‘Do not bin’ tomato puree tubes as they have ‘pretty’ little-known use

Shoppers have sworn to save their tomato puree tubes after learning they have a ‘beautiful’ second use. For anyone heading to the supermarket, it’s common to pick up a few products, usually sauces, in tubes.

Now, craft fans are keen to hold onto their tubes for a ‘whimsical’ project that’s gone viral on social media. Some TikTok users are so impressed that they’ve said they’ll deliberately buy tomato puree to get involved. An artist named Carrie, who posts on TikTok as @Fridayloveco, sparked interest after revealing she never throws out the tubes.

In a post that has gained over 700k views, Carrie explained she keeps and cleans the tubes to create ‘the cutest’ picture frames. Carrie told viewers: “Save this so the next time you finish a tube of tomato paste, you’ll remember to turn it into the cutest embossed frame instead of tossing it away.”

She explained: “I made the cutest DIY tin embossed frame that looks vintage, handmade, and so charming on a gallery wall, pin board, or desk. Here’s how to make one: Open your tomato paste tube and wash it out.

“Use the back of a spoon to smooth the metal until there are no folds or crinkles. Draw your design on the back of the tin.

“Using a stylus or a ballpoint pen, emboss your design by pressing from the back so it pops out on the front. Trim it into a frame, add your favourite photo, and display it anywhere you need a little handmade charm.”

Carrie added: “I love projects like this because they turn everyday ‘trash’ into something you’d actually want to decorate with. It’s simple, inexpensive, and such a fun way to experiment with tin embossing even if you’ve never tried it before.”

The video delighted viewers, racking up over 60k likes and commenters loved the ‘beautiful’ result. Praising the idea, one fan replied: “This is so whimsical.”

A second viewer wrote: “I love creative people.” Sharing more positive feedback, a third fan said: “That is soooo cute!! Great job!” A commenter agreed: “That is really cool!!”

Meanwhile, an excited shopper shared: “I just got the same one the other day, I’ll def be doing that.” Someone thought: “What a sweet repurposing project.”

Another craft lover said: “I have never seen tomato paste in a tube, trust I WILL be looking for this now.” Another reply read: “These would be beautiful at the base of Christmas tree lights.”