The Fine Art of the Tin Can: Techniques and Inspirations [Paperback]

Bobby Hansson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1999

Professional metal workers, inspired artists and complete novices have transformed the tin can into an e xtraordinary art form. This book shows how they did it and h ow the reader can, with a few simple tools, do the same. '

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Hansson is the ultimate recycler. The tin can craft items contributed by the author and nearly 100 other artists and collectors make this book a gallery of tin can folk art. Printed cans provide most of the raw material, but some items are made of ordinary cans with the labels removed. The finished products include jewelry, fantastic lamps, musical instruments, and weird and wonderful decorative items. Instructions for cutting, hammering, soldering, and riveting are given along with descriptions of tools. There are no step-by-step projects, but the photographs provide plenty of inspiration.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Hansson's nicely illustrated guide to art from found objects functions both as a how-to instructional and as a catalog to the work of several leading practitioners. The author, who has been making sculpture, furniture, and musical instruments from found objects (mostly tin cans) for more than 40 years, leads the reader through the basics, beginning with a cup made from a tuna can, and then dives into such multican extravaganzas as model trucks, briefcases, and several banjo-like instruments. The instructions are sometimes a bit casual (you'll need to know welding before tackling the tougher projects), but the real value here is to inspire would-be artists with such novelties as a bi-wing airplane made entirely from Budweiser cans. Anyone who works in libraries knows that everything is collectible to someone. Be ready for the tin-can set with this little ode to ingenuity. Ilene Cooper

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Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887374027
• ISBN-13: 978-1887374026
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #854,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Found" Treasure, September 4, 2000

By 

Possum Bean (Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fine Art of the Tin Can: Techniques and Inspirations (Paperback)

I bought this book three years ago and have probably read it 15 times. I took a 2 1/2 week course with Bobby at Penland School of Crafts right after buying the book. I had been collecting tin cans for 20 years and finally had a use for them all. I am slighltly addicted to buying craft books, but if I was stranded on an island this would be top on my list to have with me. I can't stress enough the thought and care that went into making this book. Bobby's sense of humor comes through and the photographs through out are splendid and plentiful. Buy this book and you will never look at the squashed beer or soda can on the road the same way again.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have!!, August 17, 2009

By 

J. Capps "Boot~C" (Tulsa OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Fine Art of the Tin Can: Techniques and Inspirations (Paperback)

I spent years checking this book out of the library when I spent summers w/ my mom. I have no idea why I waited so long to buy myself a copy? I have my tin snips purchased & I get closer to starting this craft! This is a must have if even you only think you might want to try this someday!