Thursday, April 29, 2010

Tin Can Telephones

Last weekend we got a large tin of Tinker Toys at a yard sale.  Jack and Tess really enjoyed talking into the empty can, which gave me the idea that we should make tin can telephones.  Yet another thing I remember doing as a kid.  It's so fast and easy too.  Just open a can of food. (I really recommend a smooth-edge can opener of some sort, so there are no sharp edges.)  Then use a hammer and nail to poke a hole in the can.  Connect the two cans with some string.  (Tie a knot on the string inside the can.) And done!  I taped on some strips of colored paper to add a little more visual excitement.  Jack and Tess were pretty impressed with how it all worked.  Never too early for a science lesson!

Above is a photo of a smooth-edge can opener. A very brilliant invention.

at

14 comments:

  1. chelsey.April 29, 2010 at 8:27 PM

    i love that the sides are different color schemes--boy and girl.

    awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  2. MinnaApril 29, 2010 at 10:08 PM

    Wow that´s easy and perfect reuse for those tin cans. Thank´s Joel

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kickcan & ConkersApril 30, 2010 at 12:55 AM

    O gosh, I remember these (and I'm older than you...). Back to the basics, eh - always the best fun!
    Reminds me of a fab '60s Ladybird book I have called "Toys and Games to Make". It's full of things like matchbox doll furniture, box guitars, kaleidoscopes...I'll scan it for you, I think you'll like it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. GolubkaApril 30, 2010 at 5:07 AM

    Can telephones are so fun, very simple yet satisfying! The colour strips really add something to the toy. Great photos of Jack and Tess :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bulles de LuneApril 30, 2010 at 6:31 AM

    so easy but so good idea... i also like the tape's idea thanks one more time!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. alexkellerApril 30, 2010 at 7:37 AM

    we made these recently with our son - so funny to see the look on his face :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousApril 30, 2010 at 7:46 AM

    Great photos!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownApril 30, 2010 at 1:17 PM

    saw ya on ohdeedoh! love it! gonna make it!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Joel HenriquesApril 30, 2010 at 8:01 PM

    Thanks everybody, yeah, this was a very fun and fast one.

    Kickcan and Conkers - That book sounds awesome. I'll have to check that out!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Play for LifeMay 1, 2010 at 3:20 AM

    Oh my goodness I remember playing with these as a child. Thanks for the memories!
    Donna :) :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. anika ameMay 3, 2010 at 12:22 PM

    i love recyling cans...so many uses! the colors are very cute.

    ReplyDelete
  12. AnnieMay 15, 2010 at 4:40 AM

    Hi hi i remember this game from when i was little it work¨s so good

    ReplyDelete
  13. jokemijnMay 21, 2010 at 11:49 AM

    your kids are absolutely the cutest :) I love the new games on your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousJune 1, 2010 at 3:22 PM

    i have a can opener like that...it works great.

    ReplyDelete