Making tea light lanterns can be one of the easiest crafts using soda cans, provided you master the art of cutting the aluminum in straight lines all around the can using your trusty utility knife.

Tip When cutting aluminum cans, no matter the upcycling project, always make sure you dull the edges to prevent accidental cuts. You can use sandpaper, a sanding block, or even a can opener.

As if describing a human,Ball, one of the largest aluminum can producers, highlights the "shorter, leaner physique" of its 12 oz. sleek cans compared with its classic (also 12 oz.) stouter version.

At 4:30 a.m. each Tuesday, Robert Sprinkle walks the block around his home, a large trash bag in hand, in search of aluminum cans: soda cans, beer cans, juice cans.

Soda cans can be repurposed to create storage containers for your desk, craft table, and junk drawer. Reuse leftover pop cans on your porch or patio, as a silverware caddy, a natural bird feeder ...