Everyone has an old pan that was handed down from your mothers cupboard when you got your first apartment. Since then for sentimental reasons you've pushed that old pan to the back of the cupboard because you can't bare to part with it. So don't part with it. I have a way you can keep your old pan, make room in your cupboard and have a fun project for you and your kids.
You can take old round cakes pans and turn them into burner covers. You can take your old square cake pans and turn them into planters. You can do this with any tin pan. It's so easy and fun all you need is an old tin pan, a hammer and a nail, potting soil, some acrylic paint and plastic liner. And of course, don't forget the kids.
First you will want to set up your work space. If the weather allows work outside. Use newspaper or an old tablecloth for easy clean up when you are done. If you start with round cake pans make sure you clean the surface with soap and warm water to remove any residue. Choose a solid color for your background and cover the entire outer surface. Allow time to dry. You can paint fruits, vegetables, smiley faces or flowers. Just paint whatever you would like. Allow for time to dry and cover your burners with your new decorative pans. It's easy and fun.
If you have old square pans or even pans with handles those can be used to create interesting planters for an herb garden or flowers. You will need to create water drainage holes in your pans. Turn your pan upside down. Gently tap a nail with your hammer to create a few holes. Be careful not to pound too hard or your pan won't sit flat.
You can paint the outsides of your new planters however you like. Allow time to dry. When your designs are completely dry line your pan with plastic liner and poke a few holes in it. The plastic will help with rust getting into your soil. Fill you planter with soil and seeds or plants that have already been started from your local nursery. Place your new planters in a room in your home or outside on your patio or balcony. They add so much charm and you didn't have to get rid of that old pan you got from mom.
Recycling your old pans is fun and easy. It's a great project for kids and you get to spend quality time with them. Kids will get to water and care for their plants. If you have small pans you can decorate those and they make great gifts if you are on a budget. If you don't have any old pans of your own, check out your local second hand store.
