Here’s another oldie, but goodie, project I completed when I was stamping years ago. It’s not my original idea, but I haven’t seen it recently, so I thought I would give this upcycling project a revival for Halloween.
Do you have any of the small fruit cans with pop lids in your pantry? Instead of popping the lid off next time you tear into one, flip the can over and remove the bottom with a smooth-edge can opener (mine is a Pampered Chef can opener, but there are tons of smooth-edge openers on the market these days). Pour out the contents (don’t waste them – they are delicious and nutritious) and use that can to make a personalized gift for your friends:
Here’s how I did it:
- I cut the bottom off the can with a smooth-edge can opener. Do you feel like you’ve heard this step before? Not one to waste, I took a break from stamping to delight in my can of fruit cocktail.
- I decorated my can with Pumpkin Pie card stock, a tag from the Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit (the backs of the tags are colorful and cute) and the witch from Toxic Treats. I’m not providing you with the measurements because every can will be different. Hint: Sticky Strip is a great adhesive to hold the paper that’s wrapped around the can. That stuff is strong!
- I made a personalized 1-1/2″ x 1-1/2″ greeting card to go inside the can. Put this in first so it’s the first thing the recipient sees when they pop the lid. Here’s the front and inside of my card:
- Fill the rest of the can with candy. As long as you properly washed the can, you could fill the can with jelly beans or M&M’s. I chose little chocolate candies because that’s what I had nearby.
- Sealing the bottom back onto the can is simple! Crystal Effects is a perfect sealant for this type of project. Just apply some to the edge of the “lid” and press it back on until it’s dry. See? I told you it was simple.
So…what have you learned today? Here’s a quick summary:
- Eat fruit. It’s good for you.
- Upcycle your pantry. It’s good for the Earth.
- Tell your friends about stampwithbrian.com. It’s good for them.
Stamp sets: Toxic Treats Papers: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Tag from Ghoulish Googlies Designer Kit Inks: Basic Black Accessories: Sicky Strip, Crystal Effects, Labels Collection Framelits
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
You’re a Genius! I’m going to Pin my first stampwithbrian post! Love it!
Yay!!! Post ’em all, Patti! I’m in a van on the way to Chatahoochee.
A van really. You deserve something a little more Hip! Have fun People! Hi to everyone in the Soccer Van! 🙂
Not only do I love your project (how clever!!), but I love your comments! Your sense of humor is wonderful!!!!
Great idea! Thanks for sharing how easy it is 🙂 Now there’s no excuse for me not to try it… lol
I just love this idea. Now if I could only figure out how to work my Pampered Chef opener I’d be good to go..lol. Thank you for sharing:)
Oh Brian…..you did it again!!!!! What a clever idea, I do have those little cans of fruit, I buy them for the grandkids but now, I will start opening them like you said and saving them for the Halloween rush here. I think the kids will get a kick out of this!!!!! Thank you for the idea.
Maria.
PS. I will tell my daughters to do the same and give me, GIVE ME all of those cans. You are indeed a clever and resourceful guy.
Love it!!
So cute! I can think of all different holidays and occasions to use this idea. Your photography is great because I FELT LIKE I COULD REACH THROUGH THE SCREEN AND GET THAT SNICKERS BAR. I `m going to go open up that can of Vienna Sausage and see what I can do with that . I feel like I have a vacation Bible school project to pursue…Fun ! Fun ! Will check back later to see what you all are adding.
Brian, did you realize that if you turned the letters of your name inside out, your name would be Brain? I mean, really. What a great noggin you have! What a clever idea! Not only are you SOOOOO talented, you make me laugh EVERY time I read a post! Thanks for this great idea, and for your wonderful sense of humor! It’s a great start to my day.! Now, I am not so upset that I woke up at 4 AM and could not go back to sleep! 🙂
Forgot to say…. I’m in Arizona and it’s 5:57 am here…. (yawn)
Fabulous!!! I can’t wait to go buy some of these fruit cans and start decorating. The folks at work will think I’m a genius….I’ll let them think that for a few minutes and then ‘fess up’ that the genius is really Brian. THANKS for sharing this fabulous idea!
Oldie? I’d never seen this idea before…love it!!! Think of the fiendish fun you could have – fill the can with plastic bugs for a trick instead of a candy treat. Or use as gift packaging. I need to quit buying my fruit in those plastic cups and switch to these!
Because *I* am an oldie, I have seen this done before in the olden days, possibly back before the invention of Pampered Chef knock-off can openers. However, the panache with which you–as always–have delivered this project….well, it’s just THE thing to do now! Perfect! — Terri
Brian, are you back from Chatahoochee? There is a song by country singer Allan Jackson that is called “Chattahoochee”. Hope you had fun. I have 5 little cans already, Yippie!!!!!
Hey, Maria! I was asleep in bed at home by the time you posted this. It was a fun (although long) day in Chattanooga. The Alan Jackson song (I know it well) is about the Chattahoochee River that runs from North Georgia to South Georgia. Because I have lived in this general area my whole life, it never occurred to me that they have similar names. The Chatooga River is also a popular rafting river in the area. 🙂
OH! Congrats on completing 5 cans. They are fun, aren’t they?
Wow…what a great idea…thank you for sharing with us!!!
I loved your instructions for this treat can. I am very much enjoying your blog Brian very entertaining to read and learn from xx
Wonderful samples and information.