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Young House Love » Favorites » Turning Soup Cans Into Sweet Pop Art Pencil Cups

| By Sherry Petersik | September 14, 2012 | 277 Comments

Turning Soup Cans Into Sweet Pop Art Pencil Cups

Come on, could I pass up a chance to include this SNL clip? The answer is no. No, I couldn’t. In other words: soup, there it is.

Anyway, I’m beginning to think that Friday posts should be called Fast & *Almost* Free Projects since we had Sir Butterfly last week and now we have a little soup can craft that I did in honor of my good friend Andy Warhol (ok, so we’re only besties in my mind…). How cute are these guys holding some of Clara’s drawing supplies on her desk? The colors make me permasmile.

turning-soup-into-pop-art-pencil-cups

The first step was grabbing four of the limited edition tomato soup cans that Target is currently selling in honor of my buddy Andy. At 70 cents a pop, this entire project cost me $2.80 (since I already had the only other material I used on hand, but we’ll get there in a minute). First I emptied my cans of tomato soup into glass tupperware so as not to waste it (it’ll be lunch for the next few days, haha):

Soup 1 Emptying Cans

Then I carefully rinsed them out, doing my best not to soak the labels with water (slow and steady, baby). I let them dry out a bit upside down on a towel and even dragged a paper towel around the inside of each one to make sure no water was hiding in there.

Soup 2 Wiping Dry

Then it was cork templating time. Wait, maybe I should explain that a bit more. The reason for the cork was because each of the cans has an odd little edge about a quarter of an inch down from the top of the can. So while the top lip of the can isn’t sharp at all, there’s that little metal lip about a centimeter beneath it that I worried could result in Clara cutting her hand if she put it into the can and yanked it out quickly. So I did the safety-first mom thing and decided that by making a little cork liner for each can, it would completely cover that little edge that’s a smidge lower than the smooth top lip. The key was making sure the cork was tall enough to go over that lip, so there’s no way a little hand (or tongue, or toe) could rub against that part anymore, because the little cork “sleeve” would extend above it. I actually used a paper towel to make a template, like this:

Soup 3 Fitting Paper Towel

Then I used my paper towel template to cut some cork rectangles of the same size:

Soup 4 Matching Cork Piece

I used old cork squares that I had (leftover from this project) to create the long rectangles that could be gently curled (don’t be too rough with them or they can crack) and slipped right into each can.

Soup 5 Sliding Cork In

Voila. A little cork liner to keep anything from being sharp (they also look pretty charming, like those old cork-lined pen holders of yore). And the cork is super stuck in there once you get it in, so it’s above Clara’s skill level to somehow wedge it back out, which is nice peace of mind for a paranoid momma like myself.

Soup After Close With Cor

So that’s my little $2.80 Friday project. Don’t they look cute next to Clara’s little crayon-truck masterpiece?

Soup After Full Desk

Here’s hoping Clara grows just as fond of my BFF Andy as I have after years of studying him along with my other artsy friends like Klimt, Vermeer, Renoir, and Toulouse-Lautrec (FIT, represent – we were required to take a million years of art history, and only now do I appreciate that).

Any other fast and almost free projects going on this Friday? Any fun weekend plans? Any favorite artists? Oh and since I’m sure folks will ask, those awesome stick-like colored pencils are from a local shop here in Richmond called Mongrel. Since Clara’s three favorite “toys” are rocks, sticks, and sand, I couldn’t resist…

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Comments

  1. Avatar for AshleyAshley says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    Last week, I looked at those cans and said aloud, “I want those…I want to do something with them. I just don’t know what.”

    Thank you…it’s time to go back to Target :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for MeganMegan says

      September 14, 2012 at 4:17 pm

      I did that same thing!!! Target has been so much awesomer lately!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 4:57 pm

      Amen! I just saw the new decor stuff last night and had a momentary freak out. So awesome!

      xo
      s

  2. Avatar for HaileyHailey says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Omg. Thank you for informing me that they are selling these there! I am going to go today to pick up a few for myself! And great idea, so very cute :)

    Reply
  3. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Love it!!!!!!!

    Reply
  4. Avatar for DianneDianne says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    I imagine Miss CLara will LOVE her new canisters! Part of the fun is taking out and putting back (or maybe NOT putting back).

