Would you ever guess that these chic candlesticks are made from recycled soup cans?  I've made quite a few crafts using empty cans over the years, but most of them come out looking like, well, empty cans.  Decorated cans, albeit, but still recognizably from the recycling bin.  That's why this idea is so fab!  Heather at Me Making Do came up with a great way to disguise the cans; she wrapped them in pieces of straw mat to give them a completely different look and texture.  She used a straw beach mat that she had on hand, but Dollar Tree usually has straw placemats available that will work just as well.  The wooden blocks she used for the ends of the candlesticks are actually fence post toppers that she found at the home improvement store.  Her blog is  treasure trove of recycled crafting ideas, so make sure you stop and take a look around!  [how to make recycled tin can candlesticks]

Project estimate:

• Empty tin can(s), on hand
• Straw placemat, $1
• Decorative wood blocks, about $4
• Ribbon and other embellishments, on hand or $1 and up
• Glue, on hand
• Paint, on hand or $1 and up

Total:  $5 and up