Tin Can Glam by CANNED GOODS - Fresh, Slow, Sustainable, & Small Batch Jewelry

CANNED GOODS designs glamorous jewelry that is good for the planet. By repurposing tin cans, they are able to create a light weight, sustainable line of jewelry. Try on one of their beautiful pieces at the Firefly Handmade Summer Market on August 27 & 28 on Old South Gaylord Street in Denver.

Please tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to start making Tin Can Glam - jewelry from tin food cans?

My name is Thomas Althaus.  I grew up on a farm near a small town in northern Illinois.  There I learned the value of all resources and that how we use them impacts our earth.  I learned that oftentimes, beauty emerges from the ordinary and that often slow processes are worth it in the end.  I also had the privilege of being my fashionista mother’s “go to” for another style-eye…I learned to accessorize at a young age.  I studied business, was involved in a number of exciting growing companies helping them establish their innovative brands.  Then, my wife and I were about to celebrate our ten year anniversary, when we decided to not spend money on gifts and to travel together instead.  I thought to myself, what if I could make something for her?!?  I did some research and found out the traditional gift for ten years is tin.  And after dinner one night I saw a tin can and said to my boys, “Let’s go out to the garage and see what we can make out of this for Mommy.”  I cut it apart, hit it with a hammer, made sure the edges were safe…and to my surprise I created a bracelet and pair of earrings. Thought they would be a silly and fun gift she would enjoy.   I wrapped them up and gave them to her.  She asked why I broke the rules by buying something.  I told her I made them.  She loved them. She woke up in the morning and said, “CANNED GOODS.  That will be your company’s name!” And so it began…

What is your process for creating your jewelry?

We describe the process for making our jewelry as a “fresh, slow & small batch.” We harvest cans from small food manufacturers in the Denver metro area. Take the labels off.  Wash them.  Break them down into a “fabric” that we can reform into unapologetically glamorous pieces by cutting, hammering, bending, folding, shaping and sanding in different ways.  It feels GOOD to take something ordinary, and make extraordinary art out of it.

 What inspires your designs?

Our designs are inspired from all sorts of places, things, ideas, feelings, memories.  Architecture, art, nature…even a scrap that falls when we are cutting shapes can influence the upcoming new designs.  Definitely inspired by all of the designers, fashion icons from the past and present that have a Glam style.

 Can you tell me about your CAN DO GOOD program?

Since day one we wanted to give back with every purchase.  We give one can of food to charity for each item purchased.  We call our give back our CAN DO GOOD program.  We CAN DO GOOD Together.

 What excites you for the future?

More and more people are demanding that their fashion purchases are both sustainable and glamorous.  We are very much aligned with that mindset and will always continue to make GOOD on our standard…Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good.

 What do you like about being a Firefly Handmade artisan?

Firefly Handmade was an early supporter of CANNED GOODS and gave us a platform for us to promote our mission, stories, and products.  The artisans are at the center of every decision they make and it is visible throughout the organization.  Thank you Firefly Handmade!

Connect with Canned Goods at Firefly Handmade Summer Market, August 27 & 28th, on Old South Gaylord Street, Wash Park, in Denver.