Where has Mod Podge been my whole life.   This stuff is super cool.

You can transform anything into a crafty project with Mod Podge.   My grandkids wanted pencil holders so we did this crafting project together.

Supplies:
Clean Aluminum Can – example, an empty can of green giant corn
Paper, Printer, Scrapbooking or Paint program (or Scrapbook Paper)
Paper Cutter
Scissors
Compass
Ruler
Mod Podge
Toothpick
Paint Brush

Free knitting patterns – Choose from apparel, baby, throws and more!

Remove the label and the sticky glue from the aluminum can. Wash and let it dry completely.

Pick the pattern you want for your project. My grandson picked this pattern from my scrapbook program, Scrapbook Factory. You will need two 8 1/2 x 11 sheets for this project.

Make a fresh pitcher of tea because this will be the first of many projects because this stuff is fun !

Measure the can and cut your pattern. Cut one rectangular piece for the inside, another rectangular piece for the outside and 2 round pieces for the inside and outside bottom.

Add an extra 1/4 inch to the outside pieces to overlap and cover the top and bottom edges of the can (this I learned from experience).

The rim from a mason jar works well as a pattern for the inside bottom. For the outside bottom, add the 1/4 inch overlap allowance. Use a compass to get a nice circle.

The pattern pieces are all cut out with the extra 1/4 inch allowance for the outside pieces.

Use a toothpick to hold the pieces of paper while you “paint” the Mod Podge on the underside of all the pieces except the rectangular piece that will go on the inside body of the can.

Insert the inside bottom piece in the can and use the ruler to guide it down into place.

The rectangular piece for the inside was a bit tricky. The first time I put the Mod Podge on the paper and tried to guide it in the can. DO NOT DO THIS ! Another lesson learned as I went along.

Instead, using the paint brush, coat the inside of the can with the Mod Podge then guide the paper down into place. Again, use the ruler to gently smooth the paper around the inside of the can. Be patient as air bubbles tend to form as the Mod Podge dries. Work them out before you proceed. And be gentle. The wet paper will tear.   Reapply Mod Podge to the edges, if necessary, to be sure they are completely glued down.

I learned all these lessons as I went, the first one was a little challenging but it got easier as I learned about these little snags. Hey, it’s only a mistake when you make it twice, the first time it’s a learning experience, right !

For the outside pieces, you can just apply the Mod Podge directly to the paper then guide it into place gently working out any air bubbles. Bend the top and bottom outside allowance over the top and bottom rim, respectively, and use the Mod Podge to seal it down

On this project, we printed a separate label where it says “Joshua’s Pencils”. This is up to you whether to add it directly on your original print or to make a separate label.

I must add, my grandson designed the text and design himself on the label.

To finish it off, using your paint brush, “paint” a layer of Mod Podge on the outside to seal it off and give your project a finish. Mod Podge comes in Matte, Gloss, Glitter, Glow in the Dark…lots of options. The Mod Podge is amazing in that it even seals the edges so that you cannot even tell where the edges meet.

On the outside coat of Mod Podge make your paint strokes as even as possible for a smooth finish.

We made both of these in about an hour.

Have fun and be creative. I have several Mod Podge projects I am itching to try. I will share them as they roll out.

Happy Crafting !

Check Out Mamaw’s Corner on Facebook