Directions for making altered paint cans

Altered Paint Can Directions:

Just go to a local paint store (mine was a Sherwin-Williams),
or a Lowe's or Home Depot and ask for empty paintcans.
They come in gallon size and quart (I think). The quart size
is a little bit easier to begin with, because they don't have the
handles to work around. But the gallons are cuter because of the
ribbons on the handle. Oh, and be sure to ask for the paint can
openers, too. They gave them to me for free. Pick up some Modge
Podge, (Wal-Mart carries it) I used the "lustre", but they also make a
flat or matte one, too.

Trim your paper to fit around the can, you will need a long
piece and a shorter one to fill the gap. (on both sizes, 12.x12 is
not quite long enough) Turn the paper over to the back and brush on a
thin coat of the mp. Stick it on the can, you have to work kinda
quickly here. Smooth it out as you go around. I put the shorter
piece on first and overlap the longer one over it. Let it dry! Don't
hurry it or you will get bumps in your paper, even if it looks smooth.
After it's dry (maybe 30 min.) Apply any stickers, rickrack, ribbon,
or other embellishments you want. Then brush another thin coat of mp
over everything. You can do multiple coats if you like, but you may
want to let it dry outside...it's pretty strong smelling. Use a
circle cutter or template to make a circle of paper for the lid and
apply it the same way.
On the gallon cans, I like to do three narrower strips of paper
on the sides. It makes it easier to work with. I made a template
from cardstock to cut the top strip around the handle, that way it's
easier to make more than one can. I've also spray painted parts or
all of the gallon can, and only added paper here and there. After the
mp dries, add ribbons, fiber, and rick rack to the handle. I've found
that the more different ribbons, etc. make it look better. Be sure
you make a matching tag to tie on the handle, and use ribbon to attach
the opener to the handle. These things are easy to personalize with
the recipient's name, grade level, whatever. I usually put some of
that shredded paper, that you can find in the gift basket section or
gift wrap section, inside the can. Fill it with goodies, or leave it
empty. Hope you enjoy making these as much as I have! Email me if
you have ANY questions, I promise - I don't mind! Have fun!