I'm sure that many of you with school-aged kids have either heard of or have kids that own at least one of these Rainbow Looms. My two youngest boys each have one and I am constantly finding their creations all over my house. They ran out of room in their storage cases for their bracelets and other things they have made. After making cookies one day, I had an empty oatmeal can and an idea. I generally like to recycle or re-purpose almost anything that I can. It's who I am. Why should I pay a ton of money when I can make something AND give a new purpose to something that would normally go in the trash. It's a win-win. I save money and it's easier on the environment! So here's this week's tutorial for the oatmeal can-turned loom band storage can...
To get started you will need:
~1 oatmeal (or any clean, empty can with a resealable lid)
~ One 12"x12" piece of scrapbook paper (your choice of style)
~Adhesive (I used a refillable scrapbook runner adhesive because it's what I have and am used to)
~Washi tape that matches your design
~1 Chalkboard Label (I found mine in a $1 bin at my local craft store!, Score!)
~Embellishments of your choice. Have fun with it!
To get started you will need:
~1 oatmeal (or any clean, empty can with a resealable lid)
~ One 12"x12" piece of scrapbook paper (your choice of style)
~Adhesive (I used a refillable scrapbook runner adhesive because it's what I have and am used to)
~Washi tape that matches your design
~1 Chalkboard Label (I found mine in a $1 bin at my local craft store!, Score!)
~Embellishments of your choice. Have fun with it!
First things first, measure the height of your can and cut your scrapbook paper accordingly. My paper was unable to go all the way around so I cut a smaller piece for use in the back of the can.
Note: You are measuring just under the lip where the lid is so that you are still able to freely take the lid off and on once your project is finished.
Here are my two cut out pieces. You don't have to be so specific with width on the smaller piece, just as long as it will be wide enough to cover the gap that the larger piece does not.
Next, start adding adhesive to the smaller of the two piece of paper. Don't be stingy on the adhesive here. Remember that kids will be handling this, so it has to be child-proof. I have 3 boys, so I used a LOT of adhesive. Also, you don't have to use scrapbook adhesive. Any glue or spray adhesive should work as long as you smooth out any wrinkles that liquid glue can cause.
Go ahead and stick that first smaller piece on. Make sure that the top end of the paper gets either beneath or under the top lip where the lid fits over.
Now, add adhesive to the larger piece of paper. If your chosen paper has a pattern, try lining it up as best as you can so that the gap is easier to conceal. After you put the paper on, run your nail along the edge of the top to gently push any paper under that lip.
Time to start working on the colorful lid! I didn't get as creative as I would have liked with mine. I have 3 boys and I wanted to make something they would actually like and use.
For the lid, I used the Washi tape to make a pattern on it. This was my first time working with it and I wasn't sure how it would be. It turns out that it is really easy! Only thing I would suggest when working with it is to keep in mind that it is slightly transparent, so make sure you are happy with how it will look if you choose to use it on patterned paper.
To put the tape on the lid is easy. Simple but strips of tape that are big enough to cover the inside circle of the lid. (My particular lid has a raised edge here).
For the lid, I used the Washi tape to make a pattern on it. This was my first time working with it and I wasn't sure how it would be. It turns out that it is really easy! Only thing I would suggest when working with it is to keep in mind that it is slightly transparent, so make sure you are happy with how it will look if you choose to use it on patterned paper.
To put the tape on the lid is easy. Simple but strips of tape that are big enough to cover the inside circle of the lid. (My particular lid has a raised edge here).
After getting a few piece on, your project should look something like this. Continue until your lid is filled. I chose to alternate two different patterns, but you could certainly do one pattern, so a brick-style pattern or a herringbone type pattern would be fun too. Experiment and try different things until you find what you like!
Once you have your entire lid filled, it's time to get rid of the excess tape around the edges. I took one side of my scissors and carefully ran it along the groove of the lid. An X-Acto knife would be great here too, but use what you have. Be careful to not use too much pressure, as the tape may come off or tear. If you mess up, like I did, just remove that piece of tape, apply a new one and remove the excess again.
Your finished lid should look something like this. Yay! You're almost done...hang in there!
Now for creating your banner. I cut pieces of the Washi tape to approximate sizes. You don't have to be exact. A little bit of imperfections adds character. Simply lay your string, or in my case, twine in the middle of one piece of tape and fold it over on itself. I spaced mine approximately 1/4" apart from on another. Then, after I was satisfied with the length of my banner, I trimmed the ends of each banner so they were nice and even. Then I made two diagonal slits in the bottom of each to give it a "banner" look. Easy-peasy.
Take a deep breath, you're almost done! Now, decide how you would like to have your banner held up. I just happen to have some mini clothespins left over from our previous project so I went with that rather than having to buy something else. All I did was cover each one in the same Washi tape and trim off the excess. Stupid camera insisted on taking a fuzzy picture.
Lastly, attach your banner using your attachments of choice and stick your chalk board sticker on. That's it! I did mine in under 20 minutes. Great project for the kids to help or even do themselves. And best of all...no more of those bands ALL OVER THE HOUSE! Go crazy with this project and add your own touches to it. I would love to see what everyone else comes up with.
Take care and craft on!
Take care and craft on!