gma2rjc

MATERIALS YOU'LL NEED:

A pull tab can with a bottom that can be opened with a can opener.
Smooth edge can opener (the kind that doesn't leave sharp edges on the lid)
Cardstock or construction paper tall enough and wide enough to cover your can
Paper cutter or a ruler to draw a straight line and scissors
double-sided tape
Pen or pencil
Stickers (optional)
Ribbon (optional)
Candy or other treats to fill the can

The size of can you use is up to you, as long as there is a pull tab on the top to open it. Tip the can upside-down, so the pull tab is on the bottom.





Open the BOTTOM of the can (the end without the pull tab). Once you've gone all the way around the lid, carefully lift it up. If it doesn't come off easily, run the can opener around it again. The lid has to stay perfectly flat, so you don't want to have to pry it off.



Pour the contents out into a container and remove the label. Thoroughly wash the inside of the can and the lid that's been removed and dry it. There will be some ugly stuff around the rim of the can and the inner edge of the lid. This probably won't wash off as it is the adhesive that held the lid on the can.



Set the lid aside, you won't need it right away.

Hold the paper against the top edge of the can and mark a line on it where the bottom edge of the can is. Cut the paper.





cont'd

__________________
May your troubles be less.
May your blessings be more.
And may nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

gma2rjc

Wrap the paper around the can and mark it where it is overlapped by 1/4" to 1/2". Cut it where the mark is.



On the back of the piece of paper, run tape along all four edges. You can also put a few strips in the center of the paper.



Wrap the paper around the can and press the edges so that the tape sticks really well.



Decorate it to your liking. You can use stickers, but it's also cute when the kids draw on the paper before you add the tape on the other side. The way you decorate it and the materials you use are only limited to what your imagination comes up with. Rubber stamps and beads are fun to use.



Prior to decorating it, you can spray paint the top of the can if you want to.

Fill the can with whatever you want: candy, gift cards, snacks, money, etc. But not anything liquid, unless it's in its own container.



To replace the lid, you can use one of several kinds of adhesives. I used Glue Dots, but anything that dries quickly and will hold the two pieces of metal together permanently will work.



This is with the lid (now the bottom) attached. You can see the old adhesive a little bit. A ribbon glued around the bottom rim will cover that.



Note: If you are going to use a liquid adhesive to hold the lid on, anything edible inside the can should put be inside of a plastic baggie.

Cont'd

__________________
May your troubles be less.
May your blessings be more.
And may nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

gma2rjc

I added some ribbon to the tab, just to decorate it a little bit. A big bow on top would look nice too.



I wish I could give credit to whoever it was years ago that thought to cut the bottom off the can and keep the pull tab on, but I really don't know who he/she is.

One fun thing about giving someone one of these is watching them examine the can to see how you put something in it without pulling the lid off. Remember - you don't have to tell them. Always keep 'em guessing!

__________________
May your troubles be less.
May your blessings be more.
And may nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

Nathan

Congrats Barb... looking forward to seeing everyone's designs.

gma2rjc

Thank you Nathan! I can't wait to see what everyone else does too.

Good luck everyone!

Remember, if you don't have a paper trimmer or keep card stock and stickers around, you can decorate this ANY way you want.

Barb

__________________
May your troubles be less.
May your blessings be more.
And may nothing but happiness
Come through your door.

Lee

Wonderful idea!

UndrThTblNDrumng

I love this idea... I just don't have the right kind of can opener. I look forward to seeing what others make though

__________________

mamakaty

Congrats Barb!! I want to try this one. I don't have the right kind of can opener, but I believe my grandmother does. "Hey, can I borrow your can opener?" LOL. Seriously, I want to try this -- too cute!!

__________________


Sorry if I'm not online much...playing with the new baby has cut into my computer time!! If you need anything, please send me a PM and I will try to get back to you soon! Have a great crafty day!

tlag1986

I so love this idea!

Angela

I have the right kind of can opener, but when I took a quick peek at the grocery store I didn't see any cans with the right tops! Well, except for cat food, but I'm not using that!:sick:
I'll look more thoroughly on Thursday.

Barb, do you think hot glue would hold the bottom on?

__________________
Angela ~ Mom to two great girls (18 & 13) ~ Novice at many different crafts ~Master of none
~ But I have fun trying!!! ~

I'm also blogging about my crafting. I'd love to see you there. Please visit Crafty Distractions and say hello.

My daily project was completed on January 25, 2012, but you can still visit my blog The Daily Turtle if you would like to see my adventures making or photographing a turtle every day for a year.