Uncanny Pumpkin Treat Holders

Decorating tin cans for Halloween has never been easier or more fun.

By: Linda Hollander

By: Linda Hollander

From the Designer: "Use recylced tin cans to make adorable treat holders for your Halloween party! You don't need to be a great painter to make these fun favors. This project uses just three colors of multi-surface paints which require no primer or sealer. You may already have the paint brushes, tools, and wire on hand. This project would make a great mom and me paint night! Use the patterns supplied to make the faces or free-hand your own jack-o-lantern faces!"

Primary TechniquePainting

Easy

SeasonFall

HolidayHalloween

Project TypeMake a Project

Materials List

DecoArt Multi-Surface Paints: Black Tie, Pumpkin Patch, Paprika
Royal Brushes: Pottery Sponge (Item #R2005) Soft Grip Liner Brush 5/0 (#SG595), Soft Grip Round Brush #3(SG250, 1" foam brush
foam plate or palette paper
black craft wire and wire cutter/pliers
transfer paper (graphite paper)
electric drill
pencil and white eraser
painter's tape or masking tape
Optional: blow drier, hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol

Instructions

Remove labels and glue from cans and wash thoroughly. Run the empty can through the can opener several times to smooth any rough metal edges. Drill two holes in each can near the upper edge for the wires.
Use the foam brush and Black Tie to base the insides on all cans. Use a stippling or pouncing motion for best coverage. Repeat until opaque.
Dampen the pottery sponge slightly with water. Load the sponge with Pumpkin Patch and stipple or pounce the color onto the outsides of the cans. Pat a clean area of the sponge over the wet paint to smooth the paint. Let dry then repeat until opaque.
(Optional) Load the sponge with Pumpkin Patch then load one edge with Paprika. Tap the sponge on your palette to blend the colors where they meet. Tap the sponge lightly at the top and bottom edges of the cans to shade them. Let the cans dry thoroughly before going to the next step. You can speed up drying time with a blow dryer.
Painting Tip: It is best to allow paint to dry several hours or overnight before transferring a pattern or free handing the designs with a pencil.
Patterns: Use a copier to reduce or enlarge the patterns as needed to fit your cans. Make a tracing of the patterns. Center the pattern over the front of the can and affix with painter’s tape on one edge. Slip the transfer paper under the pattern and use the stylus to trace over the lines lightly to transfer the bandages to the can. Lift the pattern and transfer paper to be sure all lines were transferred. Remove the pattern and erase any unwanted graphite marks.

Note: click image for larger version.
Use the liner brush and Black Tie to outline the faces. Use the round brush to fill in the areas. Repeat until opaque. Use a wet paintbrush to remove any mistakes immediate. Use rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to remover stubborn, dried paint.
Erase any graphite lines not covered by paint.
Cut 3 lengths of wire at least 12” each. Wrap wires around a paintbrush handle leaving 2” at either end to fit through the holes in the cans. Insert ends into holes from the inside of the cans then carefully curl ends.
Fill with wrapped treats for your guests to enjoy!