Creative Guest: ABC's In A Can Tutorial by Brown Paper Packages

Hello, Ucreate readers!

I'm Kierste, from brown paper packages, and I can't believe I'm here! I was thrilled when Kari asked me to be a guest blogger, because I'm a huge fan, and love coming to see all the fabulous projects highlighted here.

I have been excited to make this project for a couple of months now, and I'm so glad I can share it with all of you now. I just love to personalize things--I think it makes everything more fun! This project is no exception. It also has the components that are perfect for little ones...the thickness of the juice can lids is just right for their hands, and the clink when they hit the bottom of the can is sure to please. It's also easy to do, and can be finished in a day. What a fun gift!

Here's how I did it!

ABC's IN A CAN

ITEMS YOU NEED:

• #10 can (you could even use a formula can--they are a little smaller, but it would work)
• 26 frozen concentrate lids (My plan is to make more for numbers 1-10, so you would need 36 if you wanted to do this as well.)
• scrapbook paper
• 2 inch circle punch (this is optional, but makes it MUCH faster and easier)
• distress ink
• Mod Podge and foam brush
• ribbon
• hot glue gun
  
• drill

DIRECTIONS:

• Print the alphabet onto desired scrapbook paper. I did both upper and lowercase, using 2 different papers. The font is Century Gothic, sized to 100. I fit 8 of that size letter on a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper (I cut mine down from 12x12, since my printer doesn't accept that size), and it was just enough to cut the size of circles I needed.

• Using your circle punch, center each letter in the middle of your circle and punch it out. I LOVE this punch by Fiskars--it allows you to see exactly what you are punching out, instead of doing it blindly. If you don't have a circle punch, you can always use a glass, trace around the letters, and cut them out.

• Once they are all cut out, distress them with distress ink.

• Wash your lids well, then let them dry completely. Using a foam brush, apply Mod Podge to the bottom of the circle, then center it in the middle of the lid. Mod Podge over the top of the paper as well, and let dry. Once it's dry, you can repeat the process on the other side with the other set (lower or upper). Make sure you match up the letters on each lid--Dd, Ee, etc. **Because my boys' names don't have any repeating letters, I used the contrasting paper for the initials of their name. For example, the lowercase letters were done in the green polka dot paper, so for Jack's name, I used the cream paper for the lowercase j, a, c, and k. I did the same with Henry's name.

While your letters are drying, you can move onto the can. I cut two coordinating papers into strips---3.5 x 12 inches. This wouldn't quite go around the can, so I cut another piece 3.25 x 7.25 inches to fill the gap. On my can, this made the edges meet up exactly--you will want to measure yours to see if that's accurate. I then distressed the edges of my paper. Apply Mod Podge to the bottom of the can, and place your paper on the can, pressing firmly, then add more Mod Podge on top of the paper. Add the second bottom piece, making sure the edges line up. Repeat the process for the top pieces. Let dry completely.

After your paper is completely dry, you are ready to add any paper embellishments you like. I used the same letter circles to spell the boys' names--I loved the contrast of the papers. You could use also use vinyl, paint, etc. If you use paper like I did, use Mod Podge to secure it in place. Let dry.

Hot glue your ribbon around the can, where the two papers meet.

I used a drill for the slit on top of the can. I chose a thick drill bit (a little thicker than the thickness of the lid), and drilled two holes about 2.5 inches long--just a little longer than the width of the lid. Then I took a pencil and drew two lines--connecting the two holes, and forming a rectangle. You can then use an exact-o knife or razor blade to cut it out.

You're done! How darling and fun, plus educational...can't beat that!

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial today, and that you will come on by to say hi. I'd love to have you!

Thanks so much, Kari, for having me! I have so enjoyed it.

Have a great day!