together. Leave about a quarter of an inch unglued toward the top for decorative wrapping. Repeat the base gluing for the third can, as well as two vertical lines of glue on this to attach to the first two cans.
Once all the cans are attached to the base and each other, add decorative wrapping to cover unsightly edges. This example used leftover chunky yarn, but you could also use twine, bits of thin rope, or ribbon. Glue this as desired around the tops and bottoms of the can group. When wrapping the tops, the string can be slipped between the cans where they were left unglued.
Cut a length of roughly 8 to 9 inches of yarn/twine/ribbon. Tie the ends in a knot and glue the knot securely down in between all three cans. This will form a handle to make moving the utensil holder a little easier. (If the weight in each can is unbalanced or heavy, it would be advisable to place a hand underneath for added stability.)
If desired, create labels for each compartment. If you do not have the sticker type, simply glue on small pieces of nice paper.
Attach labels and add any further decorative lines or glued-on elements. Use stickers, markers, or anything else as desired.
It's done! Now you can fill up and organize your holder with any manner of utensils. Consider office supplies, crafting tools, or even lightweight cutlery.