    You studied at FIT?! Our daughter would love to study at FIT.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

      Yes I loved it! I was a general fine art major the first two years and then did an advertising design concentration to graduate with my BFA as an art director.

      xo,
      s

  5. Avatar for Leah K.Leah K. says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Great idea!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for MaryLeaMaryLea says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    Adorable and very appropriate for art supplies!! Love!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    SO smart! We have a can opener that doesn’t make a sharp edge that rocks-so I can eliminate one step. ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      These cans are those pull top kinds (like cat food) so the lip is where the peel top rests. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Emily R.Emily R. says

      September 14, 2012 at 3:38 pm

      Maybe you could still open the can with your opener even though it has a pull top.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 4:58 pm

      Ooh, never thought of that. Anyone know if that works will pull tops?

      xo
      s

    • Avatar for DavidDavid says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:16 am

      I agree… you can use a can opener to remove the little bit of metal from pull-top cans. I had a few of those I’m turning into a project that’ll be used by young hands and I made them kid friendly with my can opener.

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 21, 2012 at 10:22 am

      So smart!

      xo
      s

  8. Avatar for TempestTempest says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:39 pm

    Did you think of modge-podging the outsides of the cans so the labels don’t get ruined? I have a two year old myself and i know they probably wouldn’t last too long without some sort of protective coating :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 12:43 pm

      So smart! I thought about wrapping clear plastic around them to cover them, but mod podge is awesome!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Tracie@MiddleClassMod[email protected] says

      September 14, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      Mod podge is a way better idea than spray polyurethane, which was my idea. Love the soup cans!

    • Avatar for JuliaJulia says

      September 14, 2012 at 7:07 pm

      That was totally my thought. Or cover them inside and out with no voc poly. That would make some super-sturdy totally toddler-proof pencil cups!

  9. Avatar for Heather / ItHeather / It's So Suburban says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    That’s awesome! I bought some of those cans last week but hadn’t decided what to do with them. AND I just happen to have some of those stick pencils that I found at Marshall’s that are looking for a home. I’m way to excited about this, obviously.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for HilaryHilary says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    Awesome! And thanks for including the JT clip! I’m biased because I sort of am obsessed with him, but I think he is top 5 beat SNL host ever! Hilarious!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Laura MLaura M says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    I love Toulouse-Lautrec :) I’ve been going to art museums since I was little but only recently started appreciating my mom taking me there! Certainly helped in my art history classes!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for annabelvitaannabelvita says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    Those are so adorable! I hope they sell that design over here (I’ll have a look). I made a sweet (haha) pencil pot out of golden syrup tin: http://annabelvita.com/2011/03/17/did-you-know/

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      So sweet!

      xo,
      s

  13. Avatar for Rebecca @This Nest is BestRebecca @This Nest is Best says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    I bought four and am planning to use them on our (future) kitchen display shelves as decor, but this project makes me think I should pick up more for some craft work! So cute!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for JennJenn says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    Those are rad! You are so clever with the cork! I would have NEVER thought if that.

    Reply
  15. Avatar for JasJas says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    They are super cute! Love the colors, muted goodness!
    Not to be the one to point out typos, but it’s Klimt, one my favorites too ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for JasJas says

      September 14, 2012 at 12:54 pm

      Clearly I can’t say anything about typos! One *of* my favorites!

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:06 pm

      Ack, typos are the bane of my existence. Haha!

      xo,
      s

  16. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    That is SUCH a great idea! And adorable I might add. Now showing off (more or less the lack of putting away!) my pens and pencils won’t be such a terrible idea!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for Chelsea @ ridingescalators.blogspot.com/Chelsea @ ridingescalators.blogspot.com/ says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    LOVE the retro look! And love JT. And Friday… And weekends… And coloring. Does painting rooms and front doors count as the adult version of coloring? :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:12 pm

      Haha, yes!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for Chelsea @ ridingescalators.blogspot.com/Chelsea @ ridingescalators.blogspot.com/ says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      Whoops! Forgot to include my fast-and-almost-free project in my over-exuberance to declare my love for Fridays and JT… who I have loved since high school. In fact, as part of this retro-themed Friday, I may need to go back and visit the Bye Bye Bye video!

