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.

Step 1 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)

Comments

[ArtsyFartsyGirl]

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.

[porcupinemamma]

Hi rimar2000  :0) I'm  53, and I'd enjoy it too! :0) Way to go walkerbarb.

[Warlrosity]

All holding American flags... hmmm....

[Argon27]

Oh my gosh! My mom used to make these for Christmas every year. She decorated them like carolers! :D

[cindo123loser]

 AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH

[galenorama]

Great! That's cool!

[J-Five]

cool
even though someone has two much time on their hands Lol.

[pie popper]

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?

[walkerbarb]

I had several family members and friends  saving them, for a while....

[annienm]

its looks like they're all screaming in terror LOL

[007dna]

Ya........thats what I thought too!

[eulaliaaaa!]

Okay, I admit. That is a cute decoration for a Blue and Gold Banquet. Good times.

[devilnocry]

Cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[wobbler]

Nice concept! Would love to see a warehouse florr full! This reminds me of Antony Gormley's Asian Field.

[yags]

This is a really neat idea. I'll have to try this with my girls some time.

[sgreen]

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....

[jetsmiley123]

this is the most awesome thing ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jbrecken]

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?

[walkerbarb]

I am not too sure. Good question. You might have to remove the glued on parts.

[The Daft]

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.....

[walkerbarb]

It did take awhile I am not too sure how long. We never worked on them constantly. I do remember them being fun and entertaining.... and everyone loved them the adults made sure they took theirs.

[pippa5]

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

[Bicyclette]

AWESOME

[Javin007]

LMAO! Too cute. They look like they're trying to catch snowflakes or raindrops.

[WoundedEgo]

They remind me of those baby birds with the yellow mouths.

[Mella2013]

I love it!

[juanvi]

really nice, i'll try to make if the oportunity comes

[trooperrick]

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.

[candlelover]

oh wow are these adorable...my 6 yr old would absolutely love making these...why didn't i ever think of this?

[ChrysN]

These little guys are really cute, nicely done!

[st.paul]

these are a really cute idea and they remember of 'shiny happy people' by REM for some reason- i guess the title.

[JakeTobak]

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.

[walkerbarb]

Good idea... Scouting Around the World could be fun.

[lemonie]

Really nice. Remind's me of Antony Gormley's Field

L

[walkerbarb]

Thanks!

[Kiteman]

Exactly my thought!

[Kiteman]

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?}}

[rimar2000]

Interesting, I guess the children enjoy that work.