How to Make a DIY Stash Can
Whether at home or on the go, safeguarding our most precious possessions is paramount. But how do you keep your valuables hidden in plain sight, away from prying eyes? Stash cans are a popular option because of their inherent ability to blend in with their surroundings. They are affordable and accessible and masquerade as an everyday item, unlike traditional safes or lockboxes that garner the attention of thieves. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps of how to create a stash can at home, ensuring your valuables remain under wraps yet within reach.
Choosing Your Disguise
The first step in creating a stash can is to select the right container. It should be an item that doesn't draw attention and is common enough to blend into the environment where you plan to place it. Depending on where you will keep the diversion safe, consider items that are consistent with the context of their location; for example, a shaving cream can in the bathroom or a kitchen cleaner spray bottle under the sink.
Materials You'll Need
- The item to be converted (e.g., a soda can, coffee can, beer can)
- A can opener or box cutter
- Small glass jar
- Play-doh or putty
- Strong adhesive or hot glue gun
- Gloves for handling sharp objects
Step-by-Step Guide
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Prep Your Can: Kick things off by making sure your soda can is empty and clean. You want to remove any sticky residue that might be lurking inside.
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Remove the Top: Use your smooth-edge can opener to take off the top of the soda can. This type of opener is key because it cuts from the side, leaving a safer, smoother edge.
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Fit the Glass Jar: Place the small glass jar inside the can. It should sit snugly without too much wiggle room. This jar is where you'll stash your valuables, so make sure it's clean and dry.
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Secure the Jar: Apply a ring of hot glue (or super glue) at the bottom of the can, and then press the glass jar into place. This will keep the jar from moving around inside the can.
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Play-Doh Time: Now for the fun part! Take some Play-Doh and roll it out into thin sheets or strips. You'll use these to wrap around the glass jar, filling the space between the jar and the can's walls. This not only disguises the jar inside but also adds some weight to the can, making it feel more realistic.
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Mold and Shape: Carefully mold the Play-Doh around the jar, making sure not to cover the top of the jar. You want to be able to open and access your stash easily. Shape the Play-Doh so it looks like the inside of a real soda can if someone peeks inside.
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Reattach the Top: Once your Play-Doh is in place and you're happy with how everything looks, carefully place the top of the can back on. It won't snap back into place, but a little hot glue (applied discreetly around the edge) can help secure it. Just make sure you don't glue it shut!
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Final Touches: Give your stash can a gentle shake to make sure everything feels solid and the weight seems realistic. If the can feels too light, consider adding a bit more Play-Doh around the glass jar.
And there you have it! You've just crafted your very own stash can, perfect for hiding small treasures. The beauty of using Play-Doh is that it will harden over time, making the can feel full and like it still has carbonation. Just remember, the best hiding spots are those that blend in, so place your stash can among other drinks or in a spot where it looks like it belongs.
