From Beer Can to Brush Caddy: How to Upcycle an Empty Can into a Handheld Plein Air Rig
- tmichaelniemanart
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
If you're a plein air painter, you know the struggle: you're out in the field, the light is changing fast, and your gear is a mess. Your brushes are rolling, your water cup tips, and you’re trying to juggle too much with two hands and a lap full of supplies.
Enter the humble beer can — lightweight, durable, and surprisingly versatile.
Today, we're going to transform an empty beer (or soda) can into a multi-functional handheld plein air rig that can hold your brushes, water, rag, and even clip onto your easel or belt. It's minimalist, field-tested, and fun to make. Plus, it gives your trash a second life.
Recently I had real life experience transforming a discarded empty beer can into a makeshift handheld plein air rig. When I headed out to paint I forgot my lightweight paint box and tripod. Thus I had no easel, no palette and nothing to hold up my work as I painted. Additionally I had no time to go back home and get my missing gear.... so if I was going to paint I needed to adapt and overcome.
Here are some pics of what I came up with on the fly. Surprisingly, it worked great!
What You’ll Need:
1 empty aluminum can (tallboys work great)
Tin snips or heavy-duty scissors
Duct tape or painter's tape
Optional: binder clip, Velcro strip, or magnet
Optional: carabiner or mini clamp for mounting
Safety note: Aluminum edges can be sharp! Use gloves when cutting, and tape all edges.
If I Had Time on My Side, Here's How I'd Build It
1. Clean & Prep the Can
Rinse thoroughly and let dry.
Remove the label if desired (a soak in warm water helps).
2. Cut It Down
Use tin snips to carefully cut the can.
Smooth out the rim with pliers or cover the edge with duct tape to prevent cuts.
3. Add Dividers or Inserts (Optional)
Drop in a cork, small sponge, or cut cardboard to divide the interior.
This helps separate water from brushes or keeps tools upright.
4. Make It Handheld
Wrap tape around the middle to create a grippable, no-slip band.
Add a Velcro strip or loop of tape to attach it to your easel leg, tripod, or wrist.
Bonus: glue a magnet to the bottom so it sticks to a metal easel or folding stool frame.
5. Customize
Paint it, label it, decorate it — it’s your art kit, after all.
Add a binder clip to the side for holding a rag or mini palette.
Punch a hole near the rim and attach a carabiner for quick hang-and-go utility.
Here are Some Additional Ideas I am considering for How to Use Recycled Cans in the Field
Water holder (for watercolorists)
Brush caddy or solvent dip jar (for oils/acrylics)
Rag container (for wiping brushes)
Mini trash bin for paper towels or shavings
Pencil or tool holder for sketching setups
And best of all? If you lose it or damage it—just grab another can from the recycling bin.
Why This Works
Lightweight – Won’t add bulk to your kit
Sturdy – Won’t crack like plastic
Eco-friendly – Keeps waste out of landfills
Field-flexible – Adapts to your painting setup on the fly
Bonus Idea: Share Your Rig!
Tag your upcycled beer-can rig on Instagram or YouTube with #pleinairhack, #beercanbrushrig or #beercanpleinair. Show the world how you're customizing your setup. The weirder the beer label, the better. Not a beer drinker? NO PROBLEM!! Any beverage can will do the trick! #beveragecanbrushrig
If interested you can access my updated Plein Air Checklist for free simply by registering here on my site. Share your email with me and I will send it to you
Final Thought
Plein air painting doesn’t have to mean hauling a studio into the woods. Sometimes, it’s the scrappy, handmade solutions that make your practice more joyful and spontaneous.
So the next time you’re cracking a cold one after a hike or paint session, don’t toss the can — turn it into a tool.
-Cheers!
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