Crafts For Less

Transform a metal peanut can in to an attractive Mothers Day gift by simply recycling.  Not only will you be giving a new life to what would normally be a “throw – away” can once the peanuts are done, you will also be creating a compact and fun storage gift giving idea for just peanuts. 

A peanut can is the perfect size to store small gift items in.  What I love about recycling the peanut can is the beauty of what the can looks like once the wrapper is removed.  What I am referring to is the shimmering metallic finish on the outside and inside of the can (no need to gift wrap). Secondly it comes with a removable clear plastic lid that will serve another purpose in this project.  Supplies you will need:

1 Metal peanut can – For this project I choose a small peanut can 1 Small piece of felt – I choose a pink color 1 Ceramic wine bottle stopper with a cork base – I chose one in sage green and white that has a grape design painted on the top that I purchased at Michael’s craft store for $1.00 1 gift tag – I choose a pink and white pot a dot one to add contrast. 1 package of decorative self adhesive backed rhinestones – I choose sage green. Adhesive glue stick Dishwashing soap Black fine point writing pen Utility Knife Craft scissors

Step1 – Remove outside wrapper from peanut can and thoroughly wash the inside of the can using dishwashing soap. Dry can and set aside.

Step 2- Take your plastic lid and set it on top of your felt.  Using a writing pen trace around the base of lid creating a circle.  Next take your craft scissors and cut out the circle, repeating the step and cut out a second circle, but this time you will also be cutting out a smaller circle by tracing around the bottle stopper.  Once the circles are cut out,  fold into quarters then cut along the edges to create a scalloped edge which will resemble a flower. An alternative would be to use craft scissors that have a built in scalloped edge.

Step 3 – Take your ceramic wine bottle stopper and position it on to the top middle section of your plastic lid. Next using a pen draw a circle around the cork base.  Set bottle stopper aside and using your utility knife carefully cut out the traced circle from your plastic lid. Note: Be sure to cut the circle just a little bit smaller than what you traced.   This is so the wine bottle stopper will fit nicely  without falling through the lid opening.  Next pull cork base through the center opening of the felt circles allowing only the ceramic part of the bottle opener to show by pulling the top felt piece up, creating a flower.  You are now ready to attach your lid back on to the metal can.

Step 4 – Apply adhesive glue to the back of one of your cut out felt circles and apply it to the top of the plastic container.  Repeat the same step to your second felt circle and apply it to the top of the first piece of felt.

Step 5 – Using your fine point pen, address the gift tag writing the words “Happy Mothers Day”. Next, apply adhesive glue stick to the back of the gift tag and apply to the section of the can where the previous glue was applied to the original paper wrapper.   Very important, hold gift tag until adhesive sticks to metal container – approx. 1-2 minutes on each side.  If gift tag starts to come off, apply more adhesive and hold firmly in place until gift tag is secure.

Step 6 – Apply decorative adhesive backed rhinestone round the container to add sparkle.  Finally remove plastic lid and fill with your favorite gift items.  Be sure to check out my upcoming  Snowflake Silver Metallic Christmas Peanut Can.

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