From the page: The can that yields music, cooking and art
Idea 6
Coasters and decorated charger plate
Tinplate cans (the thin metal sheet of food cans) have been used for centuries in folk crafts, from English toleware to rustic farm lanterns. The metal conducts heat slowly and resists moisture, making it the perfect base to receive coverings of fabric, cord or paint — working as a thermal barrier to rest hot dishes on.
What you need
- A clean, dry condensed milk can with no sharp burrs
- Strong scissors or a utility knife
- Jute cord, t-shirt yarn or fabric scraps
- Hot glue or contact cement
- Ruler and pen
- Spray paint or metallic acrylic paint (optional)
- Spray varnish (optional)
How to make it
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1
Wash the can and remove the label completely along with all adhesive residue, because any remaining grease prevents the glue from sticking. Dry it well to keep the metal from oxidizing.
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2
Cut the can in half lengthwise, creating two low rings; if you only want coasters, one cut can yield up to three pieces using a hacksaw or a utility knife with care. Sand the edges so they don't cut your hands or scratch the table.
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3
Paint the ring inside and out if you want a gold, copper or colorful finish — paint adheres better to clean, matte metal, so go over it with fine sandpaper first.
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4
Apply a line of hot glue to the outer edge and start wrapping the jute cord or t-shirt yarn, pressing turn by turn. Firm wrapping distributes the heat and hides any imperfect cut.
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5
For the larger charger plate, glue a circle of decorative fabric or adhesive paper to the inner base, smoothing from the center toward the edges to avoid bubbles.
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6
Finish with spray varnish to seal everything — this protects the metal against moisture and makes cleaning easier after use.
Finishing touches
Make a set with different heights — small coasters and wider charger plates — using cans of various sizes. At Christmas, a gold cord with cinnamon sticks attached to the side turns the piece into table décor.
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