Category: Crafts

Can Purse

Soda Can Purse

Supplies Needed:

  • Soda Cans
  • Stapler & Staples
  • Purse Template
  • Knife & Scissors
  • Ruler
  • Copier
  • Naugahyde or Similar Fabric
  • Glue
  • Wire
  • Nail or Hole Punch

Step 1 –
Trace out a purse shape (including the handles) onto paper, you just need the two large sides. Then, on the template draw squares & rectangles within the purse outline using your ruler.

Step 2 –
Next, number each square & rectangle shape and make a copy of the paper. Cut one of the drawings up, so now you have a bunch of numbered shapes. The other sheet will serve  as a master copy of how the shapes went together.

Step 3 –
Then, take a bunch of soda cans, clean them and cut the tops & bottoms out of them with a knife and then regular scissors. When complete you will end up with sheets of the aluminum can.

Step 4 –
Trace the cut out shapes onto the cans. Then cut out the shapes leaving about quarter on an inch (maybe 5-7 millimeters) edge. To make it easy, write the corresponding number on each piece. If you are using a variety of sodas, make sure to think about the color combination and layout when you are cutting out pieces. Then folded the edges under, to hide the sharp edge of the can. You can use a ruler to help you.

Step 5 –
Next, arrange the shapes back into the purse template and use a stapler with regular staples to join the can pieces. You want to make sure the stapler can reach each piece to connect it, so be sure to begin joining the cans together from the middle and work your way out. Remember, the can pieces are not overlapped but side by side.
soda can purse side view
Step 6 –
For the bottom and sides of the purse, created one long strip of soda can pieces.

Step 7 –
After you have all three pieces of your purse, trace out the purse shapes onto naugahyde, or some sort of vinyl or pleather would probably work fine, just as long as its durable. Then, glue the material onto the soda can purse shapes.
soda can purse close up
Step 8 –
Then take a small nail and punch holes at regular intervals around the edges of the purse forms. Then take wire and lace all three pieces together.

Now, you’re ready for a night out on the town!

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Ocean in a Bottle

Here’s a science project that doubles as a fun craft. Create your very own ocean waves in a plastic soda bottle. Display for all your friends to see!

What you’ll need:

  • Empty two liter plastic bottle with lid
  • Clear vegetable oil or mineral oil
  • Water
  • funnel
  • Blue food coloring
  • Small star fish, shells and other sea creatures
  • One tsp glitter
  • White craft glue
  • Hot glue

How to make it:

  1. Wash and dry two-liter bottle and remove all labels
  2. Fill bottle halfway with tap water
  3. Add a few drops of blue food coloring and swirl around to mix
  4. Add glitter
  5. Add sea creatures
  6. Fill bottle the rest of the way with vegetable oil using a funnel
  7. Be sure that rim and cap are dry, then apply white craft glue around the rim. Seal cap.
  8. Use a layer of hot glue around the outer edge of the cap for added protection from leakage
  9. Turn bottle on its side and gently rock the bottle to create a “wave” inside your ocean habitat!

Tips:

  • Use lightweight starfish, shells and other sea creature toys that can float. Test them first in a bowl or glass of water. Find these at your local craft supply store or discount department store.
  • Make the ocean any color you choose! Blue is standard of course, but if your child’s room is decorated with red and yellow, go with red food coloring. There’s no rule that says your ocean must be blue.
  • Small children will be mesmerized by this creation. They can help make this every step. Let them insert the sea creatures, hold the funnel and help add the tap water. In the steps that may be more difficult for little fingers, have them hold the bottle steady for you while you add the glitter.

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