National Tin Can Day (January 19)
Check out the weird holiday National Tin Can Day on January 19. Learn the history of tin cans, as well as get ideas on how to celebrate.
One weird holiday on January 19 is National Tin Can Day. Check out the other weird January holidays!
History of National Tin Can Day
The tin can was invented by the Frenchman Philippe Henri de Girard in the early 1800s. Its creation drastically changed the lives of military and explorers, as they could now travel for long distances without concern for the shelf lives of their food.
The reason for its invention was becuse the French Directory offered a 12,000 franc prize for someone who could develop a breakthrough in the preservation of food for the Napoleon army. Nicolas Appert, a chef in Paris, won that prize and earned the nickname “father of canning.” His creation involved using a champagne bottle preserved with cheese and lime.
Peter Durand decided to patent that idea and used a tinplate. Then around that same time, the Northumbrian developers Bryan Donkin and John Hall built the first commerical canning factory in 1812.
The following year, two Englishment named Ezra Dagget and Thomas Kesett Sr. began to can food items like fruit, meat, oysters, and vegetables in New York. The cans were very difficult to open, so typically people used hammers, chisels, rocks, or even bayonets! Their patent was received in January 19, 1825.
Contrary to the name, tin cans today are not made 100% out of tin – usually they are made from steel, aluminum, or steel coated with tin. Tin-plated steel cans were introduced to the United States in 1818. Originally, tin cans were sealed using lead, but that caused lead poisoning.
In 1858, Ezra Warner invented the first can opener, which was used in the Civil War by the United States military. Later in 1870, William Lyman invented the modern design of a can opener with a wheel.
Tin cans are the most recycled material in Europe.
Ideas for National Tin Can Day
Other than making tin can telephones with some string, here are some other things you can do to celebrate this weird holiday.
Make Repurposed Tin Can Wall Pocket Planters (Pocket Posey)
Tin can wall pocket planters are all the rage, so make one on National Tin Can Day! This handcrafted tin can pocket posey is filled with beautiful faux flowers and can be hung or stood on a shelf.
Cute Recycled Tin Can Snowman Craft
This tin can snowman is a great winter craft for kids to make on National Tin Can Day. Straight out of the recycle bin, these soup can snowmen are quick and easy to create with the family in an afternoon with simple supplies that you may already have in your craft box.
Upcycled DIY Ribbon Organizer
Have thin ribbon that needs organizing? National Tin Can Day is the perfect day to do it! Make this upcycled ribbon dispenser for only pennies.
Easy DIY Tin Can Robot Craft » Homemade Heather
This do-it-yourself tin can robot craft is the perfect boredom buster for kids on National Tin Can Day. Simply grab a can, glue, magnets and metal fixtures to start creating unique robots today!
Tin can lanterns in ten minutes
These are the quickest little lanterns ever, they literally take just ten minutes! Make some for National Tin Can Day! They’re rough, urban, totally junky and super cute dotted around the garden on a warm summer night.
Repurposed Coffee Can
A repurposed coffee can is perfect for kitchen storage, as well as storage around the house. Check out this 5-minute tutorial to repurpose old coffee cans on National Tin Can Day. Save money by repurposing plastic and metal coffee containers.
Easy Upcycled Tin Can Pumpkins Tutorial
These DIY Upcycled Tin Can Pumpkins are easy to make for National Tin Can Day. And there’s a good chance you have everything for these rustic pumpkins at home.
DIY Sock Cozy Upcycled Tin Can Planter
Use this easy upcycle project to create a DIY sock cozy upcycled tin can planter on National Tin Can Day. It’s a great way to start plants for your garden.
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