Soda cans are recyclable. In some states, you can even redeem them for a nickel. So why would you save a soda can when you could just toss it in the recycling bin? Well, first, soda cans are made of a pretty craft-friendly material. If you wanted to buy perfectly bendable, yet sturdy, sheet metal, you'd have to look hard for it. If you have a soda can, all you need is a good X-Acto knife. Also, the tabs are useful for all kinds of things. So while soda cans might seem like the most disposable packaging ever, and one that can be recycled almost everywhere, they actually come in pretty handy for crafts. Turn your garbage into something cool by trying out one of the following projects.

Soda can wall art: You can make surprisingly pretty dimensional wall art out of soda cans. Cut the top off of a can, split the sides and wing them out, and paint it to look like a sun or a flower. It's so cheap, so fun, and so cute! And see more garden art ideas.

Can tab double duty hanger: Double the space in your closet (almost) by affixing a can tab to each clothes hanger. Slip one hole of the tab over the hook part of the hanger. Hang another hanger from the the second hole in the tab. How is that for turning trash into something functional and useful?

Pop tab baubles: Who knew that soda can tabs could become something sparkly? When you use them as a base to glue glass gems on, they sure are! Use gem-studded tabs to decorate mirrors, napkin rings, or anything else that needs a flash of glam.

Soda can ash tray: OK, it's not too glamorous, but you can make an ash tray out of a soda can. I'm not saying that you should, but you could.

DIY soda can coasters: These are really cool. Soda cans can become cute pop-art coasters when they're cut into squares and framed. Add a pop (pun intended) of color and kitsch to casual parties.

Soda can votive holder: This is a great design project, which would look super in an outdoor living room or on a mantel. Painting and then punching holes in a soda can yields a truly lovely votive holder that casts patterns of light on the walls.

Chaya Kurtz writes about everything from electricians in Chicago to tile installation for Networx.

Updated May 29, 2018.