We often think of empty coffee containers as just one more piece of trash to throw away, but with a little creativity, they can become valuable upcycled treasures. Folgers coffee containers are particularly well-known for their sturdy design and reusability.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 DIY Folgers coffee container crafts that are not only easy to make but also functional and stylish additions to your home or office.
So before you think of discarding those coffee cans, let’s get crafty and turn them into something wonderful.
DIY Folgers Coffee Container Planters
Infuse life into your old Folgers coffee containers by transforming them into vibrant planters.
This project is ideal for gardeners looking to add a personal touch to their indoor or outdoor gardens.
Overview of the project
Turn a Folgers coffee container into a cozy home for your plants.
With some paint, a few holes, and a little bit of creativity, you can create a colorful planter that pops.
Materials needed
· Folgers coffee container
· Acrylic paint or spray paint
· Paintbrushes
· Drill or hammer and nail for drainage holes
· Potting soil and plants
Step-by-step instructions
1. Clean the inside of the coffee container thoroughly and remove any labels.
2. Drill or poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
3. Paint the outside in a color of your choice or design a pattern to match your decor.
4. Once the paint has dried, fill the bottom with a layer of gravel for extra drainage, followed by potting soil.
5. Plant your flower, herb, or greenery and give it a healthy watering.
Tips for making the most of your DIY coffee container planters
· Use a sealant to protect your paint job from water and soil.
· Consider painting the containers with chalkboard paint for a surface you can write on and label your plants.
· Stack multiple containers to create a towering planter effect.
Variations and customization options
· Wrap the container in twine or burlap for a rustic look.
· Decorate with stickers, fabric, or decoupage for a more customized look.
· Create a hanging planter by adding some holes on the sides and attaching a rope or a chain.
DIY Folgers Coffee Container Storage Bins
Clutter seems to be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be.
Use Folgers containers to craft a set of handy storage bins for keeping things tidy.
Overview of the project
Convert coffee containers into storage bins perfect for organizing everything from craft supplies to kitchen goods.
Materials needed
· Folgers coffee containers
· Adhesive contact paper or fabric
· Scissors
· Marker
· Label maker or labels (optional)
Step-by-step instructions
1. Measure and cut your contact paper or fabric to the size of the container’s outer surface.
2. Apply the adhesive paper or fabric smoothly around the container, removing any bubbles as you go.
3. Label each container based on its contents for easy recognition.
4. Organize your items inside and enjoy a cleaner, more organized space.
Tips for making the most of your DIY coffee container storage bins
· If using fabric, a spray adhesive can help keep it in place.
· Use different patterns or colors of contact paper to categorize your storage bins.
· Stack or nestle containers together to maximize space and maintain organization.
Variations and customization options
· Affix a knob on the container’s lid to double as a handle for easy access.
· Drill holes in the sides and attach a wire or a piece of twine to create a tote-like bin.
· Integrate magnetic strips to attach bins to a metallic board or surface for vertical storage.
DIY Folgers Coffee Container Bird Feeders
Attract feathered friends to your backyard with a homemade bird feeder made from a recycled Folgers coffee container.
Overview of the project
With just a few modifications, turn a coffee container into a feeder that’s sure to be a hit with the local bird population.
Materials needed
· Folgers coffee container
· Non-toxic paint
· Wooden dowels or sticks
· Drill
· String or wire for hanging
· Birdseed
Step-by-step instructions
1. Paint the coffee container in colors that blend with your garden, or get artsy with patterns and designs.
2. Drill holes large enough for your dowels or sticks to pass through, creating perches for the birds.
3. Add more holes above the perches, sized appropriately for the type of bird you’re hoping to attract.
4. Drill two small holes near the top of the container and thread through with string or wire for hanging.
5. Fill with birdseed, hang your feeder, and watch as birds come to visit.
Tips for making the most of your DIY coffee container bird feeders
· Ensure there’s enough space under the feeding holes for seeds to spill out when birds perch.
· Choose a paint that is safe and won’t chip or peel easily.
· Clean your bird feeder regularly to keep it safe and inviting for birds.
Variations and customization options
· Glue on elements from nature, like twigs or pinecones, to make it more appealing to birds.
· Install a small saucer on top of the lid to shelter the feeding area or to provide a bird bath.
· Attach multiple containers for a multi-level bird feeding station.
DIY Folgers Coffee Container Desk Organizer
Office desks can quickly become swamped with pens, pencils, and various office supplies.
Keep them in check with a desk organizer crafted from Folgers coffee containers.
Overview of the project
Use a few coffee containers to create an all-encompassing desk organizer that’s perfect for storing all your office essentials.
Materials needed
· Several Folgers coffee containers of varied sizes
· Acrylic paint or spray paint
· Hot glue gun
· Decorative materials such as washi tape, stickers, or fabric
Step-by-step instructions
1. Paint each container in a color that suits your workspace.
Allow them to dry completely.
2. Decorate with washi tape, stickers, or fabric to add some personality.
3. Use the hot glue gun to secure the containers together in a layout that suits your desk and needs.
4. Sort your office essentials into the new compartments and admire your decluttered space.
Tips for making the most of your DIY coffee container desk organizer
· Paint or decorate the containers before hot gluing them together to avoid messing up your layout with drips or smudges.
· Glue the containers to a base for added stability if necessary.
· Create various sections for different supplies like writing tools, scissors, and notepads.
Variations and customization options
· Use a larger coffee container as a stand for paper rolls or mail.
· Incorporate a small chalkboard label for each section to keep track of what goes where.
· Fit a container with a small clock or a calendar for added functionality.
DIY Folgers Coffee Container Wall Art
Transform your coffee containers into a piece of wall art.
This craft is perfect for those who love to express their style through unique, homemade decor.
Overview of the project
Craft a piece of wall art by using the bottoms of Folgers coffee containers as canvases for a modular art piece.
Materials needed
· Folgers coffee container bottoms
· Acrylic paint and a variety of paintbrushes
· Canvas or wood board as a base
· Hot glue gun or strong adhesive
· Hanging hardware
Step-by-step instructions
1. Separate the bottoms from the rest of the coffee containers with a utility knife or scissors.
2. Paint each piece with its unique design, pattern, or color scheme.
3. Arrange the painted bottoms on your canvas or wood board to form your desired composition.
4. Once you’re happy with the layout, glue each piece in place.
5. Attach the hanging hardware to the back of your base and display your homemade artwork.
Tips for making the most of your DIY coffee container wall art
· Smooth and clean each container’s bottom before painting for the best finish.
· Experiment with mixed media by incorporating fabric, lace, or paper into your designs.
· Use a template to maintain a consistent pattern across multiple pieces.
Variations and customization options
· Install small LED lights behind the canvas or wood board for a backlit effect.
· Create a thematic series of paintings, such as the four seasons or a variety of flowers.
· Instead of a single piece, make individual artworks that can be rearranged or swapped out.
Conclusion
Repurposing Folgers coffee containers is not just an environmentally friendly choice—it’s a chance to explore your creativity and add functionality to your home without breaking the bank.
With these five DIY Folgers coffee container crafts, you’re well on your way to turning those once-empty containers into aesthetically pleasing and practical items.
Whether you’re making a garden planter, creating storage solutions, crafting a bird feeder, organizing your desk, or designing a unique piece of wall art, the humble coffee container is your canvas.
So before you throw out your next empty Folgers container, remember the possibilities are endless, and the results can be extraordinary.