We all have that one object from the past that instantly triggers a memory—maybe it’s an old soda can from a hot summer day, the sound of it cracking open, or the feel of its cold surface in your hand. Now imagine that everyday object reimagined as a piece of functional art. That’s exactly what Candy Relics has done with their brilliant and unconventional creation: the Ceramic Pop Can Pipe.

This isn’t just a novelty item. It’s a statement. It’s nostalgia, utility, and craftsmanship all rolled into one unexpectedly beautiful piece of ceramic art.

What Is the Ceramic Pop Can Pipe?

At first glance, the Ceramic Pop Can Pipe looks exactly like a crushed aluminum soda can—complete with realistic dimples, dents, and even that telltale top tab. But here’s the twist: it’s not aluminum at all. It’s handcrafted from high-fire ceramic and cleverly designed to function as a pipe.

The piece is part of Candy Relics’ broader design mission—reviving discarded and forgotten objects by transforming them into modern, collectible works of art.

Video: DIY Can Pipe

The Story Behind Candy Relics

Candy Relics is a Portland-based studio known for turning the ordinary into the unforgettable. Led by designer and artist Nicholas J. Bindeman, the studio draws inspiration from castoff Americana—things like broken signs, dented cans, and old utensils. Their ceramic pieces are rooted in nostalgia and irony, celebrating the beauty in imperfection.

What makes Candy Relics stand out is their ability to blur the lines between art, design, and utility. The Ceramic Pop Can Pipe isn’t just for show—it’s a fully functional piece that honors both past and present.

Why the Soda Can Design Is So Genius

There’s something uniquely satisfying about the shape of a crushed soda can. It’s casual, raw, and full of texture. Candy Relics took that emotional association and ran with it. The ceramic version feels like a real crushed can but offers something more permanent, more intentional.

It makes you pause. You look twice. Your brain says, “Wait, is that… a pipe?” And then it clicks. That moment of surprise is the magic of good design.

This piece isn’t just for smokers or collectors. It appeals to design lovers, pop culture fans, and people who appreciate tongue-in-cheek art that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Craftsmanship That Surprises You

Each pipe is made using mold casting techniques, where actual crushed cans are used to create molds. Then the forms are poured in ceramic slip, fired, glazed, and finished by hand. The end result? A hyper-realistic soda can with subtle imperfections that give it life and authenticity.

The glazes often mimic the shiny surface of real metal, complete with soft gradients and slight discolorations—just like a can that’s been kicked across the pavement or tossed in a recycling bin.

Despite its playful appearance, the Ceramic Pop Can Pipe is built to last. It’s durable, dishwasher safe, and heat-resistant.

A Statement Piece for the Coffee Table or the Shelf

Let’s be honest—it’s not just about function. This is the kind of object that starts conversations. Place it on a shelf, a side table, or even in your kitchen, and watch how people react. It’s unexpected, a little rebellious, and totally cool.

Whether you’re using it or just admiring it, it challenges the idea that everyday things are disposable. The crushed soda can—usually a symbol of waste—becomes a symbol of craft, care, and creativity.

Perfect for Gifting (or Keeping for Yourself)

Looking for a gift that’ll blow someone’s mind? The Ceramic Pop Can Pipe is ideal for friends who appreciate design, art, and quirky humor. It’s unique enough to impress even the pickiest of creatives, and functional enough to be used in daily rituals.

Even if you’re not a smoker, it’s the kind of piece that adds personality to any room. It whispers rebellion and creativity, without being loud or pretentious.

A Commentary on Waste and Value

Underneath the humor and clever design, there’s a deeper message. By transforming a disposable object into something handmade and cherished, Candy Relics is asking us to rethink the way we consume and discard.

What happens when we slow down and take a closer look at the things we throw away? Maybe, just maybe, we’ll find something worth saving. Or even celebrating.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Pipe

The Ceramic Pop Can Pipe by Candy Relics is more than just a quirky reinterpretation of a soda can—it’s a thoughtful, artful nod to nostalgia, design, and sustainability. It surprises, it entertains, and it makes a statement.

Whether you’re a fan of vintage design, a collector of modern art, or just someone who appreciates clever craftsmanship, this piece earns its place in your space.

It reminds us that art doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful—sometimes, it’s hiding in the most ordinary things… like a crushed can.