My First Tutorial: Cashew/ Peanut Can 1:6 Scale Table

Tutorial: Cashew/ Peanut Can 1:6 Scale Table 

I  was finishing a can of cashews and almost threw away a table. Given my limited funds I used what I had lying around to make this nifty and versatile table, and decided to share the "how" part with all of you! (^_^)

Supplies Needed:

 *1 Cashew/Peanut Can with the label removed. (Preferably with a solid colored lid.)

*Modge Podge or Craft Glue that you can brush on smoothly

*Sponge brush or paint brush

* Scissors

*Measuring Tape

*Hot Glue Gun with 1 stick of glue

*Poster board in the color of your choice. I chose black. 

*Craft Paper with or without patterns/designs. Make sure it isn't thick and can be bent easily.

Let's Begin:

First you need to measure the can you chose.

**Keep in mind you can use different sized cans for this project.**

The surface of the can I chose measured a little over 12 1/2 inches around. 

I went ahead and rounded up to 13 inches. 

Then I measured the height of this can's surface to be slightly over 2 1/2 inches. 

**Note: Make sure to measure with the lid off and measure between the metal lip on the top and bottom (the brown area) for an accurate height.** 

 We will be applying the black poster board (or the color you chose) to the base of the can to increase it's height.  The can shown in my pictures was a little on the short side (in my opinion).  I decided I only wanted to elevate it by 1 inch.

Above you see the 1 inch strip after it's been cut, but it's still too long.

 So, using the earlier measurement of 13 inches, cut it's length down. 

You will want an over lap for the base of the table, as it makes it sturdier.

Now, once you cut the strip down, you can choose to wear it down to add some texture as I did above (mine is the bottom strip).  I just took the strip and worked it around my finger as though I were trying to get it to wrap into a round or curled shape. But you can omit this step if you want the solid strip. Again, it's a preference. (^_^) 

You will need to fire up your glue gun for this next step. **Be careful!**

I used high heat, because the cool metal cools the glue on low setting too quickly.

Leave a small non-glued area in the back at the edge for the overlap I mentioned earlier.

Then, begin putting a 1inch strip of glue on the inner metal lip (not the outside or the metal won't show.)

I do NOT recommend putting a ring of glue all the way around the can and then trying to glue in your poster board!

Notice in the above shot that I just placed glue every 1 inch or so, pressed the poster board in place, and repeated that until I got to the back overlap. 

When you reach the overlap in the back of your table, glue the pieces together using a small drop or strip of hot glue and pres the pieces together.  This is the stabilizing step I mentioned earlier.

Your table should look something like this: 

Now we will move on to covering up that awful cardboard...

Do these next steps with the lid off.

I chose to use Modge Podge to adhere the decorative paper to my table. But you can use Elmer's glue or craft glue (brush it on), or even clear box tape (but it isn't as smooth or permanent). I don't recommend using hot glue or just squirting the craft glue on, as it will look lumpy and bumpy.

Modge Podge is thick, which is why I chose a sponge to spread it on.

My decorative craft paper was only 12 inches by 12 inches, so it won't be long enough to wrap completely around the can but that isn't a problem. So, I will go ahead and cut the proper height, which is a little over 2 1/2 inches. (Yours may measure different.) 

As expected, it's too short, so I'll have to adapt. I highly recommend you wrap your measured piece around the can to insure it fits evenly between the top and bottom of the metal.

So, to make up for my paper shortage I cut a piece of my decorative paper the same height and about 1 1/2-2 inches wide. **Remember to glue this on the back where your poster board overlaps.**

 I thinly applied Modge Podge from top to bottom. Make sure to quickly wipe the excess glue (if any) off the metal. 

For our final steps we will be gluing on the large piece that was cut to fit around the cardboard of our can/table. 

Place a thin coat of your chosen adhesive from top to bottom at the back 1-2 inches wide

Then, smooth out the paper over your glue. Make sure to stay between your metal pieces. 

Repeat this step every 1 to 2inches. 

Applying large amounts of glue around the entire can may result in air bubbles and/or lumps.

When you reach the back, apply glue the way you did at the beginning, and smooth out your paper while remembering to wipe away excess glue from the metal. 

The back should now look similar to the above picture. 

If you notice a little space, where you don't have paper, at the top of your can (like mine on the upper right in the above picture) don't worry about it. If it's just a slight miss the lid will cover it. (^_^)

A shot of the front. ALL DONE! (^_^)

OTHER USES:

*For storage if your can doesn't hold a peanut smell.

*You could increase the height and use it for display in a doll shop.

*Leave it this height and place a doll mannequin on it for dramatic display. 

A couple more shots of the finished table in use...

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Keep in mind that you can make this project unique to your own vision. 

Change it up, and stay CREATIVE!! (^_^)

-Cat of A Doll Affinity