12 Inventive Ways to Repurpose Film Canisters

12 Inventive Ways to Repurpose Film Canisters

Film canisters, once indispensable in the era of analog photography, now often find themselves relegated to the realms of nostalgia or simply discarded as relics of the past. However, film canisters are incredibly versatile little containers that are ripe with potential for innovative reuse!

Here are 12 imaginative ways to breathe new life into these small yet mighty vessels, turning them from mere artifacts into functional or creative helpers. These projects are easy, fun, and are a great way to keep plastic out of the waste stream.  

Here are 12 Ideas for How to Use Re-Use Plastic Film Canisters

1. Store custom mixed acrylic paint. 

paint in canisters

Photo courtesy of funawesome.com

2. Make a hide a key for your planting beds

hide a key

Photo courtesy of hgtv.com, image uncredited

3. Make a mini travel first aid kit

first aid kit

Photo courtesy of Alpine District Cubs (project link)

4. Cut off the bottom and create a mini diorama

mini diorama

Photo source and artist uncredited on Pinterest; unknown

5. Paint and decorate to create a cute animal coin tube

animal coin tubes

Photo courtesy of education.com

6. Create a needle case with pin cushion top

Needle case

Photo courtesy of tuscanrose.com

7. Store your icing tips safely with custom cases

Icing tip cases

Photo courtesy of The Bearfoot Baker (project link)

8. Make Alka-Seltzer Rockets

rockets

Photo courtesy of Lemon Lime Adventures (project link)

9. Create a soft glow for your tree lights

tree light covers

Photo courtesy of Twitter, via Monica Danna, a.k.a. @CosmoPolitician

10. Make paint bombs for a fun project with the kids

paint bombs

Photo courtesy of steamsational.com (link to project)

11. Create a "Tooth Safe" for under the pillow

tooth safe

Photo courtesy of Pinterest. Source untraceable. 

12. Make an ergonomic base for DIY foam stamps

foam stamp base

Photo courtesy of Paper & Stitch (link to project)

I hope one of these options will be useful to you! If you have old canisters looking for new life give one a try. If you want to do one of these ideas but don't have any film canisters, you're in luck – we have them for sale, only $1 for a set of five. 
Shop Our Film Canisters Now – Click Here! 
Back to blog

Leave a comment

  • 12 Inventive Ways to Repurpose Film Canisters

    12 Inventive Ways to Repurpose Film Canisters

    Jenny Oppriecht

    Film canisters, once indispensable in the era of analog photography, now often find themselves relegated to the realms of nostalgia or simply discarded as relics of the past. However, film...

    12 Inventive Ways to Repurpose Film Canisters

    Jenny Oppriecht

    Film canisters, once indispensable in the era of analog photography, now often find themselves relegated to the realms of nostalgia or simply discarded as relics of the past. However, film...

  • Greater Madison Community Garage Sales – 2024 Schedule

    Greater Madison Community Garage Sales – 2024 S...

    Jenny Oppriecht

    Experienced garage sale shoppers know that research and volume are critical to a successful day spent bargain hunting. This article is aimed to help you with both. Research is beneficial if...

    4 comments

    Greater Madison Community Garage Sales – 2024 S...

    Jenny Oppriecht

    Experienced garage sale shoppers know that research and volume are critical to a successful day spent bargain hunting. This article is aimed to help you with both. Research is beneficial if...

    4 comments
  • Where Can I Sell My Art Supplies?

    Where Can I Sell My Art Supplies?

    Jenny Oppriecht

    If you have some big ticket items, like a Cricut, easel, light table, mat cutter, or a collection of antique buttons, you might be asking, where can I sell my...

    Where Can I Sell My Art Supplies?

    Jenny Oppriecht

    If you have some big ticket items, like a Cricut, easel, light table, mat cutter, or a collection of antique buttons, you might be asking, where can I sell my...

  • Yarn Sushi – Our DIY Second Hand Weaving Kits

    Yarn Sushi – Our DIY Second Hand Weaving Kits

    Jenny Oppriecht

    Yarn Sushi is the perfect way to learn how to weave with fibers. These simple DIY kits are a sustainable, affordable way to get started! Learn more about our Yarn...

    Yarn Sushi – Our DIY Second Hand Weaving Kits

    Jenny Oppriecht

    Yarn Sushi is the perfect way to learn how to weave with fibers. These simple DIY kits are a sustainable, affordable way to get started! Learn more about our Yarn...

1 of 4