Recycling centers are also a good source for hunting down those colored tabs. While that had no basis in fact, many recycling centers have jugs carefully filled by hardworking entrepreneurs who left them in frustration at a recycling center after they discovered they were worthless, despite all attempts to convince the confused employee to the contrary. The new owners seem happy to unload them for a suprisingly reasonable amount. Yarn or maxicord, cheap as it may be, is probably not a good idea. The fibers aren't very tight, and unraveling could be a problem as the cord does lie against the rough edge where the tab was torn off the can.
Leather lace is also an option.
The suede lace from Wal-Mart may be good, but a top grain or latigo may work better. A strap cutter can be used to cut lace from any stiff leather you may have lying around. When working with leather,. remember the lace has to be long enough to go all the way around or you'll be tying big knots in the middle of each row. Removing tabs You don't want the little ring around the rivet that holds the tab on the can. Just get them off by flexing back and forth till the bit snaps off.