A friend of mine uses tin cans with votives for outdoor lighting in the summer (the reflection of the light on the tin makes for a good glow). We like this iteration too: pastel color painted tins used as instant pencil holders. Easy enough for even the DIY averse. See below for details.
Above: Dip dyed cans via Frkmayasloft.
Carefully peel off the label of a tin can and make sure to completely remove the glue bit where the label is attached. Dip the tin into a can of your favorite colored paint and set out on wax paper to dry.
Above: Here are a couple of pastels from Olympic to try: Parchment Paper (L) and Pale Petal Pink (R).
For the pastel-color inclined, here's another DIY project: Pastel Painted Chopping Boards. See more of our Pastel Posts.