Paint the Can Red

Paint the Can Red

Fresh YQR

Fresh YQR

Fun Crafts for Kids

Winters in Saskatchewan are long and cold. We’re always looking for something to pass the time with the kids on those chilly days and frosty nights. Here’s a fun craft you can do with things you can find around the house, and they’ll make great gifts, too!

You’ll Need:

  1. Clean tin cans with the labels removed or terra cotta plant pots (your local craft or hardware store will have pots)
  2. Markers
  3. Acrylic paint
  4. Paint brushes in a few sizes
  5. Cups for paint colours and water
  6. Gloss Clear Spray Paint
  7. Beads and ribbon (optional)
  8. Glue gun (optional)
  9. Newspaper or a cheap tablecloth
  10. Paper towels

 To prepare your cans, we recommend a good cleaning with hot, soapy water to remove any labels. Dry them well inside and out. 

Cover your workspace well with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. Pour paint into cups and have a cup of water for cleaning your brushes. Use a paper towel to dry brushes between cleanings.

Draw your designs onto the tin can or pot with a marker. Have fun and be creative. You can choose holiday motifs, flowers or whatever you like. Using the acrylic paint, paint your design onto the can or pot. Let dry well. 

Once dry, spread newspaper outdoors and place your cans or pots on the paper. Spray each can on all sides with the spray gloss paint. Let dry well.

Once dry, you can add more decoration if you like. You can attach beads with a glue gun, tie on pretty ribbons, or wrap around some yarn or twine. Have fun and use your imagination!

Gift Ideas for Your Can

For the gardener – tuck seed packets inside and wrap along with a small bag of potting soil or a small trowel or plant a succulent inside.

For the sweet tooth – fill with wrapped candies and chocolates.

For the spa lover – tuck in a bag of bath salts and a small bottle of lotion.

For the artist – fill with art supplies like paint brushes, markers, pens or pencils

For the homebody – fill with glass beads and a taper candle

Another Idea:

Using your acrylic paint, paint smooth rocks. Let dry and spray with gloss paint. They are fun to tuck into the toe of a stocking, and perfect for the garden in the spring.