Appropriate age group(s):
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Estimated time to make this gift:
2 hours+ over periods of time

Materials:
Aluminum cans, holiday napkins, scraps of wrapping paper, paint, masking tape, glue (craft glue works best), varnish or shellac, paint brushes, and small gifts, pens and pencils, or floral foam and silk flowers.

Instructions:
Adults- Wash cans and remove label. Tape the sharp edge with masking tape to avoid cuts.
Children- Paint a thin coat of base color on can. While paint is drying, cut out desired pictures or patterns from paper or napkins. Remember to make them small enough to fit on the can. Mix glue with water (one teaspoon of water with one tablespoon of craft glue works best). When the can is COMPLETELY dry, spread glue on 1/4 of the can's surface (with paint brush). Place the cut outs on the can and press into the ridges. Continue around the can, overlapping for the best effect. Let the can dry COMPLETELY.
Adults- Varnish the cans using brush-on or spray-on shellac. One to two coats are needed, depending on desired glossiness. Let dry overnight.
Children- Your can is now ready to fill with pens and pencils for dad or grandpa or a floral arrangment made especially by you for mom or grandma. You can even place a baggie of small homemade cookies inside for a gift for your teacher, bus driver or scout leader!! A ribbon tied around the top of the can or top of the gift will make it extra fancy! You will only be limited by your imagination!! Have fun!