Happy Can People

Happy Can People
We needed cute decorations for a Cub Scout/ Boy Scout Banquet. The theme was "We Are all Different, but the Same," so we wanted something to represent the diversity of scouting. After bending a soda can one day, I decided it resembled a face with a large mouth. I decided that these cans would make a great assortment of "Singing People". Each unique Can Person has different hair, skin tones, clothes etc. Some are in uniforms, others are dressed as family members, but you could dress them as sports players, scientists, clowns, or whatever you'd like.
 
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Step 1Getting started tools and supplies

Getting started tools and supplies
First decide how many "Can People" you will be making. You will need at least one (1) can for each guest or a few extra for table decorations.
You may need help from family and friends to collect enough cans.

Supplies you'll need are:
  • Drink cans
  • Fabric scraps
  • Needle & thread
  • Glossy acrylic paints for "bodies," assorted colors (Depending on how your dressing your people)
  • Flat Paints for flesh tones - beige, browns, pinks etc...
  • Scissors
  • Tacky glue
  • Glue gun (remember don't let the kids use without supervision)
  • Yarns, cotton balls etc... (Anything that would make hair. Use your imagination. Almost anything will do.)
  • Googly eyes assorted sizes
  • Permanent Markers for outlining
  • Old lip-sticks for cheek color (blush)
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38 comments
Oct 4, 2011. 12:08 AMArtsyFartsyGirl says:
I saw some like these a few years ago. One was a judge,black robe and all, and it really cracked me up! Everyone should have 2 or 3 of these on their desk or table, you couldn't help but smile.
Feb 15, 2010. 4:35 AMporcupinemamma says:
Hi rimar2000  :0) I'm  53, and I'd enjoy it too! :0) Way to go walkerbarb.
Dec 30, 2009. 7:41 PMWarlrosity says:
All holding American flags... hmmm....
Dec 30, 2009. 6:55 PMArgon27 says:
Oh my gosh! My mom used to make these for Christmas every year. She decorated them like carolers! :D
Oct 29, 2009. 11:23 AMcindo123loser says:
 AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH
Oct 16, 2009. 5:42 PMgalenorama says:
Great! That's cool!
Oct 16, 2009. 5:27 PMJ-Five says:
cool
even though someone has two much time on their hands Lol.
Sep 28, 2009. 7:22 AMpie popper says:
these are soo cute! i'm going to make one the next time i get a coke can. nicely done! 5*s! p.s where did you get all the cans?
Sep 23, 2009. 9:52 AMannienm says:
its looks like they're all screaming in terror LOL
Sep 28, 2009. 5:56 AM007dna says:
Ya........thats what I thought too!
Sep 22, 2009. 11:27 AMeulaliaaaa! says:
Okay, I admit. That is a cute decoration for a Blue and Gold Banquet. Good times.
Sep 21, 2009. 8:40 PMdevilnocry says:
Cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)
Sep 20, 2009. 1:47 PMwobbler says:
Nice concept! Would love to see a warehouse florr full! This reminds me of Antony Gormley's Asian Field.
Sep 19, 2009. 10:23 AMyags says:
This is a really neat idea. I'll have to try this with my girls some time.
Sep 17, 2009. 9:45 PMsgreen says:
This is really cool, if you need helpers get the scouts involved. I have 2 boys both in Boy scouts 1 working on Eagle other just starting. For banquets we always got the boys to do the decorations planned a work day and got everybody together it made things a lot easier if you could get their parents involved also, sweet instructable voted for it....
Sep 17, 2009. 5:38 PMjetsmiley123 says:
this is the most awesome thing ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sep 17, 2009. 1:46 PMjbrecken says:
If you were all done with your party and didn't need these can people hanging around anymore, would your local recycling center still take them?
Sep 17, 2009. 11:40 AMThe Daft says:
How much time did all those take? And how many people did you have helping? even with two children at my side, it would take me quite a while to make an army of cans like that.....
Sep 17, 2009. 10:48 AMpippa5 says:
A canny idea, looks fun and they make me smile. I think I will make some and put them in the garden , Nailed down so they cannot blow away. Thanks for the idea
Sep 17, 2009. 9:37 AMBicyclette says:
AWESOME
Sep 17, 2009. 6:14 AMJavin007 says:
LMAO! Too cute. They look like they're trying to catch snowflakes or raindrops.
Sep 17, 2009. 7:14 AMWoundedEgo says:
They remind me of those baby birds with the yellow mouths.
Sep 14, 2009. 3:12 PMMella2013 says:
I love it!
Sep 13, 2009. 12:23 PMjuanvi says:
really nice, i'll try to make if the oportunity comes
Sep 13, 2009. 8:30 AMtrooperrick says:
It looks like they all got kicked or punched in the gut. But other than that they are a really simple idea that turns out cool.
Sep 13, 2009. 12:07 AMcandlelover says:
oh wow are these adorable...my 6 yr old would absolutely love making these...why didn't i ever think of this?
Sep 12, 2009. 7:41 PMChrysN says:
These little guys are really cute, nicely done!
Sep 12, 2009. 6:39 PMst.paul says:
these are a really cute idea and they remember of 'shiny happy people' by REM for some reason- i guess the title.
Sep 12, 2009. 12:26 PMJakeTobak says:
Very cool, but also a little creepy. Wouldn't want to wake up and have my floor covered in those all facing me o_0 If you really want to promote diversity, you should change up the flags a bit.
Sep 12, 2009. 12:15 PMlemonie says:
Really nice. Remind's me of Antony Gormley's Field

L
Sep 12, 2009. 2:56 PMKiteman says:
Exactly my thought!
Sep 12, 2009. 2:58 PMKiteman says:
These are... bizarrely brilliant.

I think being confronted by a room full of these would make every can discarded in the street an object of concern - is it really litter, or is it one of the little people, in disguise?

Or maybe that's just me?
Sep 12, 2009. 2:03 PMrimar2000 says:
Interesting, I guess the children enjoy that work.

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Author:walkerbarb