Tin Can Butterfly Planters

Make an adorable handprint butterfly planter for Mother's Day or just for a summer craft! You could make all colors of the rainbow with a classroom!

 

 

Supplies:

• Tin Can
• Small Plant
• Paint
• Paint Brush
• Black Permanent Marker or Black Paint Pen
• Black Pipe Cleaners
• Googly Eyes
• Scissors
• Hot Glue
• White Cardstock

Instructions:

1. Clean out a tin can, remove label and allow it to dry completely. (Tip: Use a can with a pull off lid as the edges of the can are much smoother than a can opened with a can opener. Make sure all edges are smooth and will not cut little fingers.)
2. An adult will need to drill a few small holes into the bottom of the can so that the water from the plant can drain.
3. Paint the can with 1-3 coats of paint. Allow the paint to dry completely.
4. While the paint on the can dries, coat your child's hand with paint and help them firmly press their hand down onto white cardstock. Help them pull their hand up in one fast motion to avoid smudging the paint. Allow them to dry completely.
5. Once the handprints are dry, cut them out.
6. Cut a pipe cleaner into 4 pieces and twirl the ends. Glue the pipe cleaners on the top inside portion of the can.
7. Glue googly eyes onto the front of the can.
8. Glue the handprints onto the back of the can. If the handprints are larger, just use one per wing. If the handprints are from a baby or very small, you can add 2 handprints per wing. You can also dip your fingertips into paint and add spots all over the wings.
9. Use a black permanent marker or black paint pen and draw a small mouth onto the front of the can.
10. If you'd like to insure that this tin can planter lasts a long time, give the entire can and wings a coat of mod podge or spray sealer.
11. Fill the can with soil and then add your plant.

This makes the perfect Mother's Day gift!