      Fast and Almost Free Project:
      http://ridingescalators.blogspot.com/2012/09/maybe-bigger-really-is-better.html

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:54 pm

      Looks great!

      xo,
      s

  18. Avatar for JenniferJennifer says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    My almost free project…baby leggings…just needed some colorful fun knee socks ($3ish) I already had the cute baby legs! http://refreshandrepurpose.blogspot.com/2012/09/baby-legs.html Happy Friday!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:11 pm

      Cute!

      xo,
      s

  19. Avatar for HeatherHeather says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    Well, it looks like I’ll be going to Target today. Thanks for the inspiration. So cute and cheery!

    Reply
  20. Avatar for A Wife and her CarpenterA Wife and her Carpenter says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Also, just for anyone interested in purchasing the colored pencils–who don’t live near Richmond–I have also seen them at anthro and TJMaxx. TJs actually has big ones and little ones.

    LOVE the can idea! Fun, inexpensive, and creative :)

    Reply
  21. Avatar for KayKay says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    Justin Timberlake really needs to give up his music/acting/whatever career and join the cast of SNL.

    In other pertinent news, I will be doing this project immediately!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for AmberAmber says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    Thanks for posting this! I saw these cans at Target earlier this week and ogled them for a few minutes before my fussy toddler interrupted my plans for what I could do with them. :)

    Reply
  23. Avatar for JennaJenna says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:48 pm

    What would you recommend to seal the paper on the outside? My 2 year old would have the most fun peeling the paper off instead of coloring! Do you think mod podge would work the best?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:11 pm

      Yes that sounds awesome! I would test it on one first to make sure it dries flat and doesn’t bubble or get wavy. It should be great!

      xo,
      s

  24. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    Thats’s poptastic! Sorry I could t help myself:)

    Reply
  25. Avatar for RandaRanda says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    So fun!! Did you get the twig pencils from Homegoods? I saw them there a few times and was mighty tempted, though I really don’t need them for our home. Finally got a pack to gift a friend. Somehow I can justify things when they are gifts. Ha ha! :)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      I found them at a local shop called Mongrel, but can’t believe I missed them at HomeGoods!

      xo,
      s

  26. Avatar for EmilyEmily says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:50 pm

    Thats pop-tastic!!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for Amy PAmy P says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    I’m glad I’m not the only one that saw these and wanted to do something with them! They are adorable!!!! My friend thought I was weird when I mentioned I wanted them for decorating!

    Reply
  28. Avatar for StephanieStephanie says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    I LOVE this! I love Andy Warhol! I love tomato soup!
    *Quietly slips out the door to Target…*

    Reply
  29. Avatar for MegMeg says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    I did the same thing with the soup cans minus the cork. By the time the third kid came the need to baby proof everything had faded away. Cork is a good idea though, the cans are a bit sharp for little ones!

    Reply
    • Avatar for MegMeg says

      September 14, 2012 at 12:55 pm

      Our fast and almost free project of the week was a balance board: http://www.timandmeg.net/?p=3998

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:09 pm

      Fun!

      xo,
      s

  30. Avatar for RonicaRonica says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    Love it! I got some, too, but left them full and put them up on the soffit in my kitchen where I have a little collection of Americana-y kitsch kitchen things that make me happy (vintage tins from groceries, lunchboxes, gumball machine, smurf glass, etc.)

    I would second the mod podging. That will protect them and it could not be easier. Contact paper would be harder to do, but this will soak in and they will last a long time.

    Reply
  31. Avatar for TannisTannis says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    I have been looking at these cans! I want them but I’m not crazy about tomato soup. :/ I’m so torn! Haha!

    Reply
  32. Avatar for SuniSuni says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! So funny, I have these cans at home and was trying to think of something to do with them because they are just so dang cute.. and well now I know!!! Guess who’s going to buy cork on her lunch!…this girl. Thanks!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for DanaDana says

    September 14, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    Ahh, thanks for the JT clip! Made my day. :)

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Andrea Melberg ThompsonAndrea Melberg Thompson says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:01 pm

    Just a thought, would a thin coat of ModgPodg help the labels last longer, or wreck it???? and cause it to bubble.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:04 pm

      I love the idea but would worry about bubbles too. Might test it on one and report back!

      xo,
      s

  35. Avatar for Anna-LisaAnna-Lisa says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    I looked for these at my Target yesterday and they weren’t carrying them! I’m so sad. I should never have moved to a small town, haha.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for Sarah KSarah K says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    Great use of these adorable cans! I’m sure Clara will love them and they bring a pop of sophistication to the Clara corner! How awesome. I love the idea of modpodge over the labels to help preserve them!

