CAN't Plan for Christmas too Early

One last submission to the Iron Crafter Competition. Tin can lid ornaments.

I saw these in the first (I think) issue of Mary Jane's Farm magazine. My Mom has the issue.

When I decided to make these I looked on the internet for instructions. Not much to be found. The only thing I found was what appeared to be a scan from an old craft book (say sixties or seventies probably - it had instructions for making an entire Christmas tree from fringe tin cans). So, I winged it.

These are pretty simple. I didn't make a pattern for these I just make them up as I went a long.

Start making cuts that divide the lid into quarters without cutting all the way through it. Make as many additional cuts as you want for the segments of your decorations. Then it is entirely up to you. You can fringe it or you can just shape it.

One thing the old book said that I found true is quick snips cause the tin to curl and slow snips tend to lie much flatter.

Use a pliers to curl and shape the segments.

If you want to stack layers just use a good adhesive. If these are intended for indoors only, hot glue will be fine but if you think you want to hang them outside (I want to use them for outdoor decorations this winter) use a more durable adhesive.

Drill a hole or use a nail to punch a hole for the hanger.

A set of three tin snips (one for straight cuts, one for right turn cuts, and one for left turn cuts( can be bought at Walmart for under fifteen dollars.

Use proper safety precautions. Leather gloves are often recommended when working with tin.It is also wise to make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.

While I am showing what can be done with can lids here are some recent juice can lid gift tags that I made.

And while I am at it a some favorites from the distant past.

The first one. These are made with lids for juice concentrate, double=sided tape, and microbeads.




For my sister A.

I made these for my sister R, the one to the right is supposed to be taken as a joke, not literally.


I made these two for my MIL. The teapot says cherish and the two teacups say share.



 




Check out my collection of Tin Can Crafts for inspiration!!