Craftgirl

What you will need:

metal can cleaned and scrubbed ( I used a soup can)

scrap coordinating fabric (I used cotton, but you can use other types of fabric)

scrap ribbon (I used some vintage velvet ribbon, you will need about 12-18 inches of ribbon for the long lid piece and 12-14 inches for the bottom embellishments.) 

a scrap of quilt batting or fluff

2 vintage buttons

matching thread

needle or sewing machine (I sewed the first few by hand, but I highly recommend a sewing machine)

scissors

iron

tape measure

Now we are ready to begin, this is really fun and you could make this a girl scout project or get a bunch of friends together for the holidays.  We are hanging them from the tree this year with small gifts…

Take the can and draw around the bottom or top on cardboard for a pattern for your lid. 

Then we are going to take the metal can and measure the height of the can, the diameter all around the can or the length, and finally the diameter of the top of the can you are going to use your pattern and add 1/4 of an inch.  You are also going to add 1/4 of an inch to the length and 1 inch to the height of your can.

When cutting your pieces please remember you need four circles two for the bottom, (inside and out) and two coordinating fabrics for the lid.  You will need two pieces for the can itself using your length and width measurements.  One for the outside, and the other for the inside.  You will need a handle piece, it is going to be 13 inches long, and 1 1/4 inch wide.  

Now you are going to sew your handle piece (13 x 1 1/4)and iron it flat.  You want to make the seam facing your can so when you hang it up, it is not that noticeable. 

Then you want to take your cut out circle for the bottom, (I used fabric glue to attach).  You want to make sure that it is stretched tight, and that the rest of the fabric is pulled up onto the can.  You want this to be as seamless as possible.  If you need to make little cuts in the fabric to make sure it is smoothed out, that works too.  You will need to set this aside and let the glue dry for about 30 min to an hour.  You can take your remaining pieces and sew them together by hand or machine while you are waiting. 

I like to sew the outside first, this piece is going to be a tube that you will stretch over the can.  The bottom will need to be hemmed to sit right on top of the fabric bottom you just glued.  The top is going to fold into the can so you don’t need to worry about it.  (Note on this can I hand sewed it, and when hemming I sewed the ribbon right on to hide the stitches) 

The next two pieces are the inside and the circle bottom.  Now, there is much debate on this whether you sew the circle bottom first and then sew it shut or if you sew it shut and then try to sew the circle bottom.  It is really up to you, but the first works better for me.  You can also just sew it straight, but I like to be able to use the whole can.  Now this piece is going to be sewn right sides together and left this way.  You are going to drop it in the can “as is”

And now you are going to sew the top, I like to have a little flip top lid to keep the inside of the contents safe.  This is not a “have to” step, but I like it.  What you need to remember about this part is that you are going to sew the outside, right sides together.  You need to leave a hole to turn your fabric back the right way, as well as put a little stuffing or batting inside.  (Be careful not to over stuff or you will not like how the lid sits on your can)You are also going to attach some ribbon for the flip top lid as well as use your buttons.

To finish the lid, as I mentioned above you are going to take your lid, sewn, turned, ironed, and stuffed and stick your ribbon back inside the hole. (You want to make sure that your ribbon will go completely around the can to the other side.  So about 12-13 inches for a regular sized can)  You want to take it about half way through.  You are going to finish sewing it with the ribbon inside.  And to make sure it does not move around, I put two buttons one on the top and the other on the bottom of the lid, sew and lace them through each other so there are no stitches showing. 

Now lets get this put together, you want to start with the tube piece for the outside.  Take the can and start with the unhemmed side first.  You want to stretch the fabric over the can so the hemmed side is on the bottom covering up your bottom circle.  You can leave the remainder of fabric tucked down inside of the can.  (If you did not add your bottom ribbon when sewing this, add it now with fabric glue.)

Now you want to take the handle and attach it, this is why we added so much to the length.  You are going to take the handle and attach a 1/2 inch on either side to the remained of the material.  This has to be hand sewn, but it adds strength to the handles.  I then spread some fabric glue on the whole stitching just to make sure it is solid.  SEE NOTE BELOW…… While you are doing that you can set the lid on top of your can.  The ribbon from that needs to be glued all the way down to the bottom, across the bottom, and back up the other side.  You can then tuck it inside with the rest of your loose ends.

~BIG TIME NOTE~  When you are adding your lid to your can make sure that your handle and they direction your can opens are opposite.  Meaning you do not want your lid to open right where the handle is….

So now you should have everything attached, glued, dried, and waiting on the inside of your project.  This is my favorite part because I can see how well it has come together.  I also look it over for anything that needs to be adjusted, then I drop my inside piece in.  (Please remember the right side of your fabric is showing, and the other side is pressed against the can.) Now I use a little bit of stitching a fabric glue to hide all the stitches.  I have also made the stitches showing on some of my primitive designs.  I have clipped other sides down.  IT really depends on the design style of your can.  I have left some as is, and they stayed up fine with the other design elements.  Have fun with this part, there are many possibilities.  Don’t just stop there you can add additional embellishments.  Make them match your tree for years to come.. The can be anything you can dream of. 

 Now, I bet you are thinking that I was right on using a sewing machine, and this can be a lot of work.  Well, I thought the same, but we had so much fun.. And they were complimented so much we just kept at them.  They have been used for fund raisers, craft shows, and auctions.  I have been moving on to other ideas so this one will retire and become public.  I will still be making them on and off.

Some new designs for Valentines Day.  I have kept some of my designs just for me.  I have supplies at my website as well as 1/1/09 you will see some kits.  They are going to run about 1-1.50 with shipping.  www.onlineyardsalestore.com.  My web is open now, but Grand Opening is not until the 1st of January, it keeps getting pushed back.  But there are many things to see there.   They are a hit for slumber parties, and something to do on a rainy or snowy day.   

Thanks and keep an eye out for many more ideas, patterns, and recipes to come.  I will be adding many retired bath and body recipes here for those who have requested them.

Thanks and have a super holiday, be safe and cherish the small moments in life.  CATEE