    My most recent project wasn’t exactly free (it came in at $31) but it filled BIG blank spot on our wall, so I think it’s a pretty good price tag. You can check it out here: http://ournextgreatadventure.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/canvas-art-done/

    Sarah

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:13 pm

      Sweet score!

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for StaceyStacey says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:05 pm

    I, too, adore Andy Warhol! He’s my all-time favorite artist. One of my prized possessions is a copy of Interview magazine that he autographed. I’m also lucky to have ‘met’ him…TWICE. The first time was at — of all places — the Duran Duran concert at Madison Square Garden in March of ’84! He was walking past me and I thrust out my hand and said, “it’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Warhol”. He gave a light touch to my hand and said, “thanks”. I about died!!! A few years later, I saw him on a street corner in SoHo and did the same thing w/ the same result. I consider myself VERY fortunate to have met one of my idols. Most people don’t get that opportunity.

    Love the pen holder idea! I’m definitely going to pick up some of those cans so I can do something fun with them in my home!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:05 pm

      Wow that’s amazing!

      xo,
      s

  38. Avatar for heather s.heather s. says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    Marshall’s, TJMaxx and HomeGoods all have those colored pencils that look like pieces of wood. I think about buying them every time I’m in one of those stores but have yet to do so. ;) I’m in love with the cans – I’ve been wondering what else can be done with them since the labels are awesome.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      So cute! Clara loves them.

      xo,
      s

  39. Avatar for JulieJulie says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    The cans are adorable, but I’m loving the “twig” colored pencils! Where did you find those???

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      They were from a local shop called Mongrel but we hear HomeGoods has them too!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for JulieJulie says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:21 pm

      Thanks! I actually thought I’d give Amazon a whirl and there they were… with Prime free two-day shipping! Gotta love Amazon! :)

    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:52 pm

      Aw thanks Julie!

      xo,
      s

  40. Avatar for Audrey PAudrey P says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    I’m seeing mod-podge, cork, and tomatoe soup in my weekend…

    Reply
  41. Avatar for ReenieReenie says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:17 pm

    Love those can colors…. I must go get some. And I’m in need of tomato soup since I just cleaned out my out-dated things in my pantry. So cute!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for LisaLisa says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    Love it!

    Today is my due date, so my project this weekend would be to hopefully have my baby and not be too far past my due date :)

    Reply
  43. Avatar for Katy @ The Non-Consumer AdvocateKaty @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    Very cute, those soup can are beyond amazing. (The soup itself? Another story.)

    And It’s not “fast and free,” but I did just blog about my custom drawer organizer, which was “slow and free.”

    http://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/2012/09/organization-geeks-need-not-go-broke/

    Katy

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:53 pm

      Love it!

      xo,
      s

  44. Avatar for LesleyLesley says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    Being one of Andy Warhol’s BFFs, you know that he was an agent for MIB when he designed the soup can, right? If you are unfamiliar with this plot point in the vast history you studied.

    Watch Men in Black 3 – I will never look at his designs again without wondering… The idea of that and all models actually being aliens makes me howl, an nod my head like it all now makes sense.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:52 pm

      Haha so funny!

      xo,
      s

  45. Avatar for ErinErin says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    I just did the same thing with those sweet cans (sans cork)! Those cans are too dang awesome not to be showcased as something functional and decorative.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for HollieHollie says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    I love this idea–thanks for sharing! I work at an art museum and these would make such cute containers for my pens, pencils, etc.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      September 14, 2012 at 1:51 pm

      I love that!

      xo,
      s

  47. Avatar for JohannaJohanna says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    Ok, I LOVE those cans!!!! I will definitely be going to Target this weekend :)

    Reply
  48. Avatar for JanaeJanae says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    I like how you said “in honor of my buddy Andy” like you knew him in a past life or something lol!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for Caitlin @ Desert DomicileCaitlin @ Desert Domicile says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    So cute! I grabbed a set of 4 of those cans last week and they’ve been sitting in my pantry ever since. This is such a cute idea though so they may come out of hiding this weekend!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for how2homehow2home says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    I havent seen these cans around yet! I need to get myself some of those quick time :) Cute project!

    Reply
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