PagesPat's Ponderings

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Valentine Surprise Project


When you were little, didn’t you often wish that the can of vegetables your mom was opening for dinner would contain something better, like candy or cookies? Well, you can surprise your Valentine this year with just that! Pictured above is an “unopened” can with a pop top ready to spill a sweet treat for your loved one.
Start with a can that has a pop top on the lid. Turn it over and using a can opener that cuts the side of the can, leaving a smooth edge (like Tupperware or Pampered Chef offers), cut the bottom off the can. Empty the contents and wash and dry thoroughly.
Now the fun begins. Using patterned paper, stamped images, embellishments and ribbon, decorate to your heart’s content. I used a Sugar Nellie image and colored her with my Copics. I then carefully cut her out. I used a bright red polka-dotted patterned paper from a DCWV stack to cover the can. I then cut three strips of paper in ever-widening lengths to run around the middle of my can. I adhered my image onto the strip. I then decorated the can with conversation heart foamies, and added adhesive-backed heart jewels all around. Finally, I added a sticky jewel to the top, and tied ribbon and fibers to the pop top.
Now, what is your sweetheart’s favorite treat? It doesn’t matter, as long as it fits into the can! I placed Hershey Kisses in my can, because it’s going to my granddaughter and they are her fave chocolates. When your can is full, reseal the bottom onto the can using Liquid Glass from CTMH, or some other liquid crystal product.
Other uses for this project:
When my nephew graduated high school, I gave him his “unopened” can and when he opened it up, he was amazed to find a fifty dollar bill inside (he keep asking me how I did it).
I made treat cans for my daughter’s birthday party and stuffed them with chocolate coins and gave them as favors. With my son I stuffed the cans with gummy worms and the boys at the party went crazy!
I also decorated a can for a fellow crafter and filled it with small
embellishments.
School nurses can use extra bandaids and such; teachers can use treats or school supplies like paper clips and fun erasers; anyone and everyone will love the treats and the surprise factor with this fun Valentine project!
What are you going to fill yours with? Leave me a comment by the end of the weekend on how you’re going to use this idea and I will pick a random winner to send a sweet treat to. Have fun!

4 comments:

Diane said...

What an awesome idea! Love it...I do believe I will try this for my grandchildren for Valentines Day and fill with M & M's. Thanks for the great idea Pat!

Donna Clark said...

Pat that is a very clever idea ! thanks I will see if I can come up with the cans in time if I can I will make for the kids for V day. If not will make them one for their birthdays..

Melisa Marie said...

Pat, that is an AWESOME project!! Thank you for sharing. I really like it. I think the only thing I'd do differently is to load that pull tab up with TONS more fiber. LOL I'm a fiber freak and love using it. :)

I would love to do this for my valentine partner (mailing her package monday) but I don't have any liquid glass or anything like that... can I use quick dry super glue? it has a VERY thing applicator on it.

Thanks for sharing.
Melisa Marie

Linda W. said...

You know I've seen this and never tried it. So you inspired me for this Valentine's Day. Hubbie loves M&Ms - they will pour perfectly from the can! Thanks Pat!