# Creative Ways to Reuse and Repurpose Can Tabs
Discarded bottles and cans are a common sight along roadsides, beaches, and rivers all over the world. While many of us collect them for recycling, there are creative ways to repurpose these items, especially the metal tabs from soda cans and the pull tabs from canned goods.
## Transforming Trash into Art
We’ve decided to embark on a creative journey by incorporating these metal tabs into crochet projects. After scouring the internet and Pinterest for inspiration, we’ve dedicated a section on our crochet board for this new endeavor.
Initially, we planned to try crocheting hearts and shamrocks, but our focus shifted to animals. As a personal homage to my beloved roosters, Rocky and Prince, I aimed to create a crochet chicken and rooster using can tabs. My first attempt was challenging due to thick yarn, but the process spurred innovation. A diversion led to a happy accident, transforming my chicken into a cockatoo.
## Exploring New Designs
Our creativity knows no bounds, and we’re eager to see what else we can create. My daughter LeLe was intrigued by the idea of making a frog, but when I combined two tabs, she immediately envisioned a butterfly and a dragonfly. We believe larger tabs will make realistic wings for these creatures.
So far, our collection includes designs for a fish, frog, rooster, hen, cockatoo, pigeon, dragonfly, butterfly, ladybug, iguana, caiman (alligator/crocodile), cat, dog, whale, jellyfish, octopus, and snake.
## Your Ideas Matter
We’d love to hear your ideas for new creations. What should we try next with can tabs? Perhaps clothes, purses, or accessories? Please share your thoughts and inspire us with your creativity.
Stay tuned as we plan to create a YouTube video showcasing our patterns once they’re perfected. Join us on this artistic adventure and help us transform everyday waste into beautiful, functional art.