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.
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):
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.
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:
Then I used my paper towel template to cut some cork rectangles of the same size:
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.
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.
So that’s my little $2.80 Friday project. Don’t they look cute next to Clara’s little crayon-truck masterpiece?
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…
bahaha this made me laugh, I bought 2 of those same cans a couple weeks ago and they are currently holding all of our pens. My husband gave me the weirdest look….
Haha I love it!
xo,
s
I’m so doing this! I hadn’t seen these before so I hope my target has them. so cute!
World Market also has those twig pencils in both the large and small sizes :)
Great tip!
xo,
s
Okay, as you can tell my email, I’m obsessed with soup. Our last name is Campbell and we have tons of Campbell’s soup stuff…I didn’t realize that target had these so will TOTALLY have to stop by on the way home from work today!! Thank you!!
Haha, so glad!
xo,
s
Perhaps you could fortify Clara’s love of Mr. Warhol with a delightful children’s book! It was written (and illustrated I belive) by Andy Warhol’s nephew. It looks quirky and adorable.
http://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Andys-Faabbbulous-Visit-Warhol/dp/0399238697
So cool!
xo,
s
Simple and so chic and fun. I love this project and can see a trio of cans in my office at work soon. :)
You had me at JT.
Awesome! I love this! It’s practically free and really cute – my kind of project. I’ve got to get to Target! Those cans are great!
So cute!
My fave artists are so varied-everything from Michelangelo and
Da Vinci to Pollock, Rothko and O’Keefe…and everything in between!
My most fave has to be my son, tho-here’s his latest:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/108908738/the-gondolier-acrylic-on-canvas
Wow, he’s awesome!
xo,
s
We bought a few of those cans last week but they’ve been sitting on the kitchen counter ever since because we’re not sure what to do with them quite yet. Though I do know we’re having grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner one night this weekend, haha. Love the pencil holder idea! So cute!
Aw thanks Ashley!
xo
s
Heh.. the first image totally had me thinking that the cans were all rusted and jagged.
Until I scrolled down and realized it was the cork and not an outbreak of tetanus waiting to happen. :)
Haha, thank goodness!
xo
s
OMG! Those are the cutest – I haven’t seen those cans yet but I will definately be looking for them
and THIS is why I pre-ordered your book…well, that and the mutual Oreo love :)
p.s. would love to get your take on the Pinstrosity website…have you had any Pinterest-inspired things that fell apart? http://pinstrosity.blogspot.com/ Since you guys are so honest about all your projects :)
Oh man, we’ve definitely made our fair share of mistakes. I’d say our string ball project was a good example of a pinstrosity: https://www.younghouselove.com/2009/05/if-at-first-you-dont-succeed-make-lanterns-out-of-bulb-covers/
xo
s
I love these “Fast & Almost Free” projects- especially on Friday! It’s a great way to get us inspired for the weekend!
Thanks!
Aw, thanks Amy!
xo
s
Is there anything that J.T. can’t do??? No. The answer is no. Haha! I love when he is on SNL. He’s made for comedy. Well this weekends plans will definitely have some soup can purchasing in it. Tonight however we are hosting a big dinner for some friends who have dropped far too many of the “We haven’t seen the house in aaaaages (ages)!” lines on us. Doing all that I can but remembering what you guys said: that friends will understand and enjoy the journey with you – sawdust and all. Have a great weekend guys.
My best, Lynn
Aw, I know it’ll be awesome Lynn! Have fun!
xo
s
Definitely going to Target today… these will make great makeup brush holders!
That’s cute!
xo
s
1. These are adorable!
2. I love your new bedroom layout/grey tones/headboard/etc. It’s perfect and it all goes together so much better than the previous layouts.
3. (And the real reason for my comment) I forgot when you guys were going to be in Huntington, but I’m a resident and Marshall student and I would highly suggest checking out the Shops at Heritage Station (near Pullman Square). They’re all locally-owned. Some of the gift shops have really cute stuff, and there’s also a vintage shop with not only old clothes & accessories but furniture as well! Also, on Friday nights, they have “Party on the Patio”, where they show an outdoor movie, have live music, and the shops are open late. Enjoy your trip up here! :)
Thanks so much! Sounds like so much fun!
xo
s
Adorable! I might have to make these babies this weekend! :)
Too funny! I actually bought these earlier this week to make a similar catchall for all of our art supplies. Great minds think alike, apparently! :)
Love that!
