Make Art From Altered Coffee Cans
Easy Craft Project Suitable For Children
Kids and art go hand in hand, so why not introduce some recycling lessons in with your mixed-media art projects? Let's recycle a coffee can into art.
Altering objects is a lot of fun for children, especially when it can be used for something else later on. For this mixed media altered art project, the ability to introduce lessons in recycling will also be possible. Explain to each child what you will be recycling, why it is important to recycle, and what would happen to this item if it was not recycled.
For this mixed media altered art project, you will need the following materials:
- Empty coffee can that has been cleaned and dried thoroughly (the lid is optional)
- Decoupage or gel medium
- Paint or sponge brushes
- Small containers of water
- Construction paper, assorted colors
- Stencils
- Collage items (magazine cut-out’s, etc.)
- Scissors or craft knives (Note to children: for your own saftey, you must has adult supervision to use the craft knife.)
- Acrylic paint, assorted colors
- Feathers and fun fibers
- Embellishments (eyeballs, buttons, charms, etc.)
Follow these simple instructions to create this altered coffee can mixed media art project:
- Using the stencils and construction paper, create many different cut-out’s for each child. If you are using a craft knife rather than scissors, be sure to perform this step for younger children.
- Using the collage items and what was cut from the stencils, create layers over the outside of the coffee can. Ensure a strong hold by using decoupage or gel medium on the entire back of each piece before affixing it to the can.
- Create blobs, splatters, and small pictures using the acrylic paint. This will also work directly on the can’s surface if it has not been covered completely with stencil cut-out’s and collage materials. Allow the paint to dry completely. Speed drying time through use of a heat gun or hair dryer.
- Embellish the can further using the rest of the embellishments, feathers and fun fibers.
- Create a strong seal by adding a layer of decoupage or gel medium to the entire outside of the can. Other options include spray fixatives or brushing on some shellac.
Other ideas for altering this coffee can:
- Add foam letters spelling out the child’s name or what is going to be placed inside the can.
- Create a photo reproduction of the child to decorate and affix to the can.
- Use sculpting clay to create interesting shapes or a handle to affix to the coffee can.
That is all there is to creating this mixed media altered coffee can. These cans are great for container gardening, holding treasures, or as a paintbrush holder. Let your imagination run wild when creating this pieces of art with your children.
