Make A Tiny Stockpot
Make a tiny stockpot from recycled materials like a clean tin can, foil, and glue; decorate it and test the lid with adult supervision.
Step-by-step guide to make a tiny stockpot
Step 1
Gather all the materials on a clear table so you can see everything.
Step 2
Ask an adult to check that the tin can is clean and that the edges are safe to touch.
Step 3
Use the ruler to measure the diameter across the open top of the tin can.
Step 4
Draw a circle on the cardboard using the measurement you took so the lid will fit.
Step 5
Cut out the cardboard circle carefully with scissors.
Step 6
Cut a small cardboard rectangle for a handle about the length of a finger.
Step 7
Wrap the cardboard circle tightly in aluminum foil and smooth the top and edges with your fingers.
Step 8
Wrap the small cardboard rectangle in foil to make the handle shiny and smooth.
Step 9
Glue the foil-covered handle to the center of the foil-covered circle and press gently until the glue holds.
Step 10
Place the foil lid on the can and use masking tape on the rim if you need the lid to sit more snugly.
Step 11
Decorate the outside of the tin can with paint stickers or ribbons to make your tiny stockpot look special.
Step 12
Let any glue or paint dry completely before the next step.
Step 13
With an adult present test the lid by placing it on the can and gently lifting the handle to check the fit.
Step 14
Share a photo of your finished tiny stockpot on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we can't find a tin can, aluminum foil, or masking tape?
If you don't have a tin can use a clean plastic yogurt tub or small cookie tin, swap aluminum foil for silver craft paper or a piece of pie tin, and replace masking tape with painter's tape or clear tape when securing the lid.
My foil keeps tearing or the lid is too loose — what should I try?
If the foil tears, wrap the cardboard circle in two thinner sheets or use a piece cut from a baking tray, and if the lid is too loose press masking tape around the can rim or add a thin cardboard ring under the foil for a snugger fit.
How can I change this activity for different ages?
For preschoolers have an adult measure and cut the cardboard circle and handle while the child wraps the foil and decorates with stickers, for elementary kids let them use the ruler and scissors with supervision to cut and glue the handle, and for older kids challenge them to design a hinged lid with masking tape or make a matching foil spoon from extra cardboard.
How can we make the tiny stockpot more special or turn it into a bigger project?
Glue a small bead or button to the foil-covered handle as a knob, decorate the outside with painted patterns or ribbons, make matching spoons from extra cardboard wrapped in foil, or create a set of different-sized stockpots by repeating the measuring, cutting, wrapping, and decorating steps.
Watch videos on how to make a tiny stockpot
Martha Stewart Teaches You How to Make Stock From Scratch | Martha's Cooking School S1E4 "Stocks"
4 Videos
Martha Stewart Teaches You How to Make Stock From Scratch | Martha's Cooking School S1E4 "Stocks"
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Facts about recycled crafts for kids
♻️ Recycling aluminum saves up to about 95% of the energy needed to make new aluminum from ore.
⚠️ Metal gets very hot quickly—always test lids and heat only with an adult watching to avoid burns.
🧻 Aluminium foil has been used in kitchens since the early 1900s and can usually be recycled if cleaned and balled up.
🥫 Tin cans helped explorers and armies carry long-lasting food—canning began in the early 1800s.
🔁 Upcycling turns old or discarded items into something new and useful—your tiny stockpot is a great upcycle!
How do you make a tiny stockpot from recycled materials?
What materials do I need to make a tiny stockpot?
What ages is the tiny stockpot craft suitable for?
Is making a tiny stockpot safe for kids and how should adults supervise?
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