xo
s
Love this! Haven’t seen these soup cans yet…but…uh GOING to target today!!! love it
Cheers
~ Jillian
http://www.hersplitends.com
I wrote about how happy these cans make me last friday. love them! great idea, too. http://www.ilikebeerandbabies.com/2012/09/happy-friday.html
Love that post- so many other fun things too!
xo
s
Dang it! I walked past these yesterday and didn’t get then!!! Now I have to go back since I’ve been inspired :)
Do you guys have any suggestions on how to remove the labels from these cans for an art project but I don’t want to do any damage to the labels with steam and/or water
Hmm, anyone have an idea? I’d be tempted to take a super hot shower with them in the room and then try gently peeling them off (hopefully the steam would soften the glue in the back). Might be scary with the labels getting that steamy though. Anyone?
xo
s
I posted this (without reading other comments first!) I found the labels came off pretty easily — they were only glued on the edge where the “seam” of paper met. Possibly the warm and dry California weather helped, but it’s slightly stiffer glue than you might find on a mailer with a peel off label. They came off in one piece. Again, you have to be patient and careful.
So glad!
xo
s
1) Those are the cutest soup can pencil holders EVER.
2) Mmmmm tomato soup.
3) OMG Why have I never seen that Justin Timberlake SNL skit?
4) I just love Justin Timberlake so much. He is so adorable.
5) I have no idea why I numbered these.
1. Haha.
2. Haha.
3. Wahoo! It’s Friday!
I love when you guys get giddy with us.
xo
s
:) I forgot one!
6) YAY! A video I can watch at work! Non-YouTube videos FTW!
Haha, it snuck in there!
xo
s
My five-year-old daughter caught me watching this video clip and ran up (very distressed) and said, “Wait! Is that really HIM??” (meaning Santa, of course.) I replied, “Uh, no. Of course not. That’s just someone pretending to be him.”….long pause, and then she said, “Oh, whew. Good!”
Apparently, that geeky, lame Santa didn’t quite fit the bill in her mind either!
Hahahahhahahah!
xo
s
It’s funny that you should post this today. I just bought a Warhol print for my daughter’s bedroom last night! He’s been a favorite of mine since I was a kid.
Only you guys put pencils in soup cans and get 110 comments! I mean that in the nicest way possible. The blogger in me can truly appreciate that. Cute upcycle.
Aw, Looks sweet and good catch on the limited edition cans! Nice touch with the cork. I use tea tins for our pencil holders.
What a cute idea! I will definitely be doing this! Also, did you know that Pampered Chef sells a can opener that opens cans so that there aren’t any sharp edges?
I posted DIY Unpaper Towels today on my blog! They deff are easy to make and can help save money bc you can reuse them again and again!
http://notsoaveragemomma.blogspot.com/2012/09/nap-time-craft-time-easy-diy-cloth.html?m=1
I love that can-opener tip! These cans are actually the kind with the lid that peels back (like a can of cat food) so the sharp part is the lip that the flat peel-off lid rests on. Hope it helps! Oh and as for your unpaper towels – so cute!
xo
s
First of all, I LOVE this DIY because, little known fact, I am ALSO besties with Andy Warhol. Yeah, we’re really tight.
And I had no idea you went to FIT! So did I! That baaaaasically means we’re twins.
Haha, twinsies! What year were you?
xo
s
Oh my goodness! I love this! Thanks so much for the heads up that Target is selling these bad boys. I’m headed over there right now. Love me some cheap-o diy stuff.
Hey YHLovers!
I love those soup cans! Such an awesome (and cheap!) idea. I’d love to grab a few and turn them into ‘vases’ for some flowers by my kitchen sink!
I was perusing Pinterest yesterday and totally thought of you! Sorry if you’ve seen this already, but since it feels like you’re friends of mine I immediately wanted to share with you! Maybe for Burger’s next birthday party…
http://www.bakerella.com/fast-food-fun/
Haha, adorable! And totally worthy of a Burger bash in his/their honor!
xo
s
Really fun idea. I may make some for my own desk at work.
Here’s a puzzler for you and your readers … any clever re-purposing ideas for old trophies? I have two boxes of them from my oh so talented children’s exploits in soccer and swimming and pinewood derby car building. Both boys have grown and have no sentimental attachment to the accolades of their youth but I hate to throw all that plastic and marble into the trash bin.
