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Cans can be beautiful

Convert old cans into thoughtful gifts and cute decor with supplies you likely already have in your home! Before tossing those tin cans and soda cans into the recycling, reuse them as canvases for creating candles, vases, terrariums and for holding all the things we treasure!

Now during the stay in place orders of COVID-19, it's hard to get to the store to shop for gifts and even art supplies are in short stock! But people still have birthdays that need to be honored. Teachers, neighbors and friends appreciate small random acts of kindness left at their door step. Kids need things to do wile they sit at home. So this meant getting creative with unconventional supplies that I already had in my home. So I cooked a huge pot of chili. One advantage of cooking chili, is that it creates loads of cans to play with!



Soak the cans in hot soapy water, to wash away food residue and so that the labels peel off easily. Using pliers or a small hammer, knock down any jagged edges left from the can opener, so that you don't cut yourself.




Soda cans work well too. Use a can opener to remove the lid, rinse and dry!



Chalk paint works really well, although acrylic paints are good too, if that's all you have on hand. 1 layer of chalk paint looks a little shabby, but if you're planning to cover the whole can with paper, prints or gift wrap, then a single layer is sufficient.




After 2-3 coats of paint the can is already looking brand new! Dry between each layer.




Next you'll need the following supplies:


  • Mod Podge

  • sponge brushes

  • napkins/ gift wrap/ prints/ stickers/ contact paper

  • water

  • paper towel


Apply a layer of Mod Podge with a wet sponge brush.

Rub your sticker/ napkin/ print onto the wet surface.

Immediately apply another layer of Mod Podge and smooth out any bubbles with your fingers.


Allow the can to dry.

For a smoother finish, paint on a final coat of Mod Podge.


Accessorize with ribbons, raffia or string.

Plant a terrarium.

Insert a tea light.



Use as a container for your art supplies, pencils, pens and stationery.


Create a poured candle with a wick and some soy wax.


Or just tie on a pretty shape!


Go through verses, magazines, prints lying around collecting dust and convert them into can art.


It works in all sizes!


Or just spray the clean cans with hammered metal spray to create a vintage look!



So many options. So little time! Or a good excuse to cook another batch of chili for all your neighbors and friends!


These pretty decoupaged cans become so useful to have on hand when you're looking for a thoughtful gift to give someone.


Gift ideas:

  • Fill it with water and fresh cut flowers or herbs from your yard. Add a label and a ribbon. Leave it on the porch for someone who could use a pick-me up.

  • Or fill it with soil and plant a succulent.

  • Place a dozen pencils, brushes or markers into it for teacher appreciation, with a hand written note by your child.

  • Fill it with gravel and add a tea light for a quick candle.

  • Use it as a tip jar for all the coins and loose change you find in the house.

  • Pop in some kisses or chocolates as a sweet treat for your sweetheart.


How will you use your jars?



#threeandme #cans #tincans #decoupage #gifts #recycledart

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Reviews

Created. Enjoyed. Reviewed ...

Had the most fun tonight with an amazing instructor and many wonderful friends! Three & Me out did themselves with beautiful presentation and amazing craft that I am excited to display in my home! I look forward to another opportunity to craft with Three & Me in the future!

Camas, WA

What an amazing experience! Claire is an incredible instructor and makes these projects so fun and truly easy for those like me who are not artsy! She is extremely organized and everything is so well thought out and ready in advance. I can hardly wait to take more classes in the future. I would highly recommend Three & Me!

Angela H.

Camas, WA

I just went to my first Three & Me workshop. It was a wonderful experience. Claire is a warm hostess and an excellent instructor. Making everyone feel engaged and successful. The materials are top notch and every detail is well thought out. It’s a great escape for a personal creative moment or a fun way to connect with friends and family while expressing your inner artist.

Camas, WA

Such a fun string art class tonight! Claire is a wonderful instructor and everything was so beautiful; the display, the art, the examples, the supplies, the snacks! So fun!

Camas, WA

This is truly a fun night out! Claire's instruction is helpful, humorous and fun! I love how she allowed us options to be creative and put our own twist on our projects. There is a lot of attention to detail with the set-up, supplies and refreshments which did not go unnoticed.  I can't wait for the next project!

What a fun evening! Claire has thought of every detail and guides you step by step through the whole process! She is such an encourager and makes you feel like you have just made a masterpiece! I highly recommend her classes! I can't wait to take another one!

Camas, WA

I had such a fun evening! Three & Me had everything presented beautifully and organized in a way that made it easy to follow along for those of us that aren't necessarily crafters by nature! Thank you for a fun night!

Courtney H.

Camas, WA

Thank you Claire Houlding for an incredible night! It was so much fun creating with Three & Me!

Hollen F.

Camas, WA

You all did such a great job! Claire Houlding what a fun thing you are starting in our community! Love it. So fun to be there tonight!

Jennifer B.

Camas, WA

I craft a lot at home, but doing crafts in a class with friends is so much better. THREE & ME makes it so easy to do the things I am interested in, without having to find the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own. I've just booked my next ladies night with Claire! I can't wait. 

Vancouver, WA

Tonight, a bunch of lucky ladies got to craft along side one of the very best. Claire's heart, is hands done one of the very best and those of us who were there got to create something amazing that we will proudly display in our homes. Many laughs and much fun was had by all. I highly recommend one of Three & Me classes to anyone in the area! Spread kindness around like confetti!!

​

Lana E.

Camas, WA

Art is not my strength. I don't have a creative bone in my body. So I came to a workshop because my friend made me... and I made something I now love. I was expecting to sit and watch, but landed up getting fully involved! My husband and kids don't believe that I made it myself. I'm coming again and I'm bringing my sister... she's even worse at crafts than me.

Alyson S.

Washougal, WA

We had such a fun girls night out making Christmas signs. Claire did a wonderful job explaining what to do and they turned out great! We are all looking forward to more events!! Thank you!

Kristine A.

Camas, WA

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