Thomas The Train Paint Can Decoration

Thomas The Train paint can decoration was so much fun to make.  This craft can be made in any theme and can be used afterwards.  So you can make a few of these and use them as centerpieces or as a theme table decoration.  Then after the event, use the cute cans to store things.  Your little one can store their favorite small trinkets and toys inside.  You can also use to store flashcards, blocks, puzzle pieces, cars, crayons, kids craft supplies, and so much more!

This is an easy decoration that you do not have to have great crafting skills to complete.  You just need to know how to cut paper, use a hot glue gun and tie ribbon.  You will spend more time picking your ribbon than making the decorated paint can.  I used foam letters and then decorated the letters with glitter for added dimension.  You will get tons of complements on this idea.  Others will probably ask you to make them one too.

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Supplies

• 1 gallon metal paint can with lid.  You can get on-line or at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes.  You can also do this project with pint and quart paint cans as well.
• 12 x 12 inch Thomas The Train or Train scrapbook paper in two patterns.  You can find on-line or at a craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
• 12 x 12 glitter card stock or solid card stock in red or yellow
• Foam letters (I used 1 1/2 inch in yellow and red)
• Flat back gems (I used red)
• Extra fine glitter (optional) – used to accent the foam letters
• Variety of ribbon in a variety of sizes of your choice – 1/2″, 7/8″, 1/4″, 5/8″, 3/8″
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Sharp scissors
• Mini glue gun and glue sticks
• Glue or Tacky Glue
• Lighter

 

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Directions For Thomas The Train Paint Can Decoration

• Do a dry fit of the scrapbook paper around the paint can. Then cut the paper to 7 1/2″ tall.

• Then glue the scrapbook paper to the paint can with Tacky Glue, a glue stick, or with hot glue.  Make sure the seams end up on the front of the can and not the side where the handle starts.   So don’t worry about the seams because you will cover them with an accent piece of scrapbook paper and card stock.  Add some ribbon to circle the can to add some decorative accent.  I used red 3/8″ ribbon but feel to use the color and size of choice.

• Next, cut 2 pieces of the red glitter card stock the length of the can and wide enough to hold the letters.  Approximately 7 1/2″ tall x 3 1/2″ wide.  Then with the alternate train pattern, cut 2 smaller pieces, approximately 7″ tall x 3″ wide.
• Then glue the alternate train pattern to the red glitter card stock.  Next add on the foam letters.  So if you are adding glitter to the foam letters, use regular glue and go over the letters and sprinkle with glitter.  Then allow the letters to dry before sticking the strip to the can.
• Now, add on each strip of the names over the seams in the front with hot glue.  So the name should be centered and not on the handle side.  Then glue the other strip to the opposite side of the can with hot glue.  Then add the flat backed gems to the 4 corners of the name strip.
• Next, decorate the lid.  Cut a 5 1/2 inch circle and glue to the lid with Tacky Glue.  Feel free to decorate the lid as well.  I added layer strip of train and cut out a “T” from the paper already used and then glued them to the lid.

• Next, cut ribbon strips approximately 10 1/2″ – 11″ long for all the ribbon spools you selected.  I cut about 5 strips for each type of ribbon. I used about 12 different types of ribbon.  So I cut about 60 strips.  Then cut angles on both ends.  If the ribbon frays, use a lighter quickly to burn of the frayed strings.

• Last, starting at one end, tie on the ribbon strip in the center of handle, so ribbon should be equal on both sides once tied. Repeat over and over, until the handle is covered in ribbon, alternating the various sizes and colors.
• It is done!  Repeat the steps if you are making multiple cans.

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