I’ve seen them all spray painted a color (teal, lime, white, etc) for a modern look. Could make really fun modern book ends or items on a bookcase!
xo
s
Love the project! I’m surprised you didn’t put modge podge or something over the labels to protect it from toddler spills and coloring. Any reason why?
I actually didn’t think about it, but a few smart commenters did and I think it’s a great idea! I might give it a try on one (just to be sure it doesn’t make them pucker or bubble from the way they’re glued) and will try to report back!
xo
s
Your can update totally had me fooled. I thought those were really vintage cans. The cork looks like decorative rust in the pics. Very clever!
Aw thanks!
xo
s
FIT grad here too! Accessories Design! Woot!
Holla!
xo
s
I thought about framing them as art for the kitchen. Maybe too cheesy??
I love that idea!!! Send pics!
xo
s
Hi! This has nothing to do with your soup can post, which are super cute and colorful..but I saw this listing for animal tees on fab.com and thought you guys would think they were funny. Right up yours and Clara’s alley, even though they are frighteningly large and lifelike! There’s even a Burger-esque one! Enjoy http://shop.themountain.me/chihuahua-face/
Haha, it looks so real! Like the nose is coming out and everything!
xo
s
That is one of my all time favorite skits from SNL!! I love that one and the one with Christopher Walkin, “More Cowbell!”
I love giving everyday objects a new life too. I’ve reused an old icing container to hold my paint brushes. I just dressed it up with some scrapbooking paper and modpoge.
What an adorable idea! I am also happy to hear that my daugther isn’t the only toddler who’s favorite things are rocks, sticks & sand. I have to check her palms and pockets before we come in the house from our daily walks.
And acorns! She smuggled a bunch of those into her play kitchen the other day! It was hilarious! She was squirreling them away like a little… squirrel.
xo
s
Super cute!! I haven’t seen that SNL video before…. that was hilarious!!
Those cans are awesome! And thanks for posting the video, it made my afternoon hahaha!
Good tip to remember:
“Christmas isn’t about Santa kicking a Cup ‘O Soup in the croutons”. tee hee hee
Thanks for making me giggle!
Haha, it’s true!
xo
s
HAHA, just got busted watching the Soup There It Is clip at work!(i couldn’t contain my laughter, even from my enclosed office)
I didn’t even bother trying to pretend it was work, just showed it to the others – we all had a good laugh so THANK YOU for a perfect Friday afternoon distraction!
My plans this weekend? must.find.soup.cans.in.Montreal.
Brilliant project, I love Andy W!
Haha, so glad you didn’t get in trouble. It’s pretty hard not to laugh at JT in that outfit…
xo
s
OH MY GOODNESS!
i saw these cans yesterday and, of course, fell in love. Thank you guys for giving me a reason to purchase them. honestly though, who couldn’t use more vintage inspired tomato soups?
i love this blog to death. thanks for giving me something oogle at (an aspire to do) everyday!
Thanks Lindsey, you’re so sweet.
xo
s
LOVE IT!!! I’m now going over to Target after work to snag those cans!! And I don’t even like Tomato Soup! But I sure do love the colors!!!
I love this project – the labels are gorgeous and the cork lining inspired.
Aw thanks Mandy!
xo
s
Am I the only wierdo that looks at the background of your pictures and finds cool, new stuff? What is that cool, white pineapple-looking thing on top of your yellow radio? Do tell! :)
HomeGoods! It’s made of white ceramic/resin type stuff. I got it a few months back.
xo
s
Oh I was thinking about doing the same thing when I saw the cans at Target last week. I am just trying to find someone who will eat the tomato soup for me (maybe I can just buy the cans now and wait for the one day in the dead of winter I actually want to eat tomato soup). But I am wondering why you didn’t get the four different cans. My crazy pattern obsessed self would have to have the whole set (it is why I have divide M&Ms into complete sets before eating them <– freak show!).
I stared and stared at all four of them and just kept thinking about how much I loved two of them and didn’t really obsess over the other two the same way. So I followed my heart and got two each of the ones we loved. Haha. Nothing like following your heart in the soup aisle.
xo
s
Thank you for using “Voila” instead of “wah la” or some other incorrect version. It’s a silly little pet peeve of mine, but I cringe anytime I see “wah la” or something along those lines.
Oh and your cans are cute! Haha!