http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/metal-crafts-45/ Crafts, Projects and Ideas, holiday craft projects, kids craft ideas. Free arts and Crafts for all ages. en 60 enlighten/misc/rss.jpg http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/metal-crafts-45/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/metal-crafts-45/decoupage-country-can-craft-project-191/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/metal-crafts-45/decoupage-country-can-craft-project-191/ Clean the soup can. Using a drill, make two small holes1/4 inch below the top of the can opposite each other. This is where you will attach a handle.

Spray 2-3 coats of spray paint on the outside, inside and bottom of can. Let paint dry between coats.

After the last coat of spray paint had dried completely, paint the top and bottom rim of the can with acrylic paint. Allow to dry.

Cut pictures from fabric, magazines or photocopies.

In a small dish, pour 3-4 tablespoons of craft glue. Add a few drops of water to make the consistency of paint. Paint the glue on the can in the area you wish to add a picture. Place the picture on the can and smooth it with your fingers. Repeat with the other pictures, arranging them any way you like. Let dry. Note: while you are allowing the pictures to dry cover the dish of glue with plastic wrap.

Paint a thin coat of glue to the entire outside of the can. Allow to dry completely. Add 2-3 more coats of glue, allowing each coat to dry completely before adding another.

Cut a length of craft wire 2 times the length you want your finished handle to be. Wrap the wire around a pencil, leaving 1 inch on each end straight. Remove to make a twisted handle. Put each end of the wire through the holes and bend up to secure in place.

Take a 10-inch length of several pieces of raffia and tie in a bow to the handle. Trim ends.]]> Sat, 24 May 2008 14:57:10 Metal Crafts Metal Crafts cupcake en http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/metal-crafts-45/how-to-make-a-tin-can-luminary-190/ http://crafterscommunity.com/crafts/metal-crafts-45/how-to-make-a-tin-can-luminary-190/
You might want to freeze a couple more cans then you think you'll need in case you make a mistake and have to start over again.

After the ice has frozen, take the tin can from the freezer and tape your design to the can. I used packing tape, but you can also use duct tape. The tape won't stick to the cold can, but you can wrap the tape all the way around the can so it will stick to the paper.

If you don't have a design on paper, you can also draw a design on the can freehand with a permanent marker. You can also just punch the design freehand without drawing it first.

Lay the can on a folded dish towel so the towel will catch the ice chips that try to escape. It will also hold the can in place. Using the hammer and nail, tap holes around the border of your design, trying to punch holes evenly and not too close together. You want a simple design so that when you see only the holes in the can you will be able to tell what it is!

After punching the holes, remove the paper and tape and admire your design. It is really so easy! If you plan to hang your luminary, also punch two holes at the top of the can. You can make a handle out of wire (from a craft store) or a wire coat hanger.

Place the tin can under running warm water to melt the ice. Dry the can with a towel and place a votive candle in the bottom. You will need a long lighter or match to light the candle.

To further decorate your tin can luminary, you can spray paint the can any color you wish. Be creative!

This is a great family project. Just make sure kids have adult supervision while using the hammer and nails. Have fun!
About the Author
Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, organizing tips, home decorating, crafts, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com]]> Sat, 24 May 2008 14:54:00 Metal Crafts Metal Crafts cupcake en