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A place for everything and everything in its place. But where is the place for odds and ends that spill endlessly out of children's pockets? Inspired by her son's collections, Camille of @notsomodernmillie designed these felt soda cans to hold the little things that seem to have no place. They are fun and playful and special enough for the special things inside.
No matter how many times I clean off my son's desk, it's only a matter of time before a little pile of "treasures" pops up. I designed these soda can storage containers to organize the things, stuff, bits and junk he can't seem to let go of - at least for now. The end result is cheeky, charming and can be completely customized. Let's make some soda!
This project is categorized as Intermediate because the glueing and cutting is intricate.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 1 1/2 hours
Supplies:
Soda Can Body
One 9 x 12" sheet of Silver Metallic Felt (per can)
One 9 x 12" sheet of White Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Silver Wool Blend Felt
Tacky Glue
Sequin Glue (optional)
Wonder Clips
Scissors
Marking Pen or Pencil
Packing Tape
Soda Can Template 1 (click to download)
Soda Can Template 2 (click to download)
BITS Soda Can
One 9 x 12" sheet of Lavender Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Opal Wool Blend Felt
Lilac Metallic Sequins (optional)
STUFF Soda Can
One 9 x 12" sheet of Marigold Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Guava Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Peach Wool Blend Felt
Gold Metallic Sequins (optional)
THINGS Soda Can
One 9 x 12" sheet of Kelly Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Clover Wool Blend Felt
Scrap of Mint Wool Blend Felt
Kelly Green Metallic Sequins (optional)
JUNK Soda Can
One 9 x 12" sheet of Strawberry Wool Blend Felt
One 9 x 12" sheet of Peony Wool Blend Felt
Red Metallic Sequins (optional)
Directions:
1. Download and print Soda Can Templates 1 and 2 onto cardstock. Cut out pattern pieces.
2. Begin by cutting out the Inner Body of the can from Silver Metallic felt. Gently roll the short ends of the felt rectangle so they bend toward each other (with the metallic side facing inward.)
3. Roll the rectangle into a cylinder (metallic on the inside) by joining the two short sides. Use packing tape to secure the ends together. Tape works well for this because it will be hidden on the finished product and you don't have to fiddle with trying to glue edges together.
4. The next step is to add structure to our soda can. Trace and cut Outer Linings 1 and 2 from White felt.
Draw a line of glue along the short end of Outer Lining 1. Place it in the center of the cylinder and hold in place with Wonder clips. Glue along the perimeter of the rectangle and wrap it around the outside of the cylinder until it meets the other end. Adjust the clips to hold both ends in place as the glue dries. It is very important that the ending seams are staggered around the outside of the cylinder to give the can strength and stability.
Repeat this step with Outer Lining 2.
5. While the glue is drying, cut out the decorations for the soda can you are making. In this example, I am making the "Stuff" soda storage can. The outer decoration of the can (colors, text, embellishments) can all be altered to suit your purposes.
6. Center the colored felt that will cover your soda can underneath the cylinder. The colored felt will extend past the top and bottom just slightly. Draw a line of glue along one short end of the colored felt. Wrap it around the can and secure with a line of glue along the other short end. Use clips to hold in place as the glue dries. Do not put glue along the long edges of the rectangle because you will be cutting and trimming those sides in the next step.
NOTE: For the "Things" can, the two large triangles fit together to form a rectangle that covers the outside of the soda can.
7. After the glue is dry, cut 1/4" slits in the colored felt around the top opening. The spacing should be about 1" apart all the way around.
8. Add a dot of glue to one side of the slit and the space beneath and fold the other side over. Hold in place with a clip. Overlap each slit around the top perimeter of the can, adding clips as you go. Be sure to overlap the slits in the same direction all the way around. This step will give the can a tapered and tucked effect at the ends - just like a real soda can! Allow the glue to dry for 15-20 minutes before removing the clips.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for the bottom end of the can. I chose to overlap my bottom slits in the opposite direction from the top. After 15-20 minutes (or when the glue is sufficiently dry) remove the clips from both ends. Use the silver innner body as a guide to trim the excess colored felt. The inside and outside of the can should be flush.
10. Now it's time to add the decoration! Glue on the felt shapes and text using the image on the template as a guide. Or create something completely original!
As an optional step, glue on sequins for some added shine!
11. While the decoration is drying, cut out the Top and Bottom Trim from the Silver Metallic felt.
12. Starting at the back, glue the Top Trim along the top edge of the can keeping it flush with the felt opening. When you reach the starting point, trim the excess, glue and hold the ends in place with a clip.
13. Before adding the metallic trim to the bottom edge, you need to construct the base of the can. Cut two of the Inner Base from Silver felt and one from Silver Metallic felt. Glue the three felt circles together with the metallic felt facing out. The extra layers add strength to the bottom of the can and will not be seen.
14. Check the fit by sliding the base inside the can. It should fit snugly. Remove the base and draw a line of glue around the bottom inside of the can.
Set the can on a piece of scap paper and slide the base in from the top with the metallic side facing up. Use the eraser end of a pencil to push the base into place.
15. Cut the Outer Base from Silver Metallic felt. Glue it to the bottom of the can with the metallic side facing out. Every surface that isn't covered in colored felt should be metallic silver. Glue the Bottom Trim along the perimeter making sure it is flush with the surface of the base.
16. The final step is to make the lid for your soda can! Cut out the Inner and Outer Lids from Silver Metallic felt. With metallic sides facing out, glue the two pieces together with the inner lid centered inside the Outer lid. Cut out the Pull Tab and crease according to the template instructions. Glue the bottom part of the tab to the center of your Outer Lid.
17. Once dry, the pull tab can be used to take the lid on and off your soda can!
Use the cans to hold all your odds and ends - just not food or liquid. They're refreshing and fun and they won't lose their fizz! Cheers!
Thanks to Camille for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @notsomodernmillie or visit her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials!
