A viral TikTok hack is encouraging shoppers to save and repurpose empty tomato puree tubes into decorative picture frames, turning everyday packaging into charming home decor. The trend, shared by artist Carrie under the handle @Fridayloveco, has amassed over 700,000 views and 60,000 likes, inspiring craft enthusiasts to see the tubes as raw material rather than waste.
How the Hack Works
In her video, Carrie demonstrates a simple process: after finishing a tube of tomato paste, she washes it out, then uses the back of a spoon to smooth the metal until flat. She then draws a design on the back of the tin and uses a stylus or ballpoint pen to emboss the pattern, making it pop out on the front. Finally, she trims the metal into a frame shape and adds a photo. Carrie describes the result as 'vintage, handmade, and so charming on a gallery wall, pin board, or desk.'
Social Media Buzz
Viewers were quick to praise the idea. One commenter called it 'so whimsical,' while another said, 'I love creative people.' A third user wrote, 'That is soooo cute!! Great job!' Some even pledged to buy tomato puree specifically to try the craft. One fan joked, 'Now I have to cook with only tomato paste for the rest of time.' Another reminisced, 'I used to do pewter art with my mom when I was younger. This brought back such a fond memory.'
Environmental and Practical Appeal
The hack aligns with growing interest in upcycling and reducing household waste. Carrie emphasized, '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.' Shoppers are now reportedly stocking up on tomato puree tubes, with some noting they will 'definitely be looking for' the product specifically to repurpose the packaging.
